Monthly Archives

May 2020

Uncategorized

States Re-Opening; Social Distancing & What This Means for My Family

I know I’ve said before that I won’t push my agenda too much, but I’m going to put that soft rule aside for this one because it hits too close to home.

As states are beginning to re-open, we are testing the waters on how these actions will impact infection rates not only within states and the U.S., but globally.  Schools are slowly re-opening in places like Germany with students being required to take Covid swab tests regularly.  Various business are re-opening with required social distancing measure hopefully in place.  So, does this mean we are going back to normal?  NO.  NO.  NO.

Life is not going to return to normal for quite some time.  I am not trying to be Debbie Downer, just realistic based on facts from respected medical professionals.  A few points to consider:

  • Other than practicing social distancing measures, we have no proven medical treatments formally approved to treat the corona virus; yes, there are treatments having some impact on potentially minimizing the duration of the virus, but no vaccines are anticipated to be widely available and proven for maybe 12 – 18 months;
  • Specifically in the US, corona virus-related deaths have NOT peaked in most, if any states;
  • Still a dramatic shortage of testing kits, PPE and other required equipment to accurately represent who has been infected and open up economies safely;
  • While antibody tests are starting to become available, doctors are not sure the presence of antibodies in your blood proves you are immune from the virus (to note, in Asia certain patients have tested positive after having recovered from a first infection);
  • Many people can be carrying the virus and not know it – they can be asymptomatic. And let’s be clear – asymptomatic individuals can spread the disease just as easily as symptomatic carriers

So, why are certain states re-opening?  As you can fully understand, people need income and need to get back to work.  Also, people have cabin fever and want to reintegrate with society.  People need money to support themselves and their families.  A one-time stimulus check of around $1,500 is not sufficient to provide even basic necessities to people for the duration of this situation.  And, there are others that feel it is their right to move about freely and not be told by the government to shelter in place any longer.

I’m calling BS on people who think this is over or feel that because they’re healthy its completely fine for them to be out and about in society again.  BS.  Here’s why:

  • Myth:  we’re getting through this now, the curve is flattening, and we’re heading back to normal.  BS.  This virus is not gone.  We have no treatment or cure for it. Respected and high ranking medical professionals, including Dr. Fauci, are anticipating a tough Fall and Winter with a resurgence of the corona virus;
  • Myth:  I’m young and healthy, so even if I get the virus, it will be mild.  BS.  Even if you are young and healthy, you can get very, very sick.  While maybe the death rate % of this population category isn’t as high as older folks and those with pre-existing conditions, there are countless reports of younger people dying from this disease;
  • Myth:  I feel great, so what’s the big deal?  I just want to get back out into society!  BS.  You could be an asymptomatic carrier and infect more people and not even know it.  This is where it parallels certain anti-vaxxers views…what’s wrong even if I do get it?  That’s my right.  Counter argument – you’re hurting others.  If you are carrying the virus, you will most likely infect others – children, elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, etc.  This isn’t just about you.  This is about potentially infecting countless others by your actions.

Here’s my view – while states are re-opening, and I continue to see bad behavior in terms of no social distancing, crowding beaches, not wearing masks, etc. I will stay at home with my children.  I cannot control what others do, but I can do everything in my power to keep myself and my children safe.

While we are not through this by any means, please focus on what’s important – safety and health of you and your family.  If this means sheltering in place for longer, please do it.  If you absolutely have to leave your house, do so with a mask on and practice social distancing.

Maybe you haven’t known someone who has this virus, but I do.  It’s brutal, it’s not like the average flu, and it can be destructive.  When someone you know has had it, it hits a lot closer to home.  I do not want to make this a political debate, rather a factual one based on science and recommendations from top medical professionals.  We are all in this together, and we need to act together to ensure we minimize the toll this virus has on society.  Let’s look out for each other and do the right thing.  We are resilient and will make it through this.

Stay safe; stay smart; stay informed.

The Almost Green Mom

 

Fun & Games

Summer is Coming!

So, I’ve been trying to figure out things we’ll need for the summer ordering them before they run out – specifically focusing on fun things for the girls.  While some states are opening up slowly, I still believe we’ll be spending a lot of time at home this summer, still social distancing, with our kiddos.  At least I know we will be.

I’m somewhat cringing at the thought of not even having virtual school to provide structure to our days.  Also, with several of our summer camps being canceled, it’s added a little more pressure for me to figure out activities now and buy things we need before things are out of stock again.

So, here are a few of the things I’ve thought of for my kids:

  • Inflatable pools.  I went a little crazy on this one and bought 2 with a few bells and whistles.  We inflated one of them a week or so ago, and it may just be the talk of the neighborhood right now…This first one – the Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center –  is better suited for toddlers (not babies) and has a little slide.  The second one – the Intex Surf ‘N Slide Inflatable Play Center –  is definitely for older kids (and parents!).  And there’s always the tried and true Slip’N Slide we all grew up with (which they’ve now made a million times better) – who remembers sprinting and sliding, and then either you bruised your butt from the bumpy lawn or got grass burn from flying off the side / end?  Classic memories.  For the smaller kids, there are always splash pads and various fun sprinklers.  And, you can always just use the tried and true basic sprinkler, which is much more economical!  And, btw, I just saw the prices listed – they have easily doubled since we bought ours a month or so ago, so act quickly either on these or another option.  Crazy.  

, , , ,, , ,

  • Water balloons. You can go the super snazzy way with the popular Bunch O Balloons – these let you fill dozens of balloons at once and they self seal (life saver for your fingers), but at a price! I’ve also found them at Target, Walmart and other places – prices seem to be consistent at all places, so chances are you won’t find these on sale often.  There is also a knock-off brand I recently round – Tiny Balier Water Balloons – still not cheap but this pack has 440 balloons for about $30 (and rated the #1 new release in the category on Amazon.  Then there’s the tried and true bag of balloons with a hose adapter – Water Sports Water Balloon Refill Kit – much more economical, but your fingers will hate you after tying all of these!

,,

, , ,, , , ,

Separately, we’ve also ordered a few trees to plant to mark the year 2020.  The girls and I will plant them soon and watch them grow over the years.  I’ve used a few online nurseries that deliver high quality product directly to people’s homes.  I’m not compensated for these nursery recommendations – I have personally used Jackson & Perkins for roses and perennials; I am awaiting a delivery of aspen trees and a maple from Cold Stream Farm.  Something fun to do with your kids, and something that will be almost like a time capsule to capture this moment in time.

While I know most, if not all of us, are under a lot of stress during these times, please remember your children will remember these times for the rest of their lives.  Trust me, I know it’s not easy.  I personally am trying to focus a lot on how my children are perceiving my actions and emotions – they are looking to me for guidance through these strange times.  I am also aware that I won’t have this much time with my children again, so I’m doing everything in my power to remain positive, supportive, gentle, understanding and flexible.  I encourage you to do the same.

The Almost Green Mom

 

I am compensated by Amazon for products you purchase through these links.  I appreciate your support.