Have you traveled or will you travel any time soon? I am not the COVID-19 police, so I won’t tell anyone what to do. I have not traveled but will have to soon for work, and may sneak away somewhere for my birthday. If you plan to go somewhere this is my advice. I will be doing this on my trips
Try to drive if possible.
Keep plenty of hand sanitizer.
Sanitizer you hands often, along with handles on luggage
If you fly, try to get an N-95 or a reusable respirator. I plan to use my reusable respirator (see below)
Take Clorox wipes to wipe off seat, tray, and arm rests while on plane.
Skip the food service if it is available on the plane.
I prefer Southwest, as you can sit where you want, and they are not overbooking like some airlines. As I would want the middle seat free.
I would choose an Airbnb over a hotel if that is an option, and again sanitizer frequently touched areas
I would also wipe down a rental car if you need one.
I would choice a trip that involves interactions with only few people if possible. It would also help if you knew if they person was following guidelines as best as they can regarding social distancing.
I would also stay away from hot spot areas— no Disney. My state of Illinois has a required quarantine if people visit one of the 15 states noted as hot spots
If you must venture out be careful. I know it is hard. I had a dream, I was going on a trip with some of my ski crew. I was thinking about my mask and how this trip would actually work and be safe. I just travel was on my mind when I fell asleep.
Be careful out there, and one day we will hopefully be able to roam the world and I can put my new passport to use.
So it has been over four months since COVD-19 changed my world as I know it. One week I was enjoying life at a ski trip. Who would have known that when I returned home in matter of a weeks the domino effect would start. One thing, after another would happen due to this dreaded virus.
I have been trying to remain positive and use this time as a time of reflection and growth. I have completed many things, many things that I was too busy to take care of pre-COVID. I am in the process of finalizing my will, and my power of attorney. I have made fitness goals despite no races this year. It so helps with my mental welfare. I cut some things out of my life that were not serving me. I was blessed with free counseling a service provided to healthcare workers in my area. Last but not least, I actually have been more intentionally about trying to date. Thanks to my girls for the needed push in that area.
In the process of trying to be more intentionally about dating I am learning more about myself. In the hustle and bustle of life I usually just go and go. The fast pace of life often does not lend itself to much self-reflection. This pandemic has slapped me in the face, and made me face a few things. One thing that I have learned is that relationship mirror relationship you have with yourself.
Things that we all can learn whether the relationship is long lasting or not
We chose how people ultimately treat us. If we love ourselves there are certain things we just won’t put up with.
We cannot depend on others to make us happy. Happiness comes from within. It is too heavy a burden to put that on another human.
Insecurities will surface whether it be fear, selfishness, jealous
In order to get something in life there is always a risk. The question is the risk worth the reward
We have to learn to communicate more effectively or relationships will ultimately not be long-lasting.
I am trying to smell the roses, and enjoy life as much as I can. If this year proves anything life is not certain. Our plans can change in a matter of minutes. We need to learn to play the hand we are dealt, and make the best of it.
We have been on quarantine for four months now. All my races have been canceled. My hospital had financial problems prior to COVID-19, so it just got worse. Just throw the whole year away. Add the 15 pounds that I have gained. I gained 10, loss it and gained 5 back.
With everything that is going on I find it hard to stay motivated. I got my second wind about two weeks ago. During our Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago meeting we had a special guest Justin Williams. He is a Black profession Criterion racer.
According to Merriam-Webster, a criterium is: “A bicycle race of a specified number of laps on a closed course over public roads closed to normal traffic.” It is the most wonderful thing to see, especially the pros. It is also fun to race. It has helped me with bike handling skills that I use on club rides, and when I race triathlons. I have raced about eight and I suck but I love it. I have a need for speed.
Well, following the meeting I said I would focus on cycling for the rest of the year. I will continue to run, but slowly as I am mending from an injury, and swimming has been put on a halt due COVID-19 gym closures. So cycling is what I have been doing. I have been making sure I wake up early and ride with Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago at least two days a week. I also added trainer rides in the week and a challenging long ride on Saturday. Working out releases endorphins and makes people feel better. I also challenge myself by riding with people who are stronger than me. While I am chasing them I am getting stronger and faster. Also, it is nice to be around people. I still take precautions and wear a K-N95 mask due to COVID-19. This makes cycling more challenging but it is the only way I feel safe going. As a results of my cycling, my mood is better, my runs are better, and I am making progress on losing those COVID-19 pounds for good.
I always say I learn life lessons in the midst of my challenging hobbies. One lesson is try to find something to motivate you and just do it. It will make the other things that may still feel like a struggle easier. The next is to surround yourself with people who make you better.
Proverbs 27:17 “ As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one person sharpens another.
Well my life has been turned upside since early March. COVID-19 has Schanged the world.. I am still learning much for this time of shelter in place. These are a few more lessons. Check out my prior blog for Part I if you are interested.
My current job causes me undue stress.
I thrive when I am busy, so this has been an adjustment
I love cycling. It is hard to train when there are no races on the calendar. I need inspiration and found some at my virtual cycling club meeting from pro cyclist Justin Williams.
I am a new fan of Bubba Wallace. I am proud of him for taking a stand to what he believes in– Black Lives Matter. Going to Nascar race was always on my bucket list. I will definably be headed to a race when it is safe to be in large groups.
I think I have a mild case of COVID-19 paranoia, while, I am not a psychiatrist People make me nervous especially new people. I went on a group ride a couple of weeks ago. We were drafting and riding fast. I felt great to be outside riding fast but being close to people made me nervous. Although I had a surgical mask, everyone else didn’t. I was short of breath an hour afterward. I am not sure if it was because I rode hard with a mask or it was my nerves. I had all types of thoughts going through my head “ Do I have COVID-19 again? Did I have it in the first place? If I have it again will it be worse” It went away and I went back this morning with my K-95 mask and was able to ride comfortably. I was weird cycling with a filtered mask, but I got a great workout and was not short of breathe.
I miss close contact with testosterone- won’t go into any further details.
As my Spec Dr El Brown my village in top notch and have helped me through the lows
People come into your life for reason, season, or a lifetime. It pays to know the difference and not try to make a reason person be more than that.
I hate on-line dating- this is just confirmed
I love Kev-On-Stage maybe I am late to the party. He is hilarious. YouTube has been my friend.
How ironic is it that I post something regarding social media on social medial outlets? Let me start with the good.
Social medial helps me keep in touch with friends I have met from all over the world
It keeps me abreast of many current affairs as I tend not to watch the news in normal times. News is too depressing.
Pre-COVID it was good with letting me know what was going on socially and otherwise in Chicago.
I love seeing all my friend’s kids pictures. They are so cute.
Today I want to somewhat vent about the negative aspects of social media. It seems as if it is becoming more apparent in this pandemic.
The cancel culture is real and is often too soon without getting all the information
We often don’t read past the headlines. The headlines often give the wrong or partial information. Some people take it and run with it.
There are usually three sides to every story. One person’s, the other person’s and the truth is somewhere in the middle.
The political climate has caused too much division. All people of a particular party are not inherently evil nor or they inherently pure. There are good and bad on both sides. We all need to learn to disagree but show each other respect.
I am always willing to discuss a controversial issue with anyone. I just ask for respect, an open mind, and not for the purpose of arguing. Some matters people will never agree on so why try to change others mind. There are some issues where people want to be better informed in order to progress and learn. I wish people would stop trolling for arguments
This is my two cents. The world is messed up, can we all try to be more loving and caring as we are all hurting in some form
“When a person cuts off all communication with their friends or the person they’re dating, with zero warning or notice before hand. You’ll mostly see them avoiding friend’s phone calls, social media, and avoiding them in public”
I need an escape from the real world, and Insecure is one of my escapes. When Nathan returned to the block party a few episodes ago this came to mind. If you are wondering what I am talking about, I highly recommend you binge watch Insecure. We are now towards the end of Season 4. I polled some of my girls to see what their definition of ghosting was. I asked three questions: What is ghosting? Have you been ghosted? Would you take a person back after ghosting? Have you ghosted someone?
What is your definition? Please comment below. Also feel free to share your response to my poll questions.
What does Ghosting Mean to You?
Definition above mentions friends or a person in a dating relationship. Some of my friends mentioned well was there a relationship. I think that may be part of the problem. Two people can often have different views of whether there is a “relationship”
Scenarios
I go on a few dates with a man. We have a wonderful time, and the vibe is great. We talk and text and then he disappears. We were not in a “relationship”. Is that ghosting?
I meet a guy we talk and spend time together. Then we talk/text for weeks. He disappears. Is that ghosting?
I date a man for three months and we are exclusive. He disappears. I would definitely say that was ghosting
My first point is what defines ghosting to you?
If you were ghosted and the person returned would you take them back? In regards to Insecure no I don’t want Issa to take Nathan back because I am #TeamLawrence. They can be friends if she wants to be. He did help her out so I will give him a pass. He also had somewhat of a valid reason with his new diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In my experience and in my poll it depends on the “relationship” and the reason. Again my three scenarios above.
Scenario one/two
The man was in a relationship that was ending and he had to tie up loose ends before moving on. He is not a good communicator. So he ghosted to end it with her to see if thingss will progress with you.
The man is working like crazy and is not a mult-tasker. He tends to push people away when stressed. Things calm down and he then reaches out
On Insecure so Nathan has bipolar disorder. He needed time to process that, then he returned to try to resume things with Issa
You are more serious than he is, and he calls when he is free. He never sees it as ghosting. He is not invested
Scenario three
I honestly can’t see a situation that has a good explanation. If you are in an exclusive relationship with someone for months and you ghost and are totally MIA that is a major problem. No return calls, text, email, direct messages. That would be a hard comeback
Have you Been ghosted?
I have but more a scenario one or two though. I don’t consider talking a week and then all communication ceases ghosting. That happens all the time with me from both sides. I don’t think it warrants an I’m not interested conversation. I may be wrong.
Would You take a Ghoster Back ?
I have again more so scenario one or two. See above The person would have to have a good reason. He would have to clearly communicate them to me. He would then have to show genuine interest. Honestly I may have initially trust issue. I always say actions speak louder than works.
Have I Ever Ghosting Someone?
I try to treat people the way I want to be treated. So I don’t recall every doing this to a guy.
Kendrick Sampson better known as Nathan ghosting guide
