Hi friends,
Perhaps semi-defeating the purpose of this newsletter, I took a little break from the news today. I did a few minutes of stretching, but mostly lay on my couch and continued to rewatch Chuck. Both a friend and my mom mentioned earlier that this whole situation might give me sick kid trauma flashbacks, and today was the first day I really thought they might be right (though I would probably use a less-strong word than trauma).
Despite not intentionally seeking out news, the headlines are somewhat inescapable, and I am glad to see that the Bay Area is on lockdown for at least the next three weeks. I’m not sure what this means for reuniting with Vinnie in LA when he’s feeling better or with his family in SF, but I suppose we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. As someone who loves planning ahead, it’s both nerve-wracking and somewhat freeing to know that it is truly pointless to make plans right now.
I’ve been feeling more of my POTS symptoms today, possibly because of a change in barometric pressure (maybe the weirdest POTS thing, although feet turning purple in the shower is certainly up there). I wish I’d gotten more work done (did I mention this week is finals week? This week is finals week), but I’m trying to be patient and not add more unnecessary stress to my life. That said, if you happen to be good at Illustrator and InDesign and have some extra time in the next few days, I would love to make a more aesthetically pleasing capstone poster.
It does feel silly to worry about finals in the midst of all this. I know that pretty soon we will all know people who are infected, if we don’t already. We will know people or know of people who die. Right now, the main headline on la Repubblica, one of Italy’s major newspapers, is: “When will the coronavirus infection peak? In two weeks. Maybe.”
Links, Etc., Coronavirus Edition
If you’re in California, here’s some information on applying for unemployment, paid sick leave, family leave, and so on. And here’s the official word from the state.
You might have seen that the CDC recommends that people cancel or postpone events with 50+ people for the next 8 weeks. Schools are shutting down, and bars and restaurants are closing or going to delivery-only all over the country. I’m not taking any chances with delivery at the moment, but I am going to get a gift certificate from Lonzo’s to use at some point in the future.
From the NYT: We Need Social Solidarity, Not Just Social Distancing
Links, Etc., Non-Coronavirus Edition
The Harry Styles Tiny Desk Concert is a delight
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is letting their penguins roam around while the facility is closed to guests. I love them.
Hi Maddy, we are here and you are always on our minds—so please feel the love. My heart is also with the Ruvolos of Ribera, Rome, and elsewhere and other cugini. I am so glad that I got to see so many of them when Aunt Joanne and I were in Italy last year. I can imagine their home settings so much more realistically, as well as their frustrations and worries. Let’s hope they get through this crisis with their health and emotional well being.
I love you dearly and hope you can keep your head up on days when horizontal forces are calling you. Love to Vinnie and thanks for sharing so much with us!!!!!
Hi Maddy, we are here and you are always on our minds—so please feel the love. My heart is also with the Ruvolos of Ribera, Rome, and elsewhere and other cugini. I am so glad that I got to see so many of them when Aunt Joanne and I were in Italy last year. I can imagine their home settings so much more realistically, as well as their frustrations and worries. Let’s hope they get through this crisis with their health and emotional well being.
I love you dearly and hope you can keep your head up on days when horizontal forces are calling you. Love to Vinnie and thanks for sharing so much with us!!!!!