Happy Sunday, everyone!
As I sit here after 11 PM on Sunday night, I realized I only posted two blog entries this week. I'll be honest, the end of the month is crazy for me, and while I was very happy to make a couple posts at the beginning of the week, I did not have the time no energy to engage here as much as I would have liked to.
I would like to check in and say a quick thank you to everyone who has read and commented so far. I am thoroughly enjoying the community we are building outside of Canvas, and I am so excited to see where this journey takes us as the weeks progress. I look forward to reading more of your blogs and engaging with you on your platforms next week after things calm back down.
I wound up working a half day today (alas, hotels never close, so I can go in at 7 AM on a Sunday and it's not that unusual), but afterward I had the opportunity to brunch with some of my former coworkers at a restaurant I had never been to. So while most of my posts so far have involved building friendships on social media, I'm so glad I had an opportunity to unplug for a bit and enjoy a sunny afternoon with friends. I also love trying new restaurants, or supporting pop-ups from small businesses and local vendors.
Now that the world is opening back up post-COVID, it's so refreshing to do simple things like sit inside a restaurant with your friends -- and feel safe and comfortable doing it!
How do you feel about businesses reopening by you? Do you feel safe interacting with people IRL again, or would you prefer to maintain distance a little longer? This is such an uncertain time, and obviously there are no right or wrong answers, but it's nice to have a platform where we can gauge each other's thoughts.
-Ello
I had to visit Health and Wellness center at FSU it was great to be able to access to a health center. The doctor asked me if I had any plans for the weekend and I told her that I may meet up with one of my friends and spend some time together and she was a little bit surprised as is she was waiting some real plans. She said something like well that's true before the pandemic meeting up with friends was not a plan but now that's a thing. It was funny I even didn't think about it that way...
ReplyDeleteI feel safe interacting with people whom I know that they got the vaccine. I feel much comfortable when I need to go to the grocery shopping (not waking up at 7 and almost open up the grocery) and not limit it to once in a week. I recognized that I still social distance while walking and running so it's still there. Overall, I feel much comfortable recently and I hope businesses find a way to survive and get much better. My father has a restaurant back in Turkey and I hear some of the challenges they experience.
Thanks so much for sharing, Omer! I hope you had the opportunity to meet up with your friend as planned (or "planned," according to the doctor)! I'm so glad to hear you feel safe now, and I too have continued social distancing from strangers (though I've noticed I have become more comfortable being closer to people I know, even if they're not the same people I see regularly).
Deleteit's especially interesting to hear about perspectives and issues other parts of the world are experiencing right now, and I hope your family in Turkey (and your father's restaurant) are ok.
Hi Ello!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question! I have mixed feelings about the reopening. I'm excited to return to things I've missed like going to movies, concerts, and other social outings. it's also exciting that it looks like we may be back to in-person classes in the fall. I started the doc program in the midst of the pandemic, and was disappointed that I had no personal contact with either my instructors or my cohort.
On the other hand, I'm a little concerned because there seems to be a significant number of people who are not planning to get the vaccine. Out of an abundance of caution (because I have preexisting health issues) I still engage in social distancing and probably will until there is consensus within the scientific community that we're out of the woods.
Hi Lauren! I couldn't imagine starting a doc program, especially in a pandemic -- I'm sure it helps to have an in-person support system through that process, and I'm glad to hear that you may be able to experience the full program come fall. I too am excited for social outings, though I'm a little apprehensive of events where too many bodies are pushed together (i.e. concerts). I definitely understand why you're taking extra precautions right now -- it's so difficult to find that balance between wanted to return to normalcy, but also needing to remain vigilant for one's own health.
DeleteIt has been so nice with things opening up! Glad to hear you have taken some time to reconnect with friends. I have been back and forth between Chicago and Florida, and I can say there has been a big difference between how the pandemic has been handled. Florida definitely opened up much earlier, and masks were not being worn even pre-vaccine. In Chicago, it was only until a couple weeks ago that they loosened their restrictions. Restaurants in Chicago were doing primarily outdoor seating and only taking a certain amount of people inside, but now that is also lifting a bit. The Naval Pier has also opened, and people are enjoying being out in the sunshine! I am not so concerned about things opening up as I am vaccinated, and still try to be as careful as I can. I feel I did my part, and if I am going into a crowded room or street I will put it back on. I definitely avoid busy bars, no thanks. At some point, I do feel we need to live our lives, but part of me feels it should be okay to incentivize those who are vaccinated so that others follow suit. Right now, we are on the honor system, and people are not always honest.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Chicago, and I want to go so badly! I'm glad to hear it's opening up -- perhaps this will be the year to actually visit! Unfortunately, Georgia has been similar to Florida in its response to the pandemic (though maybe a smidge better), and we have essentially reopened. I believe we're also on an honor system, and tbh I'm not entirely sure I trust everyone's honor...that being said, a vast majority of people I know or are in contact with are vaccinated, so I do trust my immediate circles. However, I do work in a hotel, and while I seldom interact with guests in person or spend time in public areas, we no longer require guests to wear masks.
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