TOPIC: Virus-cation

I work in a lab at a medical diagnostic manufacturer. So we are still reporting to work. We don't make anything Covid-19 specific, but we make test kits for many other upper respiratory infections (Flu, RSV, Mycoplasma) as well as others. So we are busy, and the commute has gotten much easier.

raptorov wrote: I work in a lab at a medical diagnostic manufacturer. So we are still reporting to work. We don't make anything Covid-19 specific, but we make test kits for many other upper respiratory infections (Flu, RSV, Mycoplasma) as well as others. So we are busy, and the commute has gotten much easier.

Very good work you folks do!

Unfortunately as a recovering Sepsis/Heart patient, I took a job in retail Grocery 2 years ago to get my health and stamina back up (the VA said I needed moderate physical activity). Since I am a jack of all trades type, I cover where needed and work until the job is done. From Pharmacy Technician to any other department. When this hit, I am there primary delivery driver, go-to liaison, fix the situation guy. Lot of stress and fear among the elderly, which I do my best to reassure and offer valid advice and alternatives/support. So, it is work for me, no vacation. And my wife, who is an accountant for the largest pork producer here in Iowa, her job never slows or quits, currently working 6 days. I had been in the process of re-opening my local game/comic store, but given light of the situation, this will stay on hold for a few months until the current crisis passes. John Ohlinger and I practice social distancing while working on our token collections and builds, and talk about what we plan to do with the cons, volunteering and True Dungeon in general in our free time. John is retired, a good motivator, leader, Superior Jack of all Trades and the greatest friend. Off time, a lot a catching up on some shows and reading the New Black Company novel, Port of Shadows (shameless Glen Cook plug if you have never read the series). And sleep, lots of sleep.

Spud

Spud wrote: John is retired, a good motivator, leader, Superior Jack of all Trades and the greatest friend. Off time, a lot a catching up on some shows and reading the New Black Company novel, Port of Shadows (shameless Glen Cook plug if you have never read the series). And sleep, lots of sleep.

Spud

Don't forget he makes really good salsa.

I have a jar set aside for you Jedi!

Jedi don't settle for 1 jar, he can spare 2 for you

Spud

I am an RN at an end-of-life care center.

While I don't have a Virus-cation (still working all my shifts, and then some!) I am sad to say that my usual hobbies & routine have been severely curtailed by Covid. No more swimming for me. No more pottery classes. No more having friends over for D&D or Board Games or dinners.

Instead, I've been:
* Painting mini's with the Eldest Spawn...
* Watching YouTube videos of Experimental Archeology at Guédelon Castle
* Reorganizing tokens and luggage and cosplay gear
* Playing Pokemon (maintaining a significant distance from other players while out walking!)
* Building Sprigging Moulds for Pottery
* Contemplating the logistics of getting a VR set-up in our basement
* Praying. A lot. Because there's a lot of people I care about who are being hit pretty hard right now. And I'm sure there will be more to come.

I hope everyone out there is staying safe, staying home if possible, and washing their hands like their loved one's life depends on it.

Hoping to see you all again, on the other side of this Pandemic!

I am considered essential as I work for the 911 system in Toledo Ohio. So I am reporting for duty as normal, just waiting for the center to get this bug and or the massive forced overtime that will make the stress levels much higher... I hope I am wrong however, the state of Ohio has been very proactive in getting people to say in if possible so I guess there is that.

Not that CHAD cares, but here's what I've been up to!

Picked Drake up from St. Louis airport on 3/13. Once he was in my car I felt a huge sigh of relief and a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders...until then I didn't realize how stressed out I was at the 4 of us not being together. Since then we've pretty much been sheltering in place. I set up a "work station" in our guest bedroom. It already had a desk, so I added a lamp, some supplies like pens, pencils, paper, calculator, etc for anyone needing a spot for work or homework. It's good to have that space as it separates the "work" from other life.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, so after getting some work done that needed to be done, I went to the backyard and got some yard work done. THAT was so beneficial for my mental health! The fresh air and sunshine lifted my mood immensely. Today is looking similar, so I will push off my work until tomorrow and Saturday when it's rainy and cloudy once again.

I started a virtual workout group. We "meet" Monday - Friday via Zoom and work out together. So far we've done 2 days of "do your own thing" and 2 days of me screen sharing a workout video. That has also been helpful as it requires me to get up at 6 am and get moving. I have found that even when I'm getting less sleep, the quality of sleep is MUCH improved and I'm feeling a lot better. Before Monday Jeff and I were both sleeping in, convincing ourselves that we were catching up on needed sleep! Now, having gotten up before 6 each day this week I'm sure that quality of sleep is much more vital than quantity.

Jeff goes into the office daily to check the mail and work on puzzles and such. It's good for him to get out of the house and tinker around the workshop. As a non-essential business, all TD HQ employees are sheltering-at-home. I keep in touch with texts and emails. We're hoping to get a virtual game night together soon, which we may share with y'all!

I'd encourage you, especially if you're feeling a bit disconnected, to make an effort to connect to friends/family. It really does help. I gave myself a few days (OK, maybe a week or so) to wallow in some sadness and self pity, but then recognized that it was doing me NO GOOD and I needed to make a change and find a new normal.

Reach out on the forums or through other means. Connection is good right now, and you might be shocked at how much a Face Time, Zoom, or even text conversation may lift your spirits and improve your mood.

Stay safe and healthy all!

Lori

Raven wrote: * Contemplating the logistics of getting a VR set-up in our basement

Not gonna lie, I was considering the logistics of TD implementing the Astral adventure/live stream, tele presence, VR TD game and now you have been too.

Or maybe just online D&D modules on roll20

my factory has been deemed essential.

add the fact that we are short staffed,
add the fact that sister plants in other countries are shut down,
add in some vacations - which some are being cancelled by the company - push back for it.
add in folks transferring,
add in temporary moving of jobs,
add in people taking off from paranoia,

yeah... lucky to be working to pay bills, but tomorrow will be a 16 hour day and at LEAST 12 hour days until further notice. i'll take the money.

on a side note - I've been up only a few minutes and read Lori's post about Jeff going to the shop to check mail and work on pizzas.

I've moved to full-time Teleworking until this eases up. So, I've got the same workload as before, but at least I don't have the daily commute.