Wednesday Morning Thoughts

  The days seem to blend together right now and while we do the right thing and keep our social distancing to a maximum, it helps to know that everyone else is feeling the same thing too. Some folks are still working, front line health care, fast food, grocery and retail, not to mention the truckers, manufacturing and distribution folks all out there trying to keep the world turning in the positive direction. Imagine the constant state of worry their loved ones feel as they go off to try and keep some normal going in a most abnormal time.
  I work in food service, although luckily for some reason I booked my vacation and don't have to be in the store until next week. The pressure is real though and I've been talking to my staff to make sure they know I'm still in the fight with them, going so far as to stop in and give the good old reassurance to the troops in the battle. But it feels so surreal to consider the measures already in place and those to come in the coming days. I temper my hope with reality without giving in to panic or hoarding. We know things can turn sideways in a minute and lean hard into doing our best to spread positive messages when we can.
  Virtual meet ups and cheers are happening, people are utilizing technology to see each other and even party together, apart. We are not meant to be in isolated pockets away from those we love and are used to seeing every day and it will become more strained as the days turn to weeks turn to months. I have little doubt that this two or three week pronouncement will be extended as we deal with an increase in cases of Covid-19 due to more testing and an inevitable spike in those requiring hospitalization and urgent care. But I remain hopeful that we can flatten the curve, stretching out the impact on our health care system and those who stand on guard for us.
  The biggest problem for many will be the sure boredom of not being able to go out and do things they are used to. I do worry that a false sense of security or more likely a sort of pandemic fatigue will set in and individuals will loosen up the stringent adherence to instructions from our medical professionals out of sheer mental exhaustion. Stay the course and stay safe.
  I feel a little overwhelmed sometimes with the wall to wall pandemic coverage, both online and in traditional forms of media. I try to step away and do something, anything to separate my mind from racing toward a dark and dangerous place of despair. A new movie or an old favourite to take me to another place, a silly video game or watching old music videos on YouTube help bring me happiness and of course, my moments talking or writing about beer are golden times of distraction. The funny thing is I have always used these platforms to help work through my issues in life and they are a good part of how I am coping with what is happening all around me today.
  That is the report from here today, an early morning spent sipping a little Irish coffee and contemplating the world around me. Take care of yourselves and those around you and wash your damn hands.


Polk