BOARD MEMBER COVID BLOG – MAY 2020
“EVERYONE HAS A STORY”
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed our lives. It can be difficult when we don’t have control over what we can do and how we can act. There have been many consequences to our state, our country, our world being “shut down” as it has, but while we are challenged by these times, we are also finding new ways to live and new ways to love.
The ALLOVEME board decided to share their COVID experiences in an effort to encourage and stay connected with our ALLOVEME family.
Please feel free to comment below.
Lori: Ladies, thank you for a great board meeting today (May 16, 2020). It was so nice to see you and talk with you via Zoom and continue our effort in moving forward to help others. For the May 2020 BLOG, we decided to share our experiences during this time so I will start by expressing some gratitude.
While it has been challenging to work from home, and keep work and home separate in some way, I am thankful, so thankful, to be healthy and still working as well. I have had to continually make adjustments to my work and home environment and each week is different but with not knowing when this will end, I am embracing this time and figuring out how to make it special, how to make a shift in my life, how to come out on the other side brighter, smarter, more spirited and more ME! While my work keeps me very busy and can be stressful, I have added in time to work on different projects like crafts, poster art, gourmet cooking (well, maybe not gourmet, but I’ve bought a lot of spices to flavor up my dishes…without salt!). I was snacking a lot from the work stress but I am managing to curtail that issue and get back to eating healthy. I am seriously making citrus and ginger water, taking my vitamin d and drinking my green, orange, and red juices. Believe it or not I am also embracing technology – I actually like ZOOM and when I can see my family and friends when I probably wouldn’t in the first place, I say its all good. I’ve said from the beginning COVID made us do two things – 1) slow down and 2) clean up. I have added to that and now 3) is “we have got to have a plan B” because life changes and we have to be able to change with it. Oh, and I gave MYSELF a pedi!!! Love you all and Take Care*Be Well*Stay Safe.
HIGHLIGHTS: GRATITUDE * ATTITUDE * CRAFTS * HEALTHY EATING
Claudette: I have made cards and sent to those who are bereaved and or in need of encouragement. I have learned to use Google Hangout and Google Meet. I use Zoom for the following: JLMBC and Retiree Health Benefits Task Force meetings, Red Hat, church, tutor training, check-ins, and game night. I have learned all about GOOGLE classroom, docs and slides and I am taking a course to recertify in the platform Canvas. I am texting friends and family, and using Facebook to keep in touch and check in and dance parties on Instagram with Dnice to let off some steam, exercise and boredom. I picked up crocheting again after 35 years and so far I’ve completed a baby blanket and a fisherman’s hat. I take walks in my neighborhood and sit in the backyard for sun. I have been following a lady, Leslie Sansone, who has several walk videos that are easy to follow: YouTube https://youtu.be/tVpUCkMLgms
I have been binge watching Netflix and Amazon Prime streaming services as well as reading three or four books, working crossword puzzles and word searches and magazines and the house is under construction. Nathan and I watch movies, listen to music and cook together.
HIGHLIGHTS: CARING * CREATING * EXERCISING * READING * LEARNING
Leige: I’ll begin by saying Thank You this month and ALWAYS, for supporting the values of the ALLOVEME family to help others and help each other. This month I realized just how much I’m blessed and not by things but people in my life who continue to check up on me. And I enjoy checking on them as well. Time with friends on Zoom and Facebook is something I didn’t embrace before. And I feel a little younger keeping up with technology instead of fighting against the new trends. I’m focusing on what I need and what I can do without. God’s Grace is enough.
How many times have we said “We don’t have time”? Now I do and I had to admit that I hadn’t made a plan to move forward. I also had to realize that although it’s not all about me, I do need to take time to relax and meditate to put a plan in place. Mornings are the best time for me when it’s quiet and the fresh air hits my face. Reading and giving thanks are often the basis of my day and keep me focused on the positive. I am who I am and that’s enough for now so I can be there for others. Get out and vote. Make your voice heard. It’s up to us now to embrace values and inclusiveness and giving to others. We all matter. Honesty, respect and community reflect those values. We also need to leave this legacy to our children and teach them to build their legacy. Make a difference this month, and next. Don’t forget to spread the love and good values. Stay safe and stay healthy.
HIGHLIGHTS: GOD’S GRACE * FRESH AIR * MEDITATE * VOTE * LEGACY
Lafaye: The best advice I can give during this quarantine is take it day by day. I too have been following this with an understanding that going through the motions is perfectly normal under the umbrella of uncertainty. I unfortunately lost my job, but my unemployment has allowed me to save more than I expected (also helps that most places are closed). The spare time has allowed me to explore my creative passions, and find comfort in familiar hobbies. I’ve been teaching myself piano keyboard because I love music and always wanted to learn an instrument, podcasting because there’s always something to talk about especially in entertainment, and sign language because being able to communicate and learn from another community is intriguing to me. I keep up with my friends and family through social media and Zoom. We even do Zoom brunches to give ourselves that feeling of self-care and good vibes. If you’re feeling relaxed enjoy the peace, if you’re feeling confused binge watch a new/old show and let your mind get involved, if you’re feeling lost go exercise and sweat off the pressure, if you’re feeling lonely call a friend, if you’re feeling sad take a nap and start again. We all got plenty of time and plenty of new chances to make this time whatever we want it to be.
HIGHLIGHTS: EXPLORE * MUSIC * SIGN LANGUAGE * SELF-CARE * NEW CHANCES
LeShan: I am working during this Covid -19 epidemic. I am considered an Essential Worker. One of my co-workers is late daily because she helps a neighbor put her mask on. I think that is wonderful. I have been trying to learn how to relax by cooking new meals. I realize I am blessed with almost everything I need. I am working hard towards everything I want. But most of all I appreciate and Thank GOD for what I have. I am blessed with a sweet grandbaby who has been making masks for her neighbors and has been helping with giving food away to those in need. My Hubby and I cleaned out our garage and we had so much fun together going through our memories. I love my ALLOVEME family. I believe we all are Essential and important. Please stay safe and busy. Love you all.
HIGHLIGHTS: ESSENTIAL * HELPING * RELAX * CLEANING OUT * GRANDBABY * LOVE
Charmayne: During these trying times I have been blessed to still be able to go into work everyday. Working for a hospital has given me a new respect for life and seeing how many of our patients don’t choose to be sick, but have to rely on others for even the basic needs we all take for granted. It just makes me grateful for health. I’m an OCD type, so many of the hygienes they put in place were standard for me anyway. So no adjustment was needed, just doing it more frequently.
I want to say that I have used my off work hours to do creative things. I finished some diy projects around the house. I crocheted hats and shoes for twins babies. I even have assisted my daughter in her mask making venture. All in all I think I am handling this ordeal well as can be.
I would like to say the best thing that has happened is being able to connect with people more. Sometimes our lives are so busy that we forget to check on people and make sure they are okay, and let them know what they mean to you. My relationship with God has always kept me sane, but what he has done for me is why I remain true to being a servant leader. Remember to be thankful for all you have and give back to those less fortunate, because at any time you could be the person in need. Be blessed
HIGHLIGHT: WORKING * HEALTH * CREATIVE * CONNECT * DAUGHTER * GIVE BACK
