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Fic Talk => General Discussion => Topic started by: mare on March 22, 2020, 08:40:51 PM

Title: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 22, 2020, 08:40:51 PM
Hey everyone! I know we all don’t really post much anymore but since most of us are stuck indoors for the foreseeable future, I thought it would be nice to open a new thread to see how everyone is doing. How are you coping?

So check in and tell us how you all are doing!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 23, 2020, 02:07:36 AM
Hey!  I'm so glad to see someone post here.  This whole situation is surreal.  School has been out for a week now, and it still feels so weird.

My district wasn't equipped for full-on online learning because we're not one-to-one with technology yet and, since I teach in a low-income area, not all our students have a computer or even internet at home. We sent home paper "remote learning packets" that the kids are to work on. For me, working from home so far basically equates to sending daily communication and just being available to answer questions from parents or students as needed. I've been spending a few hours each morning talking to the kids on Google Classroom and have started recording myself reading so we can continue our class read-aloud. I genuinely miss seeing my students, but it's also nice to be able to spend my time interacting with the ones who actually care about learning and not disciplining the ones who don't give a shit.  And of course I'm loving not having to get ready and put on real clothes in the morning.

Other than that, life doesn't feel much different for me yet.  I had to go to work last Monday and chose to go to work Thursday and Friday to help hand out packets, so I've basically only been quarantined for the weekend.  But being an introvert, I'm more than happy to practice social distancing and live like a hermit at home by myself.

My sister was sick last week and tested negative for the flu.  They refused to test her for Corona because she hadn't traveled or had any known exposure.  There are not many tests available in my area, so apparently they're only testing people sick enough to be hospitalized, which was not her.  She self-isolated for a week and is feeling a lot better now, so I'm not sure if she really had it or was just being paranoid.  I'm betting there have been a lot more cases than they're reporting, though, especially since they're not testing a lot of people with symptoms.  So far everyone else in my family has been fine, thank goodness.  I haven't actually seen my sister in weeks, so if she did have it, I wasn't exposed.

How's everyone else doing?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: FrickingKaos on March 23, 2020, 08:02:09 AM
I'm doing okay. I still have to work because I work in a grocery store. Hours got severely cut at my evening job. I work for ShopRite and they're giving us a 2 dollar raise that started today and ends in May. We also get free breakfast and day crew gets free lunch. It's nice considering I usually work 48 hours a week and am now working 54 hours. I had to cancel my trip to Disneyland that I was doing in May. So far my town only has one case that I know of
When I'm not working I stay at home. Everything is closed here. There's a cerfew after 9pm so we have to show a special letter in case we get pulled over by the police proving where we work.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 23, 2020, 12:31:47 PM
I'm glad they're treating you well at ShopRite, Tracy!  Thank you for helping keep people supplied with what they need during this.  I'm so sorry you had to cancel your trip. Hopefully you'll be able to reschedule for when this is over.

Oh wow... no curfew here yet, but I could see one being enacted if they think people aren't taking the lockdown order seriously enough.  I wish people would just follow directions and stay home.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 23, 2020, 06:34:15 PM
I have to say I’m really grateful that I am not living alone anymore. I do t know what I would’ve done during this whole isolation thing. Not so much the being alone part, I enjoy my alone time, but the shopping part. I would’ve never been able to do that!

Tracy I give you so much credit for showing up to work and dealing with all the crap I’m sure you have to put up with. Anyone working in retail are the real heroes in this! I hope you get to go on your vacations! I’m hoping that things will settle down by September because I’d very much like to still go to my concert. We’ll see I guess.

Have they extended the amount of time you’ll be out of school, Julie? I’m thinking they are going to say this is it. Washington announced today that their school year is over. I can’t even imagine being a senior in high school or college and finding out the school year is over. How will that work? Do we just act like this year didn’t happen and just restart next year? And what about all the education majors who still have to student teach to get their degrees?

If I was still teaching, I would’ve had to use Zoom to do group lessons online but a lot of my former colleagues are saying there is a delay and sound problems. Plus so many kids do t have access to a computer and a ton of them left their instruments at school not realizing how long they’d be off.

As far as me dealing with things, honestly since I’ve moved up here I rarely leave my house. I used to go grocery shopping once every two weeks but since I have 2 auto immune diseases I haven’t left at all since this thing started. Ironically enough, I’ve not felt well for the last week. I have a cough and sore throat and headache. There’s really no way I could’ve caught this thing though. I’m worried about my mom. She lives alone and is also high risk plus she’s undergoing chemo for breast cancer. She seems to be doing well so far.

I wish people would just stay home and listen to all the medical experts out there. It doesn’t help that we have such a joke of a president who lacks empathy and only cares about himself and his money.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 23, 2020, 10:22:29 PM
I'm glad you've got your sister around to help with things like groceries, Mare!

I pray this is all over by summer so the tour isn't affected.  I'm sure that sounds selfish to others outside our fandom, but I know you guys understand.

Our school closure has gone from March 31 originally to April 8 now.  Our spring break is April 4-13, and they haven't changed that on us, so we will tentatively go back the 14th... but I could see them extending it.  Our district is sending out a survey to parents tomorrow about internet and available devices at home, so I know they're looking ahead and trying to assess needs for true e-learning.

My kids are in the same boat as far as leaving things at school.  We had no idea when we left that Friday that this would happen so quickly or at all.  I would have at least had them take home their library books, etc. if I'd had any indication.

I'm glad to hear you're staying put.  The last thing you need is to be exposed to this thing.  I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's breast cancer.  I hope she continues to do well!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on March 26, 2020, 03:51:24 PM
Hi everyone, I've been working from home since last week but having to pop to the office twice a week to drop things off, it's weird seeing the place empty and I actually miss going. It's nice that I don't have to bother with work clothes or straightening my hair in the morning though, and my office is set up in the spare bedroom.  Work has been busier than ever though and really stressful,  I've been mentally drained and in bed early every night with a book.

We've been on lockdown since Monday and only allowed out for exercise once a day, essential food shopping and work.  All shops apart from supermarkets,  pharmacies and DIY shops have closed.  It's just like something out of a movie.

My daughter's college probably won't be back until September,  but don't know for sure.  She also works part time in a supermarket and says it's been hell, the customers have been so rude.  They are also getting a pay rise until May, and so they should!

We are having to be careful here as my husband has cardiomyopathy and so higher risk if he got the virus, but with Holly working in a supermarket it's quite hard to distance but he doesn't want to stay at my parents house (they are totally isolating for 12 weeks as told by the government due to my mum recovering from breast cancer and stepdad had health issues).  The government have said all people over 70 or with serious health conditions have to stay indoors for 12 weeks to help the NHS cope with the virus and to prevent them getting it.

Stay safe everyone, scary times!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 26, 2020, 07:34:18 PM
It really does feel like a movie. Surreal. So weird. My state is on lockdown, too, but our rules aren't as strict as yours. All "non-essential businesses" are closed, and people are encouraged to stay home unless they need to get something or go to work, but they aren't policing when you can and can't leave your home.

Most of the colleges around here have gone to online classes for the rest of the semester and have cancelled graduation in May. I don't think they've made decisions about summer classes, but a lot of those are online anyway.

That is scary with Holly having to go to work. I hope you all can stay safe and avoid getting it!  I don't know anyone personally who has had it, but there have been more cases popping up in my area. They're still not testing people unless they have to be hospitalized, so I'm sure there are a lot more cases than are being reported.  My sister started feeling better this past weekend and went back to work yesterday (with a mask on), and no one else in the family has gotten sick, so we're hopeful that whatever she had, it wasn't the rona.

Hang in there, everyone!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 27, 2020, 12:01:37 AM
We are in lockdown too, but not as strict either although it really should be because NY is getting pummeled with this thing. My county has over 200 confirmed cases with a few deaths. Tests are scarce though. I went to the doctor today, just a physical wit a new primary care doctor and it was a very bizarre experience. I’ve never had to wear a mask before. Those things aren’t comfortable. Even how few cars were on the normally very busy streets where I live was kind of surreal.

I don’t know anyone whose had it, thankfully but im sure it’s just a matter of time. Schools are closed until April 20th here but I have a feeling that will be extended.

Today was supposed to be opening day for baseball and I’m all
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 27, 2020, 09:33:13 AM
It's so sad about baseball. :(  I did enjoy re-living the 2016 World Series on MLB Network the other day.  Looking forward to the living room concert on Sunday.  I'm so curious about how that's going to go.  Originally I wondered if they were just going to show old performances from IHeartRadio, but it sounds like they're really going to do it from their homes.  That'll be interesting trying to get five guys in five different places to sing in sync, but if anyone can pull that off, it's our Boys. I'm not sure if they're actually doing it live or if it'll be pre-recorded - anyone know?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on March 27, 2020, 01:21:32 PM
Hi everyone!

We are in lockdown in here too! School are close for a month now and won’t open until may and maybe only next year.

I cannot leave my house because it is too dangerous because of my degenerative illness and it’s tough for my mental state.

I don’t know if the backstreet boys concert in september gonna be able to play because center Bell gonna be close for many months.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 27, 2020, 07:09:51 PM
Hi Stephanie!  Hang in there.  I know a lot of people are struggling with being stuck at home for so many days.  I see this as a good opportunity to catch up on reading, watching shows, and writing without the guilty feeling that I should be socializing or doing something "productive."  This is a time when it's socially acceptable to be a lazy shut-in, and I am so here for that!

I really hope this doesn't affect the tour.  It seems like if everyone would just stay home and away from each other like they're asking us to do for a few weeks, it should stop the spread.  But people are stupid, so who knows.  I'm sure the Boys would reschedule if they had to postpone.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on March 27, 2020, 08:54:55 PM
Thanks! Yes I work on two different fanfics right now.

I think the boys need to postpone Quebec tour because it is very bad here right now.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 27, 2020, 09:05:05 PM
Good for you!

We still have almost 4 months until the North American dates start, so hopefully things will be better by then. I really hope they're better by May so the Australian tour can go on as planned, too.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on March 27, 2020, 09:22:18 PM
Yes I need to do something because I’m so bored.

Here in Quebec the 2 show are in five months.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 27, 2020, 09:28:07 PM
That's nice that your show is later in the tour.  Even if they had to reschedule some dates, they may not have to reschedule all.  Mine are at the very end of July, beginning of August, which is perfect for me as a teacher because I'll still be on summer break, so I'm really hoping those stay as is.  But of course I will understand if they end up having to cancel or reschedule.  Safety first - especially the Boys' own safety!  With as many fans as they meet and handshakes and hugs as they give, we don't want to risk them being exposed.  We must protect them at all costs!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on March 27, 2020, 09:42:59 PM
Yes safety and health first! I think about Brian a lot!

I hope for you that you are gonna be able to return to teach soon.
Here I don’t think school gonna be back until september.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on March 28, 2020, 01:56:38 PM
Even our Prime Minister has the virus now!

Wales isn't hit as bad as England yet, London and that surrounding area seems to be worst.  There has been one death at the hospital in my town so far.  They aren't testing here either unless you are admitted to hospital with it.  I think one of my work colleagues has had it, he went off sick just before we started working from home and had all the symptoms, luckily he is ok now though.

I saw about the boys doing a show and wondered how they will do it, I hope someone can upload it somewhere so I can see it too.

Anyone watching any celebs isolation videos? I've been watching Gary Barlow doing duets with other singers via facetime or whatever they use. He did a good one with JC Chasez and others are good too.  Madonna however is just cringeworthy lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on March 28, 2020, 04:57:14 PM
Here my favorite group in Quebec give almost each night a show live from their homes!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 28, 2020, 09:33:37 PM
It’s a nice distraction to watch some of those videos. I admit I haven’t really watched many of them though. I’ve only watched the What the World Needs Now one from Berklee. Then my friend Andrea started a group called song of the day where a lot of people we went to school with are posting songs and the profits are going to help Vegas musicians. After the Berklee video on our alumni page we were thinking about answering with our own song but they decided to do the song of the day instead.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 28, 2020, 11:38:05 PM
I haven't watched too many celeb videos.  I did subscribe to the Instagram of celebrities reading picture books, the one AJ, Nick, and Howie did.  That was cute.  I wish Brian and Kevin would have participated too.

I saw that about your PM, Steph.  I wish our president would get it...
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 29, 2020, 07:32:41 AM
Not to turn political but I think the only way Trump will take this seriously is if his ass gets it. Not even someone from his family. He only cares about himself, although I think if he did get it, he wouldn’t tell anyone because it would make him appear weak. If anyone has read “The Institute” I hope there’s a huge circle of kid psychics saying his name over and over again.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 29, 2020, 02:48:44 PM
I agree, Mare - and I could totally see him trying to hide it if he did get it.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on March 30, 2020, 09:10:35 PM
it’s me or Brian look very sad in the video of living room concert?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 31, 2020, 07:49:09 AM
I thought he looked happy.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 31, 2020, 10:20:16 AM
I don't think he looked sad.  And, relatively speaking, he sounded great!  I don't know that he's ever going to get back to the way he used to be able to sing, but he has come a long way from how he sounded 10 years ago.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 31, 2020, 10:23:26 AM
Speaking of the living room concert, I love how Nick's looked like a professional quality music video, while the others were all more what I would expect from a living room concert.  Oh Nick LOL.  Kevin's kids were so cute, and I loved Brian in his PJ bottoms.  It was perfect!

It's funny how people outside the fandom are talking about how impressive it was that they were able to sound that good being in five different places, but I would expect nothing less of them.  Since it wasn't live, all they really had to do was sing their part along with the music.  As many times as they've performed that song, they should be able to do that even without the other four around.  But I'm glad to see them getting the respect they deserve.  ;D
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 01, 2020, 05:54:55 AM
Catching up. The short version is my life has gone full blown crazy. I manage the front end of a Target so we're considered essential. When the crazy first blew up I ended up working 60 hours that week. Which is insane. Now I'm down to about 45ish hours which still isn't normal (I usually just do a solid 40) but closer to normal LOL. I'm tired and I'm being very careful since I take care of my dad and he's 73.

Ironically this has helped drive me back to fanfic as stress tends to do with me LOL.

Speaking of the living room concert, I love how Nick's looked like a professional quality music video, while the others were all more what I would expect from a living room concert.  Oh Nick LOL.  Kevin's kids were so cute, and I loved Brian in his PJ bottoms.  It was perfect!

It's funny how people outside the fandom are talking about how impressive it was that they were able to sound that good being in five different places, but I would expect nothing less of them.  Since it wasn't live, all they really had to do was sing their part along with the music.  As many times as they've performed that song, they should be able to do that even without the other four around.  But I'm glad to see them getting the respect they deserve.  ;D

I loved the performance! Nick's amused me because the Vegas weather has been perfect for that sort of thing so of course he films it in his backyard by his perfect pool lmao. Kevin and his boys totally stole the show though. I do think it's hilarious that the producers thought the Boys sounded TOO GOOD synched up together. They've done the song for over twenty years now.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 01, 2020, 06:23:33 AM
It’s funny because while we were watching, my sister insisted they were lip syncing and I kept telling her she was wrong. It was very fulfilling to share that article with her lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 01, 2020, 09:53:26 AM
I can see why people thought Nick in particular was lip syncing because he sounded perfect, almost like the recording... but Nick is just that good!  Judging by the quality of his videography, I'm also guessing he did several takes and sent in the best ones LOL.  They all sounded great; it was just easier to tell that the other four were singing live.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 01, 2020, 10:02:44 AM
Catching up. The short version is my life has gone full blown crazy. I manage the front end of a Target so we're considered essential. When the crazy first blew up I ended up working 60 hours that week. Which is insane. Now I'm down to about 45ish hours which still isn't normal (I usually just do a solid 40) but closer to normal LOL. I'm tired and I'm being very careful since I take care of my dad and he's 73.

Ironically this has helped drive me back to fanfic as stress tends to do with me LOL.

Thank you for your hard work through this!  Hang in there!  Have things calmed down since the stay-at-home orders started?  Are people in Vegas following directions?  Do you have toilet paper in stock? LOL

I was so happy to see your new story posted!  Fanfic is a great distraction from all this.  I think this hobby is part of the reason I seem to be having a much easier time coping with quarantine than a lot of my "real life" friends.  I'm a homebody anyway, so that helps, but I just see this as more reading and writing time and a valid excuse to be lazy!  I hate the fact that it's due to a pandemic, but I'm kinda loving working from home.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 01, 2020, 10:13:34 AM
My little city is on full lockdown right now the prime minister just declare this morning!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 01, 2020, 03:52:54 PM
Thank you for your hard work through this!  Hang in there!  Have things calmed down since the stay-at-home orders started?  Are people in Vegas following directions?  Do you have toilet paper in stock? LOL

I was so happy to see your new story posted!  Fanfic is a great distraction from all this.  I think this hobby is part of the reason I seem to be having a much easier time coping with quarantine than a lot of my "real life" friends.  I'm a homebody anyway, so that helps, but I just see this as more reading and writing time and a valid excuse to be lazy!  I hate the fact that it's due to a pandemic, but I'm kinda loving working from home.

Things are calmer since the shutdown. But that's compared to the crazy. So it's still wild for this time of year. Vegas from what I've seen is following the order, minus the Strip Club Little Darling that got nailed for their drive thru stip show lmao. The cops are shutting down businesses that don't comply and I got my essential letter today because they're enforcing it for citizens to stay home. Vegas is handling it better than the rural parts which is typical. We could've easily become NYC but our governor was on the ball and shut us down early.

Fanfic is a good sanctuary right now. There's a lot in these times I can use to fuel my new story and writing has always been my escape in hard times. No need for that to change now.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 01, 2020, 05:19:59 PM
I'm glad things have calmed down a bit.  Hopefully the stay at home order will help.  I think our governor has done a good job taking it seriously and handling it, too - not that he had much choice because Chicago seems to be one of the epicenters for the virus.  It's all radiating from there.  We have a few cases in my area, but it's not spreading the way it is up around Chicago.  Makes sense, with as heavily populated as it is there compared to here.  All the more reason to stay away from people!

There was a story in the local news last week about an adult movie store that got busted for offering curbside pick-up of porn LOL.  I get supporting small businesses, but sorry bro.  People who consider that "essential" can get it online.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 01, 2020, 09:52:51 PM
I’m glad things are settling down for you as well, Rose. Grocery shopping is ridiculous still. No one has toilet paper and there are no available pick ups or deliveries from the grocery stores which sucks because My sister and I are both not feeling great so we can’t leave. I couldn’t grocery shop anyway with things the way they are. It would be nice if they gave people Who are handicapped their own hours as well. Although I hear that it’s crazy during senior shop times as well!


We’ve been sheltering in place for quite awhile now here in NY. We think Cuomo is going to decide that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year. We have 500 confirmed cases in The county were I live with 9 deaths. It’s annoying to see all the people ignoring the shelter in place rules. They are now going to ticket people just hanging out.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 02, 2020, 06:49:25 AM
Update: I managed to get a delivery time. Tuesday between 10 and noon. Kind of like waiting for the cable guy but I’ll take it lol

And I forgot to comment on the pick up porn, although I was just going to say wtf?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 02, 2020, 09:10:35 AM
Yikes... I have never done the grocery pick-up, but thought this would be the perfect time to try it.  Now I'm thinking maybe not, if it means waiting that long.  I'm glad you got a delivery time, though.  At least you don't have to rearrange your whole schedule to be home for it LOL.

We're officially out of school through April 30 now.  People are still talking like we'll be back on May 1, but I'm not sure.  Part of me thinks, "What's the point?" when there would be less than a month of school left, but it would be nice to see my kids in person before the end of the year. I really hope they're given an opportunity to at least go in and clean out their desks and lockers. I don't wanna be stuck doing all that myself over the summer!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 02, 2020, 12:07:06 PM
It would be nice for the kids to get in to see each other even if it’s for a few weeks. The Superintendent of Buffalo schools just announced today that most likely the kids will not be returning to school.

I feel bad for the high school seniors.

As for the grocery thing. We had never tried Instacart before but we did the pick up last time and it was so easy and great to not have to go inside. They brought it out and loaded it into the car. There’s still no pick up times available but at least delivery is an option. I’m just grateful that the Instacart people aren’t striking here. I can see why they might be refusing pick up because they aren’t the o es who bring it out to the car so they do t get a tip. For delivery at least they do.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 02, 2020, 12:24:10 PM
In Quebec school is suppose to be back on may 1, but the worst case it’s gonna be next year.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 02, 2020, 02:41:50 PM
Nevada is debating closing it for the year. For now it's May 1st but I think they'll call it.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 02, 2020, 03:36:29 PM
I’m pretty sure all these kids are done for the year.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 02, 2020, 05:10:49 PM
So sad.  Our school talent show was supposed to be tonight.  I'm co-sponsor of the student council, and that's my big event to plan, literally my favorite part of the school year.  I'm feeling it today.

Our "spring break" starts Saturday, which doesn't mean much now.  I'm glad I didn't have any big spring break trips planned this year.  I was going to drive down to St. Louis for a couple days with a friend and her kids, but that's not happening now.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 02, 2020, 06:54:20 PM
I'm wondering if anything we planned will be able to happen this year, at this point.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 02, 2020, 07:25:33 PM
Ugh... please let this be over by summer!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 02, 2020, 07:41:58 PM
Here's something that gives me hope for this to be better by summer: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/china/   If you look at the charts for China, where this all started, the curve flattened or dropped about a month into the epidemic.  It's been about three weeks since things started getting bad here in the States, and the dates for UK and Canada look similar.  If people will just stay quarantined for the rest of the month and stop spreading it, our numbers should look much better by May.

That being said, if the last four years have taught me anything, it's that at least a quarter of the people in this country are complete morons, so it will depend on whether or not we can get those people to follow directions.  Sigh.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 02, 2020, 08:52:28 PM
Yes it is pretty bad here in Canada! Quebec is too!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 03, 2020, 03:19:18 AM
Yeah, it's the idiots that have me worried.

Just got word we're installing plexiglass in the store. And I spent the day in a very uncomfortable mask to try and get my cashiers on board with it cause we also got word we're being sent PPE. (We had gloves and were cleaning but Target wants to strongly suggest the masks now.)

I have more comfortable ones a guest gave me but I'm trying to show them we can all do this together. It sucked lol.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 03, 2020, 10:22:11 AM
Ugh, the mask sounds awful, but if it keeps you safe, it's worth it.  The plexiglass sounds like a good idea!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 03, 2020, 04:26:52 PM
It's basically for the areas you can't socially distant, so like the service desk, the checklanes and electronics. I've been joking we're a step away from putting everyone in bubbles LOL.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 03, 2020, 05:36:18 PM
LOL Becoming the Bubble Boy doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 04, 2020, 04:54:39 AM
Right? You can roll, bounce and if someone sneezes on you, you're safe! LOL.

Someone find me a giant plastic bubble.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on April 07, 2020, 08:46:57 AM
There are stupid people over here not listening to the lockdown rules, especially around the south east of England, where people were sunbathing and playing in the parks there!  That's probably why they have the highest number of cases and highest death rate.

Where my daughter works they haven't been given any PPE but they have put Perspex screens up around the checkout areas.  It makes me worried for her and also worried it will be brought home too, but she hates customers at the best of times so is doing her best to stay away from them lol.  She would like a giant bubble too :)

Our PM is now in intensive care as he's deteriorated :(

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 07, 2020, 02:40:35 PM
Here our prime minister said that everything is on lockdown until july because we have ten thousand cases just in Quebec
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 07, 2020, 05:18:20 PM
Scary times.  I heard about your PM yesterday, Steph - I know he may not be popular, but I do hope he'll recover.  Sending positive vibes for your daughter, too - I hope she stays safe!  It's frustrating when you and your family and friends are all following the directions and staying home and away from each other, and then you see or hear of other people doing the exact opposite. So dumb!

Wow, Stephanie, July?!  Ugh... that is not good.  Obviously, we'll do whatever we have to do to flatten the curve, but I really hope things will be looking better by summer.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 07, 2020, 06:48:46 PM
Yes until july! It’s take what it’s take to stop the covid-19. They work on a vaccine in Canada and they hope to be able to send it by next year
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on April 08, 2020, 08:06:44 AM
Wow lockdown until July? That is awful!  But if that's what it takes then it has to be done.

Over here those considered very high risk have been asked to stay indoors for 13 weeks.  But the rest of us are coming up to three weeks in lockdown.

Yes, our PM isn't for everyone, lol, a bit like Trump.  But throughout this virus crisis he and the government have come across as doing the right thing for the country, which is good.

I hope this vaccine doesn't take a year like they've predicted.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 08, 2020, 10:14:38 AM
Yes it’s sucks a lot, but we have more and more cases. The number of death climb very fast here
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 09, 2020, 06:48:09 PM
It’s official the center Bell in Montreal gonna be close for the next two years, so no bsb in september

Two years??  That seems excessive.  Where did you hear that?  I'm having trouble finding any kind of official news source reporting that.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 09, 2020, 08:03:22 PM
In a french sport web news
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on April 10, 2020, 10:23:56 PM
Oh haaaai
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 10, 2020, 10:38:17 PM
Oh haaaai

Hey!!  Welcome back!  How have you been doing through all this?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on April 10, 2020, 10:50:10 PM
Hey!!  Welcome back!  How have you been doing through all this?

Someone sent me a meme earlier that summed up very well how I'm feeling:

"I'm a homebody but DAMN... I did like going to one or two places."

Today marked a month of working from home, which isn't terrible but I could go a couple days without actually speaking to anyone if not for Zoom meetings. We just hit 1,500 cases in Alberta today and 61% of those are in my city, so it's been a bit crazy.

How are you guys holding up?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 11, 2020, 01:56:39 AM
That quote is so me too LOL.  I'm a total homebody, so quarantine life suits me, but I do miss my family, my friends, and my students.  As well as simple things like going to the grocery store without feeling like I'm risking my life.  I went yesterday morning for the first time in almost a month, and it wasn't too bad.  The store was well-stocked with everything except paper products (and baking powder - the only item on my list I couldn't get LOL), there were no lines, and people kept their distance.

Thankfully, there are only 45 confirmed cases in my area.  Most of the cases in Illinois are coming from the Chicago area, and I'm a couple hours south of there.  In reality, I bet there's been a lot more cases than what's being reported because of the lack of tests.

Stay safe!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 11, 2020, 06:35:31 AM
We are almost on our last roll of toilet paper. There is none anywhere!! We managed to find a 4 pack online at Walmart. It won’t get here until April 23rd.

Because of my immune system, I haven’t left my house since early February with the exception of going to the doctor once. Basically quarantine is my usual way of life so I’m okay with it, but my sister has been home for a month. The two of us share a one bedroom. We get along really well but I miss my own space. Is it weird to miss being all alone? Lol

We have I think over 1,600 cases here in Buffalo specifically the county where I live including someone in my apartment building so even opening our front door is a little scary. This whole thing seems surreal.

Happy Easter/Passover everyone!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 11, 2020, 02:46:49 PM
I still do not understand the toilet paper thing!  Not sure it's so much a hoarding situation at this point as just the suppliers falling behind in production/distribution because of the demand due to hoarding at the beginning.  That's the only aisle that was still pretty picked over when I went grocery shopping on Thursday.  I've looked on Amazon, and it's the same situation there - you can find off-brand toilet paper for expensive prices and expect to get it in May.  Not helpful.

Has your sister tried going to the stores first thing in the morning (or after senior hours if they're doing that)?  Or tried dollar stores, hardware stores, less obvious places than grocery stores or big box stores?  I've heard of people having better luck at Dollar General and places like that.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on April 11, 2020, 03:21:11 PM
Grocery stores here are slowly but surely getting their stock back. Still low on cleaning supplies but the hardest thing to find is flour and yeast because everyone is making bread! I did see an article this morning quoting the CEO of Walmart saying the new focus of hoarding seems to be hair dye and clippers lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 11, 2020, 03:32:27 PM
Here in Quebec we have 12 thousand of cases and all the dry food is gone on the store
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 11, 2020, 03:54:21 PM
Grocery stores here are slowly but surely getting their stock back. Still low on cleaning supplies but the hardest thing to find is flour and yeast because everyone is making bread! I did see an article this morning quoting the CEO of Walmart saying the new focus of hoarding seems to be hair dye and clippers lol

:D at the hair products!  I'm afraid to try trimming mine, so looks like I'll be growing it out.

The only thing on my list I couldn't find at all the other day was baking powder.  The yeast was all but gone too.  I just make beer bread instead - super easy, no yeast required, and really good!  I always seem to have a few random bottles of old beer shoved in the back of my fridge.  I did get a bag of flour!

One non-essential thing I have not yet been able to find is Kraft Mac & Cheese LOL.  I like to keep a few boxes on hand for easy emergency meals, but the stores have been out of basically all boxed mac and cheese every time I've been.  The first time I tried grocery shopping right after the schools were closed, there was no cheese of any kind in any store, period.  We like our cheese in the Midwest LOL.

The nice part of living alone is I don't feel the need to obsessively disinfect things around my house, as there's no one else I can infect, so I haven't run out of cleaning supplies yet.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 12, 2020, 04:07:10 PM
Hi!

We have about 2,700 cases. 2,000 cases are in Clark County but when you think about Vegas' population of 2.7 million it could be way worse.  That said the numbers are probably off because of testing. So far we haven't turned into NYC so I'm thankful. I've also heard there's a theory the virus doesn't do well in heat. IF that's true then Vegas will in that aspect do okay.

We still can't keep toilet paper lol. Vegas as a whole is on lockdown and so to run my front end I have to have someone doing a headcount cause we have a limit of how many can be inside, someone outside for Order Pickup and one of our entrances is closed off so everyone goes in and out the same way. Some have a really hard time with that despite the barrier, the giant sign and the person saying NO lmao. Drive Up orders where you pull up in your car exploded too, it's nuts. I'm constantly jumping in to help my team with it.

I need sugar and for some reason I'm having a hard time finding that lately LOL. I'm not out yet but with times being what they are I start looking early so I have the luxury of not store hopping for what I need all day. We are slowly getting supplies back in and still have a list of limits to try and keep it that way. I just wish people would stay HOME if they don't need to go out.

Alcohol is the new hoarding item for Vegas LOL. Now that the liquor stores are closed it's flying out the door. Which...okay I can understand it.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 12, 2020, 05:25:07 PM

Has your sister tried going to the stores first thing in the morning (or after senior hours if they're doing that)?  Or tried dollar stores, hardware stores, less obvious places than grocery stores or big box stores?  I've heard of people having better luck at Dollar General and places like that.



With everything going on, my sister is afraid to leave the apartment. She’s always been kind of a hypochondriac so this thing has really not helped with that phobia. It’s actually kind of funny sometimes. Just to see the look on her face if she happens to cough or her stomach starts to hurt. She’s convinced she has it about ninety  times a day lol

I would go out, but as a diabetic with MS, I’d probably drop dead the second I left the apartment with my sister yelling at my corpse “See! I told you so!!” Lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 12, 2020, 07:38:04 PM
With everything going on, my sister is afraid to leave the apartment. She’s always been kind of a hypochondriac so this thing has really not helped with that phobia. It’s actually kind of funny sometimes. Just to see the look on her face if she happens to cough or her stomach starts to hurt. She’s convinced she has it about ninety  times a day lol

I would go out, but as a diabetic with MS, I’d probably drop dead the second I left the apartment with my sister yelling at my corpse “See! I told you so!!” Lol

LMAO this mental image is lovely.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 13, 2020, 02:41:11 AM
With everything going on, my sister is afraid to leave the apartment. She’s always been kind of a hypochondriac so this thing has really not helped with that phobia. It’s actually kind of funny sometimes. Just to see the look on her face if she happens to cough or her stomach starts to hurt. She’s convinced she has it about ninety  times a day lol

I would go out, but as a diabetic with MS, I’d probably drop dead the second I left the apartment with my sister yelling at my corpse “See! I told you so!!” Lol

Aww... I get the hypochondria thing; I have always been kind of a closet hypochondriac too, and teaching has turned me into a germophobe.  I haven't been freaking out about the rona though.  It's definitely scary to hear the stories about it, but maybe because it's not as widespread around me and because I've been staying home, I don't worry much about getting it myself.  I'm sure if I was an essential worker and had other people living with me, I would be a lot more concerned.  You have every reason to stay put.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 13, 2020, 04:23:48 AM
Aww... I get the hypochondria thing; I have always been kind of a closet hypochondriac too, and teaching has turned me into a germophobe.  I haven't been freaking out about the rona though.  It's definitely scary to hear the stories about it, but maybe because it's not as widespread around me and because I've been staying home, I don't worry much about getting it myself.  I'm sure if I was an essential worker and had other people living with me, I would be a lot more concerned.  You have every reason to stay put.

And see I've never been a hypochondriac or a germophobe but this whole thing is turning me into one. I think that's why I've been writing more, because I need a way to turn my brain off. When everything escalated and got crazy, I won't lie I had a hard time sleeping the first couple nights. Because my mind just wouldn't stop. I'm doing good and I'm being very careful, to the point where I can't do much more. But I'd be lying if the thoughts didn't sneak in still sometimes.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 13, 2020, 01:02:14 PM
Totally understandable!  Writing is a good distraction.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on April 17, 2020, 06:04:56 PM
Totally understandable!  Writing is a good distraction.

Sims has been my distraction this week lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 17, 2020, 09:59:04 PM
Sims has been my distraction this week lol
Sims has been my distraction this week lol

Mine has been Trivia Crack 2
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 17, 2020, 10:05:42 PM
Me is the game supercity
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 18, 2020, 09:25:25 PM
Sims has been my distraction this week lol

I thought about getting back into The Sims, but then I probably wouldn't get anything else done LOL.  I used to play that game for hours without even realizing how much time had passed.

Though when my friends outside the fandom ask how I've been spending my time, I should probably just say I've playing The Sims.  That's basically the same as writing fanfic, right?  You create characters and then mess up your lives... and if you're like me, you torture and kill them for fun LOL.  My favorite method was creating a tiny, enclosed room, putting a fireworks launcher inside, and then removing the door before making my Sim light it.  I was virtual pyromaniac.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 18, 2020, 09:27:15 PM
Mine has been Trivia Crack 2

I just downloaded that last night during virtual happy hour LOL.  I haven't played it yet though.  I was into the original Trivia Crack for awhile when it was super popular.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 18, 2020, 09:30:18 PM
I just downloaded that last night during virtual happy hour LOL.  I haven't played it yet though.  I was into the original Trivia Crack for awhile when it was super popular.

You should look for me on there to play a game lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 18, 2020, 09:33:38 PM
So Illinois officially cancelled school for the rest of the year.  It's sad to think I won't be going back until (hopefully) August and probably won't see my students in person until they're fifth-graders.  There are certain aspects of online learning that I enjoy - mainly the fact that I can stay in my pajamas and drink coffee, eat breakfast, and use the bathroom whenever I want to - but otherwise it's all the worst parts of teaching, like planning and constantly communicating with parents, without any of the fun parts.

These kids are missing out on so many fun experiences that happen near the end of the school year that just can't be replicated virtually, and that makes me sad.  At least mine will have two more years at our school, so unless they move over the summer, we'll see each other again next year.  But I feel for the kids who are graduating or moving on to another school next year and may not see their teachers or classmates again.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 19, 2020, 01:11:26 AM
Here in Quebec I don’t think the school gonna open until next year because we have almost 20 thousand cases.
I’m gonna have my birthday in total lockdown and it’s suck a lot!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 19, 2020, 03:28:10 AM
So Illinois officially cancelled school for the rest of the year.  It's sad to think I won't be going back until (hopefully) August and probably won't see my students in person until they're fifth-graders.  There are certain aspects of online learning that I enjoy - mainly the fact that I can stay in my pajamas and drink coffee, eat breakfast, and use the bathroom whenever I want to - but otherwise it's all the worst parts of teaching, like planning and constantly communicating with parents, without any of the fun parts.

These kids are missing out on so many fun experiences that happen near the end of the school year that just can't be replicated virtually, and that makes me sad.  At least mine will have two more years at our school, so unless they move over the summer, we'll see each other again next year.  But I feel for the kids who are graduating or moving on to another school next year and may not see their teachers or classmates again.

That’s unfortunate. I saw that announcement on the news and thought of you. I’m glad I haven’t had to deal with online teaching, but at least it’s a way to still connect with your kids. I really feel bad for the seniors. I know back in Bethlehem, they are thinking of doing a drive thru ceremony. Pre taping speeches by the valedictorian and principal and then doing a slide show of the seniors at the local drive thru theater. They still haven’t made the call for Up here.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 19, 2020, 03:29:29 AM
Here in Quebec I don’t think the school gonna open until next year because we have almost 20 thousand cases.
I’m gonna have my birthday in total lockdown and it’s suck a lot!

Sorry to hear that! Hopefully you’ll still manage it o have a nice birthday.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on April 19, 2020, 04:03:36 PM
Unlocked!!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 19, 2020, 04:33:05 PM
Thanks!!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 19, 2020, 04:56:23 PM
Thanks for unlocking!

A drive-thru ceremony sounds like a great idea.  I know some of the high schools and colleges around here have talked about doing virtual ceremonies or rescheduling proms and graduations for later in the summer.  I guess that will depend on what things are like this summer.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 19, 2020, 06:16:43 PM
Oops! Didn’t realize it was locked. Guess that’s what happens when you post at 3am lol sorry guys!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 19, 2020, 06:58:29 PM
I hope things gonna be a little bit better this summer because right now I’m not going to work this year at all
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 20, 2020, 05:39:20 AM
I thought about getting back into The Sims, but then I probably wouldn't get anything else done LOL.  I used to play that game for hours without even realizing how much time had passed.

Though when my friends outside the fandom ask how I've been spending my time, I should probably just say I've playing The Sims.  That's basically the same as writing fanfic, right?  You create characters and then mess up your lives... and if you're like me, you torture and kill them for fun LOL.  My favorite method was creating a tiny, enclosed room, putting a fireworks launcher inside, and then removing the door before making my Sim light it.  I was virtual pyromaniac.

I sim, basically to torture them. A friend sent me links to some mods though and you can install it so your sims have to deal with a zombie apocalypse (biting and killing zombies included), a possessed child, and a serial killer mod lmao where they can come in randomly and you fight to survive. Or you can be the killer. So ya know, Sims have evolved thanks to tech savvy fans LOL.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 20, 2020, 05:40:12 AM
So Illinois officially cancelled school for the rest of the year.  It's sad to think I won't be going back until (hopefully) August and probably won't see my students in person until they're fifth-graders.  There are certain aspects of online learning that I enjoy - mainly the fact that I can stay in my pajamas and drink coffee, eat breakfast, and use the bathroom whenever I want to - but otherwise it's all the worst parts of teaching, like planning and constantly communicating with parents, without any of the fun parts.

These kids are missing out on so many fun experiences that happen near the end of the school year that just can't be replicated virtually, and that makes me sad.  At least mine will have two more years at our school, so unless they move over the summer, we'll see each other again next year.  But I feel for the kids who are graduating or moving on to another school next year and may not see their teachers or classmates again.

See I feel so bad for the kids and students on this. And it's why those who aren't taking this seriously are infuriating. Like you're why we're going to be stuck doing this longer!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 20, 2020, 07:08:06 PM
I sim, basically to torture them. A friend sent me links to some mods though and you can install it so your sims have to deal with a zombie apocalypse (biting and killing zombies included), a possessed child, and a serial killer mod lmao where they can come in randomly and you fight to survive. Or you can be the killer. So ya know, Sims have evolved thanks to tech savvy fans LOL.

OMG... amazing!!  I really haven't played Sims since The Sims 2; I'm sure it's a lot different now.  I'm kind of afraid to get back into it because of what a distraction it would be, but all that sounds awesome.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 21, 2020, 07:38:01 AM
I knew you'd love the serial killer one lol.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 21, 2020, 05:18:10 PM
Of course!  I would want my Sim to be the serial killer... ideally while dressed up as a clown, Gacy-style.  The zombie apocalypse mode and possessed kid sound awesome too!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on April 22, 2020, 08:49:21 PM
OMG... amazing!!  I really haven't played Sims since The Sims 2; I'm sure it's a lot different now.  I'm kind of afraid to get back into it because of what a distraction it would be, but all that sounds awesome.

It's so very different now. You can multitask! lol

I've seen lots of people removing the doors from their Sims' houses so they have to be in quarantine too  :D
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 23, 2020, 04:01:14 AM
This is all making me want to Sim lmao.

Death to Sims!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 23, 2020, 10:22:01 AM
It's so very different now. You can multitask! lol

I've seen lots of people removing the doors from their Sims' houses so they have to be in quarantine too  :D

 :D
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on April 23, 2020, 10:32:53 AM
I've never played Sims, in fact I don't play anything.  But it does sound like fun.

No sign of lockdown being lifted here at the moment, but Wales does have the lowest deaths of the UK and they are falling, so it's looking more promising here.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 23, 2020, 07:03:01 PM
Our stay at home order just got extended until May 31.  Not surprised.  They are also mandating masks or face coverings in places where social distancing isn't possible, like stores.  On the flip side, they're going to start re-opening some of the state parks and allowing golf and fishing and stuff like that with restrictions (like no more than two people fishing together).
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on April 23, 2020, 09:13:59 PM
So...I'm sure all of you saw my mayor make national news for being a moron and offering up Vegas as a control group LOL. Thankfully it's not up to her. And no one who lives here is that shocked she wants the Strip open so badly even though she has no say there as it's not technically Vegas, it's an unincorporated part of Clark County. It's all about the money for her, her family has had mob ties for years and they still have investments in the casinos.

Our Governor closed schools for the rest of the year. He hasn't stated when we're reopening yet but he's basically said it won't be until he thinks it's safe on the advice of medical experts. What I think will happen is the state will reopen slowly. Starting up north and in the mining areas. Vegas will be last due to the kind of city we are, and I think the Strip will be the last part to be allowed to open.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 23, 2020, 09:26:58 PM
Here in Quebec we have 22 thousand cases and our prime minister gonna talk next week about their plans for the school, but the parents will not be obligate to send their kids to school if the school open by the end of the school year.

Our government to open very slowly the regions where they hardly have cases.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 24, 2020, 12:43:55 AM
So...I'm sure all of you saw my mayor make national news for being a moron and offering up Vegas as a control group LOL. Thankfully it's not up to her. And no one who lives here is that shocked she wants the Strip open so badly even though she has no say there as it's not technically Vegas, it's an unincorporated part of Clark County. It's all about the money for her, her family has had mob ties for years and they still have investments in the casinos.

Our Governor closed schools for the rest of the year. He hasn't stated when we're reopening yet but he's basically said it won't be until he thinks it's safe on the advice of medical experts. What I think will happen is the state will reopen slowly. Starting up north and in the mining areas. Vegas will be last due to the kind of city we are, and I think the Strip will be the last part to be allowed to open.

What an idiot. I'm glad your governor is handling things well.

You should have seen the comments on the local news' Facebook posts by the idiot Trumpers who live in my area.  I should know by now not to click on the comments because they always make me cringe so hard.  People are pissed that the whole state of Illinois is on lockdown for another month because "All the cases are in Chicago. We don't have any cases here. Why can't Chicago just stay closed and downstate open up?!"  Um, yes we do have cases down here, and we'll have more if people keep denying reality and acting like they're invincible.  I kind of wish some of them would follow their leader's advice and inject themselves with disinfectant, but I don't think most will - not because they're smart enough not to, but because they still don't think the virus is a problem!  I'm still seeing comments that say things like "It's just a flu!" and "Bring it on!  If I get it, it will just make my immune system stronger."  And when these covidiots are presented with facts and firsthand accounts from healthcare workers on the frontlines, they claim it's just a liberal hoax to cause a panic.

I get that some people are just stir-crazy, and others have legitimate reasons to be concerned about money and jobs and whatnot, but they don't seem to understand that saving people's lives is the priority here.  They're more concerned about their rights as a 'Merican.  Jesus, is it really that big of a deal to cover your face when you go into a store?  If you don't like it, stay home!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 24, 2020, 02:28:26 AM
Yeah people are stupid here too! They don’t understand that people like me not gonna be able to leave our house at all because we can die because of covid-19.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 24, 2020, 11:20:23 AM
I know... people are so selfish.  Some won't care until they or one of their loved ones gets it.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 24, 2020, 12:36:10 PM
I’m gonna begin my 8 weeks confine at home monday
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 01, 2020, 10:21:34 AM
They may say that we have to wear face masks here too when going out to shops, so my mum has been busy making them as she has nothing else to do as unable to leave the house for 12 weeks.

I don't mind wearing one if it helps protect me and other people.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 01, 2020, 12:33:34 PM
Here too we need face mask when we go to buy food and we have almost 30 thousand cases only in province of Quebec
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 01, 2020, 03:56:25 PM
Same here with face masks and they finally decided no school for the rest of the year in NY.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 01, 2020, 05:04:31 PM
Little school gonna open on may 11, high school are close for the rest of the school year and college too are close
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 01, 2020, 05:34:53 PM
Same here with the masks.  Luckily my mom sews, so she's been making them.  Our governor said today that certain regions of the state may be able to start opening back up before others, if they meet certain criteria involving declining cases and capacity of hospital/ICU beds. There's a big difference between what it's like where I live in central IL and what it's like up around Chicago, so we'll see.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 02, 2020, 01:18:24 AM
Well the Stay At Home got extended till the 15th, no surprise. We as a state also teamed up with California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado - aka the smart west coast states so that's encouraging - for a reopening plan they're going to form together to try and contain the spread since our governors know if one becomes a hot spot, we're all sunk. I missed the Vegas special but I did see Nick's intro asking people to stay home and stay safe and I got a small kick out of Gov Sisolak introducing Nick LOL.

Part of our reopening plan basically states that casinos will be the last priority, which duh. But the Trumper locals are pissed. It's so dumb cause no one will travel anyway so why worry about them right now. But they've been pissy in general since we finally went from purple to blue in 2018 lol.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 02, 2020, 01:56:48 AM
I haven't seen the Vegas special yet either. Anyone know if it's been posted online yet?  I've been out of the loop this week.

It's smart for bordering states to band together on this.  The idiots down by me are threatening to just drive to neighboring states with less strict guidelines to do whatever it is they're so desperate to do.  Great way to bring the virus back to us so it takes even longer for us to reopen.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 02, 2020, 03:50:36 AM
I haven't seen the Vegas special yet either. Anyone know if it's been posted online yet?  I've been out of the loop this week.

It's smart for bordering states to band together on this.  The idiots down by me are threatening to just drive to neighboring states with less strict guidelines to do whatever it is they're so desperate to do.  Great way to bring the virus back to us so it takes even longer for us to reopen.

Nick didn't perform, bummer. But I have his speaking part posted on the TDS channel.

https://youtu.be/4OmAV0x2kUI

I agree about states banding together. Especially since Trump isn't going to help. Everything is falling to the governors. I know conservative Nevadans are bitching saying we're turning into California. We're not but I'd be fine with that lol. I saw the Huntington Beach protest videos on Twitter though and it's just so stupid. Why is science so hard for them?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 02, 2020, 06:16:27 AM
The east coasts are doing the same thing. At least a good portion of the governors know what they’re doing. We thank God for Cuomo up here.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 02, 2020, 01:55:12 PM
Nick didn't perform, bummer. But I have his speaking part posted on the TDS channel.

https://youtu.be/4OmAV0x2kUI

I agree about states banding together. Especially since Trump isn't going to help. Everything is falling to the governors. I know conservative Nevadans are bitching saying we're turning into California. We're not but I'd be fine with that lol. I saw the Huntington Beach protest videos on Twitter though and it's just so stupid. Why is science so hard for them?

Thanks!  I wonder why he didn't perform something?

Ugh, now some of the Republican mayors and congressmen in my area are pushing back against our Democratic governor, calling him a dictator for extending the stay at home order, even though he already relaxed some of the requirements and expressed that there might be the possibility of opening up some regions of the state before others.  I get they're concerned about jobs and the economy, but isn't that what unemployment and the stimulus checks are for?  It's not like people who are out of work have no way of getting money, and some of them are making more from collecting unemployment than they would be if they were working.  And the economy will bounce back once everything opens back up.  I think all that is just an excuse to disagree with a leader from the opposite party.  If Pritzker was a Republican, they would support his decisions, and the Dems would be the ones complaining.  I hate politics.

It's scary how many people ignore or outright deny facts, logic, and science.  The anti-vaxxers, the flat Earthers, the "climate change is a hoax" crowd, and now these Covidiots.  WTF?  It's like we're heading back into the Dark Ages with all these ignorant people.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 02, 2020, 04:30:54 PM
It is scary. I really do try to see it from the whacko side but I honestly can’t ever wrap my head around why anyone thinks that all the people who have died is an ok amount because we didn’t hit as much as predicted. I am trying to limit my news watching because I feel it elevating my blood pressure.

The truth is some of these jackasses (mayors mostly) want companies to open so this way people who were unemployed can no longer claim because their companies are now back in business. It’s disgusting.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 02, 2020, 06:14:22 PM
It is sad to see how many people care more about money than human life.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 03, 2020, 02:36:13 AM
I mean my mayor went viral for her push back LOL.

Yeah and I mean Texas is opening because they don't want people trying to claim unemployment. Which, what the fuck? Why is money more important than lives? I watch people say they don't care if their families die and that even they're willing to die for the "freedom to live". And if it was JUST them then you know what, fine. But these morons don't seem to understand how science works and that their stupidity can easily infect and possibly kill others. Blows my mind.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 03, 2020, 02:38:14 AM
OH and I just saw Missouri is saying it's okay for concerts to come back! That is literally the LAST thing that should come back. I love concerts and I hate that all our plans this year are basically fried due to Covid but come on. Science! A concert would be a hot bed for this shit to spread and start all over again. I swear to God these red states are going to be why we'll be on lockdown for ages.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 03, 2020, 10:17:45 AM
In province of Quebec our prime minister said the researchers say we have a year and a half to be in a pandemic state because people to respect the lockdown. Our government want to begin to open slowly school for kids, daycare and shop with outside doors.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 06, 2020, 04:58:31 AM
Well we now have the highest deaths in Europe, which is shocking :( I think Wales has the lowest in the UK though, which is something to be thankful for.

No sign of lockdown ending and it's been over six weeks now. 
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 06, 2020, 11:05:51 AM
We’re one of the only states still in lockdown. Phase one for NY starts on the 15th if numbers are still declining. Up here in western NY our numbers keep going up though.

It seems like all the countries are taking turns with being the highest numbers. Hopefully the murder hornets will stay away from Wales!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 06, 2020, 11:51:49 AM
Quebec have the most high number of cases in Canada and we have almost 50 thousand cases. People don’t respect the lockdown more and more with the time.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 06, 2020, 11:04:54 PM
Sorry, everyone!  Our stay-at-home order is still in effect until the end of May, but our governor did announce a five-phase plan to reopen the state.  We're currently in Phase 2.  In Phase 3, gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed, and we have to get to Phase 4 to be able to go back to school or have gatherings of up to 50 people.  Big events like concerts won't happen until Phase 5, and I doubt that will be this summer.  They're also going to allow different regions of the state to be in different phases, depending on the numbers in that region, so it's likely my part of the state will gradually go back to "normal" before Chicago just because we have fewer people and significantly fewer cases.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2020, 03:50:24 AM
I wish they would do it by region here, but doesn't seem that they are.  Some parts of the country have very little, while others have very high cases.  Our PM is making announcements on the weekend about easing out of lockdown.  Work have told us we will probably be going back in about four weeks, some have started going back this week, but that's because it's harder for them to work from home.

I don't think my daughter will be going back to college this school year though, but we will see.

My son is finding it hard being completely on his own, he lives about 20 miles away and isn't working at the moment due to the restaurant being closed.  He is getting 80% of his pay, which is a good thing, but he's lonely and bored without his work.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 07, 2020, 10:14:37 AM
That’s what they’re doing here. By region and in phases. My sister was told to stay home until the end of May and then they’d reassess. This country is opening up too fast and we’re going to be back at square one within a few weeks.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 07, 2020, 10:16:32 AM
I wish they would do it by region here, but doesn't seem that they are.  Some parts of the country have very little, while others have very high cases.  Our PM is making announcements on the weekend about easing out of lockdown.  Work have told us we will probably be going back in about four weeks, some have started going back this week, but that's because it's harder for them to work from home.

I don't think my daughter will be going back to college this school year though, but we will see.

My son is finding it hard being completely on his own, he lives about 20 miles away and isn't working at the moment due to the restaurant being closed.  He is getting 80% of his pay, which is a good thing, but he's lonely and bored without his work.

Aww, I’m sure it’s hard being stuck in lockdown alone, especially if you’re a social person. I could easily do it but I’m sure most would have difficulties. I’m a mole woman lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 07, 2020, 10:38:30 PM
Aww, I’m sure it’s hard being stuck in lockdown alone, especially if you’re a social person. I could easily do it but I’m sure most would have difficulties. I’m a mole woman lol

This whole situation definitely favors those of us who are homebodies and introverts anyway.  I rarely get lonely, bored, or stir-crazy.  I'm completely content in quarantine and enjoying the fact that it's finally socially acceptable to be a hermit.  I do miss being able to go out to eat and do stuff with family and friends, but we've been having virtual happy hours about once a week, and that's been a good way to catch up.  Half my friends are online anyway, so no change there.  I feel for people who are more extroverted and like being busy because I know this is much harder on them.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on May 09, 2020, 02:41:52 PM
Heyyy it has been a minute!

Sorry to see that some of us are having such a rough time with this. Especially in Quebec - everytime I see the news about things over there I get so sad. You are two provinces over from me (I am in Manitoba for those who don't know) and the situation could not be more different. We have 30 active cases and have successfully been flattening our curve for the last 6 weeks or so. Things are slowly starting to open back up. Still not sure how I feel about that. Sadly, the re-opening does not include being able to go visit family or anything like that. But we have been having "distancing beers" with my father in law which has been really nice. We are also going to have a "distancing lunch" with my mother in law tomorrow for mother's day. My mum and dad are pretty worried so we haven't done anything like that with them. Some days I have driven over to their place and they visit with Liam through the window of my car. We do pick up groceries for them and my Grandma every couple of weeks as my sister lives a couple hours out of town.

Very challenging time for my husband and I as we have a three month old. I am personally quite extroverted (as I am sure a lot of you know who have met me in person lol) so this is... quite rough. I was feeling quite isolated from world before this having been on mat leave and not really knowing what to do with myself.

Has BSB postponed their summer tour? I haven't been keeping up with them much. I had tickets to see the 3 1D guys who are touring North America solo this summer -- Niall cancelled his tour completely, Louis has postponed indefinitely and Harry hasn't said a word yet but I assume it's gonna be postponed as well. We have tickets to Harry's show in Vegas and a TON of my 1D friends were going to be there. It was sort of going to be like the BSB cruise where a bunch of people who hadn't met in person were finally going to meet after talking online for a long time. Naturally I was dragging Julia with me LOL. Quite disappointing to have that be pushed back but obviously it makes sense. Niall's second album was actually released the day that everything went upside down over here, it was so weird. Like one half of my twitter timeline that week the world was slowly shutting down, the other half was losing their minds over all his promo stuff he was doing. He was doing an album release show in LA that night (March 13) and I knew some people flying to LA for that show. In between the time they boarded the plane and landed the show went from still being on to being cancelled and Niall went home to the UK. Crazy!! We got four albums from those guys in the space of four months so it's nice to at least have new music to tide us over during this weird time.

I also couldn't quite believe it when they closed the Canada/USA border except to trade. Historic, for sure. I don't even think they did that in the days after 9/11. Not that I'd be crossing the border right now, but I live 45 minutes from North Dakota, I have spent a lot of time there in my life and it's so weird to think I'm not allowed in!!

Hope everyone in here continues to be safe and well.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 09, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
Yes Quebec is very bad right now and now I hope our prime minister close everything again to stop the virus continue to increase again. I live an hour for Montreal and this is like the worst place to live right now. Because of my health I cannot go out at all and I begin my 3 months inside my home.

I don’t think the show in Montreal gonna happen because Bell center gonna be close until 2021 and all theater, show center are close in Quebec for the rest of the year.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 09, 2020, 04:15:17 PM
Hey Steph! Welcome back and congrats on baby Liam. He’s adorable!

BSB has postponed their Australia and New Zealand dates, but as far as I know, they haven’t really made a call about everything else. I was supposed to go see them in September which would’ve been the first time in years. I’m sure that’s most likely not going to happen. It seems like most concerts are postponing for an exact year to the date so maybe that’s what BSB and the 1D guys will end up doing as well.

I have noticed a new thing on FB were the MAGATs are now complaining how certain things are being taken off Facebook that contradict the stay at home orders. Why are people so dumb! The thing is, I’ve seen some pretty smart people posting crap like that! 
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 09, 2020, 06:22:30 PM
NY is going to start there phase one opening on the 15th, but we were just notified that Buffalo will not be part of that because our numbers are still going up. Our county has the second highest number of cases so we have to wait longer.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 10, 2020, 12:09:11 AM
Welcome back, Steph!  Good to see you on here.

I think the Boys are waiting until they have rescheduled dates to make an announcement about the North American tour, like they did with Australia.  AJ mentioned in an interview last week that their plan is to reschedule, not outright cancel, any dates that they have to.  Nothing about the North American tour specifically.  I bet it will be June before we get an official announcement, but I'm expecting it to be postponed.  Disappointing, but I'd rather wait another year and still have BSB events to look forward to than have it completely cancelled.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 10, 2020, 01:16:35 AM
Welcome back, Steph!  Good to see you on here.

I think the Boys are waiting until they have rescheduled dates to make an announcement about the North American tour, like they did with Australia.  AJ mentioned in an interview last week that their plan is to reschedule, not outright cancel, any dates that they have to.  Nothing about the North American tour specifically.  I bet it will be June before we get an official announcement, but I'm expecting it to be postponed.  Disappointing, but I'd rather wait another year and still have BSB events to look forward to than have it completely cancelled.

I haven't heard anything officially but I'm pretty sure that's the case. AJ is saying postponed and they didn't announce the Aussie leg delay till they had all their ducks lined up in a row. So I bet they'll announce it once all the new dates are locked in.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 11, 2020, 05:46:49 AM
Welcome back Steph :)  Harry has rescheduled his tour here for next year, my daughter and her friends were due to go to the show in April, they were gutted but at least their tickets will be transferred to the new date.  Hope you get some news about rescheduled dates soon too.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on May 11, 2020, 09:35:09 AM
Hey Steph! Welcome back and congrats on baby Liam. He’s adorable!

BSB has postponed their Australia and New Zealand dates, but as far as I know, they haven’t really made a call about everything else. I was supposed to go see them in September which would’ve been the first time in years. I’m sure that’s most likely not going to happen. It seems like most concerts are postponing for an exact year to the date so maybe that’s what BSB and the 1D guys will end up doing as well.

I have noticed a new thing on FB were the MAGATs are now complaining how certain things are being taken off Facebook that contradict the stay at home orders. Why are people so dumb! The thing is, I’ve seen some pretty smart people posting crap like that! 

Thanks Mare :) Yeah, we kinda like him haha!

Ughhh the MAGA people on FB... don't even get me started lol. They're bad here too, and there was a rally at our legislature on Saturday with people wearing MAGA hats. You live in Canada, idiots! I've seen people I previously thought were pretty smart posting about how the virus was lab created etc etc... I just have to shake my head because there is no point arguing with that level of stupidity. I am sure it stems out of feeling like you have no control in the situation and wanting to have some level of it, but damn that is not the way LOL
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on May 11, 2020, 09:41:26 AM
Welcome back Steph :)  Harry has rescheduled his tour here for next year, my daughter and her friends were due to go to the show in April, they were gutted but at least their tickets will be transferred to the new date.  Hope you get some news about rescheduled dates soon too.

Thank you :) Yeah I'd seen that about the Europe dates! I had friends who were planning to go to the London show and they had to push their travel plans back. I think Louis did the same with rescheduling Europe because I had another friend who was going to travel from the US to go to all his UK/Europe dates and he posted they were rescheduled I think a day or two before she was supposed to fly out. Crazy. I am sure Harry's show will be fun when Holly does get to go though! He did manage a couple shows before this all went down and the tour looks insane, good setlist, stage design etc. His shows are definitely the best I've seen out of the lot of them.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 11, 2020, 10:17:46 AM
Thank you :) Yeah I'd seen that about the Europe dates! I had friends who were planning to go to the London show and they had to push their travel plans back. I think Louis did the same with rescheduling Europe because I had another friend who was going to travel from the US to go to all his UK/Europe dates and he posted they were rescheduled I think a day or two before she was supposed to fly out. Crazy. I am sure Harry's show will be fun when Holly does get to go though! He did manage a couple shows before this all went down and the tour looks insane, good setlist, stage design etc. His shows are definitely the best I've seen out of the lot of them.

I'm sure his shows will be amazing when you eventually get to see him, he seems like more of a showman than the others, although I'm also loving Niall's music too.  Holly is hoping for a 1D reunion some day. 
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on May 11, 2020, 06:11:36 PM
I'm sure his shows will be amazing when you eventually get to see him, he seems like more of a showman than the others, although I'm also loving Niall's music too.  Holly is hoping for a 1D reunion some day. 

Yeah I like Niall's music more than Harry's since it leans a bit more pop, but Harry's live shows were way more fun last time around for sure. I have seen some stuff swirling around about a reunion or sorts for their 10 year anniversary in July but I'm not holding my breath for anything substantial. Maybe by the time the 20 year hits they'll all be able to agree on reunion terms lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: carterkid on May 11, 2020, 10:13:39 PM
It's just boring,boring,boring around here! :'(
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 11, 2020, 11:10:44 PM
It’s boring here too!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 12, 2020, 04:02:28 AM
I'm really not finding this lockdown hard at all.  I know a lot of people do seem to be struggling, and that is awful for you if you aren't managing very well.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 12, 2020, 04:04:28 AM
Yeah I like Niall's music more than Harry's since it leans a bit more pop, but Harry's live shows were way more fun last time around for sure. I have seen some stuff swirling around about a reunion or sorts for their 10 year anniversary in July but I'm not holding my breath for anything substantial. Maybe by the time the 20 year hits they'll all be able to agree on reunion terms lol

Yes, I suppose we will have to see what happens regarding a reunion.  But like you say, can't see anything much for July
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 12, 2020, 06:15:01 AM
I’m more anxious about the reopening than I am about the lockdown. By the time this is over, my car registration and inspection will be expired which means the hassle of switching over to NY will be a huge hassle.

I’m not a huge fan of people so this has been nice lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 12, 2020, 09:37:45 AM
That sounds like a hassle Mare :(  Cars are a pain in the arse at the best of times lol (well in my case that is)
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 12, 2020, 12:33:08 PM
I really want to sell it and be done but I am still paying the stupid thing off. I barely drive! It’s such a waste of my money.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 13, 2020, 06:54:24 AM
Wow yes, that is a complete waste of money then.  Hope you haven't got too much left to pay off.  I'm hardly driving mine at the moment due to working from home, so haven't had to put any petrol in for two months, so it's saving me some money at least.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 14, 2020, 05:48:00 AM
See I'm on the other end. I wish I could be bored LOL.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 14, 2020, 06:55:56 AM
Wow yes, that is a complete waste of money then.  Hope you haven't got too much left to pay off.  I'm hardly driving mine at the moment due to working from home, so haven't had to put any petrol in for two months, so it's saving me some money at least.

Same! My car has only been driven twice since February and one of those times was my sister using it. I haven’t put gas in since early January. Lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 15, 2020, 12:13:38 AM
Wow yes, that is a complete waste of money then.  Hope you haven't got too much left to pay off.  I'm hardly driving mine at the moment due to working from home, so haven't had to put any petrol in for two months, so it's saving me some money at least.

I went almost two months without having to fill up my tank too - so nice!  Except since demand is down, gas prices have gone way down too... I'm sure they'll go right back up again once people are getting out more.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 15, 2020, 10:22:47 AM
Yes, prices have gone down here too, which would be great normally but as we can't go anywhere it's not helping much lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 08:00:02 PM
Well, it's official:  the North American leg of the tour has been postponed too.  I knew it was probably coming and think it's the right decision, but it's still disappointing to hear.  I'm glad they're going to reschedule though.  Hopefully we get some new dates in the announcement next week.

Mare, do you think this is all because you were actually going to go to a show for the first time in years?  Or is it because I faked sick to stay home from work to buy these tickets because no one else could?  LOL I'm kidding, but ugh... I should have known it was all too good to be true!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 08:22:04 PM
Montreal concert is cancel too! I hope we are gonna be able to keep our tickets for next year
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 08:35:34 PM
It sounds like that's the plan. They said hang on to your tickets because they'll be coming back, and there will be an announcement next week, which I'm guessing will have the new dates.  They're probably still trying to finalize things.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 08:41:08 PM
I hope because I don’t want to loose my ticket and I cannot wait for the next date for next year
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 08:42:32 PM
I know.  At least we'll still have something to look forward to, even if it takes another year.  This year sucks.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 19, 2020, 08:53:29 PM
Well, it's official:  the North American leg of the tour has been postponed too.  I knew it was probably coming and think it's the right decision, but it's still disappointing to hear.  I'm glad they're going to reschedule though.  Hopefully we get some new dates in the announcement next week.

Mare, do you think this is all because you were actually going to go to a show for the first time in years?  Or is it because I faked sick to stay home from work to buy these tickets because no one else could?  LOL I'm kidding, but ugh... I should have known it was all too good to be true!

I think back to February and how we had everything perfectly lined up, and I'm sad LOL. Adult me knows this is the right move, no way can anyone social distance at a concert. I knew it was coming. But this still really sucks.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 08:56:47 PM
Very sucks! My job in summer camp not gonna open this year, the football team not gonna have a season and no christmas market because of the covid-19. So I lost my 3 jobs!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 09:00:53 PM
I think back to February and how we had everything perfectly lined up, and I'm sad LOL. Adult me knows this is the right move, no way can anyone social distance at a concert. I knew it was coming. But this still really sucks.

I know!  I think that's the worst part, knowing how perfectly this would have worked out.  I hope the new dates will be similar/close together.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 09:01:47 PM
Very sucks! My job in summer camp not gonna open this year, the football team not gonna have a season and no christmas market because of the covid-19. So I lost my 3 jobs!

I'm so sorry!  That is terrible.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 09:08:31 PM
Thanks.

We have so much cases of covid-19 in Quebec so our prime minister decide to keep school close outil september.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 09:19:59 PM
We are finishing school online this week, and no decisions have been made yet about the fall.  We usually go back in mid-August.  I really hope we'll be able to do in-person learning in some capacity.  I think down here we probably will because there aren't many cases in my part of the state, but we have so many idiots trying to sue the governor for "taking away their freedom" that I worry it will get worse before it gets better from more and more people just flat-out ignoring the guidelines.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 09:25:18 PM
Here no one can goes in others area of Quebec, so the tourism suffer a lot. No one can go in the others provinces of Canada. Borders between provinces are close until fall. Canada/USA borders it’s close until the beginning of July.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 09:44:05 PM
Canada is wise to keep the border closed because the U.S. is full of morons.  You don't want them coming your way! LOL
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 09:48:32 PM
Yes, Canada can be wise sometimes.

Many high school exchange program not gonna be able to send theirs students for the school year in Canada this year because of the covid-19.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 10:03:27 PM
That is sad, but probably a smart decision.  We don't want anyone spreading it from country to country or getting stranded far away from home if we were to open up, then have to go back under quarantine.  There were already foreign exchange students who couldn't go back home because of travel bans.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 19, 2020, 10:04:23 PM
Well, it's official:  the North American leg of the tour has been postponed too.  I knew it was probably coming and think it's the right decision, but it's still disappointing to hear.  I'm glad they're going to reschedule though.  Hopefully we get some new dates in the announcement next week.

Mare, do you think this is all because you were actually going to go to a show for the first time in years?  Or is it because I faked sick to stay home from work to buy these tickets because no one else could?  LOL I'm kidding, but ugh... I should have known it was all too good to be true!

A little from column A and a little from column B
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 10:09:53 PM
Same thing for Montreal it’s said that it is cancel. I hope we are gonna have another date next year.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 19, 2020, 10:11:24 PM
From what I've seen people sharing on Facebook, they all say cancelled right now.  I think it's just because they haven't announced the rescheduled dates yet.

2020 is no one's year.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 19, 2020, 10:21:01 PM
Yeah 2020 sucks a lot! Because of that stupid covid-19 I cannot leave the house at all because I’m a risk because of my illness. I’m stuck between the four walls of my home since march.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 20, 2020, 06:10:39 AM
Over here things are a little different between the countries.  England are allowed to travel anywhere in England for exercise etc, but have to stay in their own houses overnight.  They are also allowed to meet up with one other person from outside of their home.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are still on the stricter lockdown.  We aren't allowed to travel anywhere apart from essential stuff like food.  Not allowed to meet up with anyone outside of our homes.  Some places are starting to re-open again, like DIY shops and a few takeaways.  We are allowed out for exercise more than once a day now, which is great.

Shame about all the cancelled tours, hopefully they will be re-arranged after this pandemic is over.  I was due to be seeing Westlife next month, that was cancelled and refunded while other shows were rescheduled in other parts of the UK.  I'm also due to be seeing Phantom of the Opera in December and have wanted to see it for years!  I bet that will also be cancelled :(

I think I may have jinxed this year too!  On 1st January I said this was going to be a great year with lots to look forward to.  I should have kept quiet lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 20, 2020, 06:43:37 AM
We are in phase one of reopening here and one of things open are shops with curbside pickup. How the hell? I mean I get food curbside pickup but how do you go shopping for everything else with curbside pickup? I mean besides the big chains like Wal-Mart and Target. These smaller shops without even a website are opening up for curbside pickup. “Yeah, I want that one thing hanging on the third rack. That one.” Wtf?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 20, 2020, 06:46:06 AM
The closed borders are having an Effect on Buffalonians who regularly commute across the border for work. I think it’s a good idea though.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 20, 2020, 11:48:41 AM
Over here things are a little different between the countries.  England are allowed to travel anywhere in England for exercise etc, but have to stay in their own houses overnight.  They are also allowed to meet up with one other person from outside of their home.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are still on the stricter lockdown.  We aren't allowed to travel anywhere apart from essential stuff like food.  Not allowed to meet up with anyone outside of our homes.  Some places are starting to re-open again, like DIY shops and a few takeaways.  We are allowed out for exercise more than once a day now, which is great.

Shame about all the cancelled tours, hopefully they will be re-arranged after this pandemic is over.  I was due to be seeing Westlife next month, that was cancelled and refunded while other shows were rescheduled in other parts of the UK.  I'm also due to be seeing Phantom of the Opera in December and have wanted to see it for years!  I bet that will also be cancelled :(

I think I may have jinxed this year too!  On 1st January I said this was going to be a great year with lots to look forward to.  I should have kept quiet lol

That seems strange that England has looser restrictions than the rest of the U.K.  I would have guessed it would be the other way around, since England has a much higher population than the other three countries.  Doesn't seem fair to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland!

I said in the other thread I'm not superstitious, but this was my thirteenth year of teaching, and I remember thinking at the beginning of the school year, "Hm... is it going to be a lucky 13 or an unlucky 13?"  I had a pretty good class this year, but I guess it turned out to be unlucky. :(  As for 2020... ugh.  This year sucks.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 20, 2020, 11:52:35 AM
We are in phase one of reopening here and one of things open are shops with curbside pickup. How the hell? I mean I get food curbside pickup but how do you go shopping for everything else with curbside pickup? I mean besides the big chains like Wal-Mart and Target. These smaller shops without even a website are opening up for curbside pickup. “Yeah, I want that one thing hanging on the third rack. That one.” Wtf?

I'm not sure how that would work without a website or at least a Facebook page.  How do you even know what there is to order for pick-up? LOL  For stores that already have a website, it's not much different than online shopping.  You can just order online and pick it up at the store instead of paying for shipping, and it will be quicker if it's something they already have in stock. 
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 20, 2020, 06:43:11 PM
My state hasn't made a call yet about school for the fall yet. Nevada is weird cause I mean it's 90% rural and then Vegas and Reno lol. So the cities tend to be smarter but we do have our share of Trump morons who want their freedom *eye roll*. We're going to be hit hard because tourism is our lifeblood so even after we reopen it's going to hurt cause who is going to travel when there's no shows or anything? Nightclubs are saying they won't reopen till 2021. I guess you can come here to gamble? LOL. And we do have gorgeous nature but that's not why people come to Vegas lol.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 20, 2020, 07:28:43 PM
Here in Quebec the high school, cegep and university their students gonna study online in the fall.
The little school gonna open, but don’t know how they gonna do to receive all the kids.


Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 21, 2020, 04:44:18 AM
That seems strange that England has looser restrictions than the rest of the U.K.  I would have guessed it would be the other way around, since England has a much higher population than the other three countries.  Doesn't seem fair to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland!

I said in the other thread I'm not superstitious, but this was my thirteenth year of teaching, and I remember thinking at the beginning of the school year, "Hm... is it going to be a lucky 13 or an unlucky 13?"  I had a pretty good class this year, but I guess it turned out to be unlucky. :(  As for 2020... ugh.  This year sucks.

It is strange considering England has had a much higher death toll than the rest of the UK.  Our lockdown gets reviewed on 28th so we'll see what happens then, but I don't expect much to change, maybe a few more shops will open.

A few drive through McDonalds re-opened in the south of England, the news showed queues for miles!  People must be mad waiting that long just for burgers lol

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 21, 2020, 08:14:14 AM
Especially McDonalds lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 21, 2020, 01:49:14 PM
It is strange considering England has had a much higher death toll than the rest of the UK.  Our lockdown gets reviewed on 28th so we'll see what happens then, but I don't expect much to change, maybe a few more shops will open.

A few drive through McDonalds re-opened in the south of England, the news showed queues for miles!  People must be mad waiting that long just for burgers lol


Wow, that's crazy!  Most restaurants here with drive-thru or takeout never closed down (just can't dine in), but our governor announced restaurants can open up outdoor seating starting next Friday, so I imagine those places will be crazy.  I'm going to stay away until it calms down.  I did hear Starbucks drive-thru lines have been crazy since they opened back up, as most of them around here were closed initially.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 21, 2020, 09:36:16 PM
Here all the restaurants are close, but many choose to do boxes or take out for their clients. We didn’t when the restaurants gonna open again, because things change everyday here.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on May 21, 2020, 10:18:40 PM
Wow, that's crazy!  Most restaurants here with drive-thru or takeout never closed down (just can't dine in), but our governor announced restaurants can open up outdoor seating starting next Friday, so I imagine those places will be crazy.  I'm going to stay away until it calms down.  I did hear Starbucks drive-thru lines have been crazy since they opened back up, as most of them around here were closed initially.

Restaurants here opened up their patios a couple weeks ago - I have yet to see anyone actually sitting on one and I drive by quite a number of them daily. They also opened up golf courses a couple weeks ago so my in-laws are happy LOL. My brother in law is a doctor and he has basically been in the hospital, sleeping or golfing these days.

Our Premier announced today that schools will be going back a few weeks early to make up for lost time and it's not clear if teachers will be paid extra, or how they're even going to manage that. There was something mentioned about them losing their PD days which is ridiculous. I have a lot of friends who are in education here and they are pretty upset by this decision. Very bad judgement by the government for a lot of reasons. I hope they reconsider after all the pushback they're going to get.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 22, 2020, 03:06:24 AM
Some restaurants here have started a limited delivery service, but I think they are being overwhelmed with demand as I hear there are long waits for the food.  I'd rather wait until they re-open and things have calmed down.

Steph, they should pay them extra if they are having to go back early.  It's not clear what's happening with schools here either though.  England are going back next month but not sure about Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 22, 2020, 06:59:32 AM
Pretty much all the states here are in the process of opening while some of the dumber states (pro Trump ones) are seeing their number of cases rise again. I give it about two more weeks before we are right back where am we started only this time orange Hitler won’t close anything down.

NY was talking about doing the same thing. Starting the school year early, especially if it has to start online. This is all insane!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 22, 2020, 09:34:32 AM
Orange Hitler lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 22, 2020, 01:50:00 PM
Orange Hitler lol

If the show fits lol

On another note. I still haven’t received an email concerning my BSB tickets and whether or kit they concert has been postponed or cancelled
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on May 22, 2020, 08:02:41 PM
Some restaurants here have started a limited delivery service, but I think they are being overwhelmed with demand as I hear there are long waits for the food.  I'd rather wait until they re-open and things have calmed down.

Steph, they should pay them extra if they are having to go back early.  It's not clear what's happening with schools here either though.  England are going back next month but not sure about Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Absolutely they should pay them extra for having to go back early! We have a very conservative government in power right now in Manitoba so there have sadly been cuts to education, health care and public services. It's really sad - and they are intent on continuing the cuts even through this pandemic and moving forward with the budget and plan they had for the province before this all started. It was a bad plan before and its even worse now. Frustrating.

Mare, I feel like Ticketmaster emails might be coming in order of when the shows were? I just got the email for one of my concerts a couple days ago, and that show was supposed to be on June 9. Not sure when your BSB show was but maybe they're prioritizing sending out the emails for shows that were to happen a bit sooner? I worked for Ticketmaster years and years ago and unless something has drastically changed there, that place is definitely a shitshow with all this mess lol.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 23, 2020, 12:11:14 AM
Our Premier announced today that schools will be going back a few weeks early to make up for lost time and it's not clear if teachers will be paid extra, or how they're even going to manage that. There was something mentioned about them losing their PD days which is ridiculous. I have a lot of friends who are in education here and they are pretty upset by this decision. Very bad judgement by the government for a lot of reasons. I hope they reconsider after all the pushback they're going to get.

That is ridiculous!  How disrespectful toward teachers.  Just because we haven't been physically going to school for the past two months doesn't mean we weren't still working and at least attempting to help our students learn.  In some ways, we had to work harder to figure out all this new technology on the fly and then help our students and their parents navigate it, too.  In other ways, it was easier, sure, but I don't think anyone on either end would say remote learning was easy or ideal.  Teachers and students deserve to have their summer vacation as originally planned and should start fresh in the fall.  Starting early is not going to make much of a difference in what the kids learn, but it could make a huge difference for teachers' morale and rate of burnout.  I know everyone's worried about the kids falling behind, but they're all in the same boat.  Teachers are aware of this and will adjust their instruction accordingly to catch them up next school year.  We are used to working with kids of all ability levels and backgrounds anyway, so it's not a big deal.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 23, 2020, 12:11:59 AM
That could be true about Ticketmaster emails coming out in the order of shows.  My shows were back to back, and I got the emails on back to back days.  They were July 31-August 1, so toward the beginning of the tour.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 23, 2020, 12:28:45 AM
Has anyone else found themselves doing more online shopping right now? I'm so burnt out on stores cause of work, I've been ordering practically all my non-essentials online LOL.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 23, 2020, 12:57:44 AM
I go through phases.  I did spend $130 on the Backstreet Boys store about a month ago, which I would normally never do.  Happy birthday to me!  I also bought a couple of quarantine-themed sweatshirts on Amazon to commemorate the occasion.  Otherwise, I've probably shopped a lot less, online or otherwise, than I normally would.  I didn't buy any spring clothes because I have basically been living in loungewear, so that saved me some money.  I haven't been to Target in over two months, which is huge.  I tend to be the "go to Target for one thing and end up spending $100 after wandering through every aisle and buying a bunch of stuff I don't need just because it's cute" type of shopper, so my debit card is happy to get a break.  I still buy stuff on Amazon, but not any more than usual.

Then there's the fact that stuff I really could use is out of stock.  I saw an Office Depot ad on Twitter a few weeks ago for office chairs under $100, and my office chair at home is literally falling apart - the fake leather is peeling off, and I'm always having to re-adjust the height because it randomly sinks down - so I actually clicked on the ad, found a chair I liked for a good price, and ordered it.  Then I got an email saying the chair was actually on backorder and would be delayed... okay, fine... and then they randomly cancelled my order without telling me and blamed it on my credit card being declined, which is bullshit because I didn't even pay with a credit card.  I paid with PayPal, and I had plenty of money in my account to cover the balance, but thankfully they didn't charge me.  I tried to just place a new order, but now all the chairs they're advertising, including the one I wanted, are conveniently out of stock.  I contacted Customer Service like two weeks ago and never got a reply, so Office Depot's on my shit list now.  I thought I'd buy a chair from their competitor, Staples, but most of their chairs are out of stock too.  I guess everyone decided they needed a new chair now that they're working from home, and chair manufacturers must be considered non-essential.  Oh well.

I'm just really glad my desktop computer survived online learning.  It's like 9 years old, super slow, and makes odd noises... I just know it's going to die on me one of these days, but I can't quite bring myself to buy a new one yet.  I mostly write on my Chromebook and only use the desktop for making graphics and stuff like that.  If we don't go back to in-person learning in the fall, I will probably bite the bullet and get a new one.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 23, 2020, 03:47:50 AM
Oh, that could be it. My show isn’t until September 11th, so if they are going in order, that would make sense. Thanks Steph!

I haven’t spent money on anything since this pandemic. The only thing I have bought were a few books with gift cards. That seems to be the only thing I ever really buy for myself these days without feeling guilty.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 23, 2020, 08:04:01 AM
I go through phases.  I did spend $130 on the Backstreet Boys store about a month ago, which I would normally never do.  Happy birthday to me!  I also bought a couple of quarantine-themed sweatshirts on Amazon to commemorate the occasion.  Otherwise, I've probably shopped a lot less, online or otherwise, than I normally would.  I didn't buy any spring clothes because I have basically been living in loungewear, so that saved me some money.  I haven't been to Target in over two months, which is huge.  I tend to be the "go to Target for one thing and end up spending $100 after wandering through every aisle and buying a bunch of stuff I don't need just because it's cute" type of shopper, so my debit card is happy to get a break.  I still buy stuff on Amazon, but not any more than usual.

Then there's the fact that stuff I really could use is out of stock.  I saw an Office Depot ad on Twitter a few weeks ago for office chairs under $100, and my office chair at home is literally falling apart - the fake leather is peeling off, and I'm always having to re-adjust the height because it randomly sinks down - so I actually clicked on the ad, found a chair I liked for a good price, and ordered it.  Then I got an email saying the chair was actually on backorder and would be delayed... okay, fine... and then they randomly cancelled my order without telling me and blamed it on my credit card being declined, which is bullshit because I didn't even pay with a credit card.  I paid with PayPal, and I had plenty of money in my account to cover the balance, but thankfully they didn't charge me.  I tried to just place a new order, but now all the chairs they're advertising, including the one I wanted, are conveniently out of stock.  I contacted Customer Service like two weeks ago and never got a reply, so Office Depot's on my shit list now.  I thought I'd buy a chair from their competitor, Staples, but most of their chairs are out of stock too.  I guess everyone decided they needed a new chair now that they're working from home, and chair manufacturers must be considered non-essential.  Oh well.

I'm just really glad my desktop computer survived online learning.  It's like 9 years old, super slow, and makes odd noises... I just know it's going to die on me one of these days, but I can't quite bring myself to buy a new one yet.  I mostly write on my Chromebook and only use the desktop for making graphics and stuff like that.  If we don't go back to in-person learning in the fall, I will probably bite the bullet and get a new one.

While I've always been a homebody I've been getting things for my desk that I've put off forever. Because on my downtime that's more or less where I am, on my computer writing, or simming, or watching random YouTube videos. These days I do write primarily on my chromebook but if I need to make graphics or upload videos for something I'd switch over to my desktop. I got a new desk chair cause mine finally wore out and after that came in I find I'm using my desktop more too just because it's comfortable. Target still has some nice ones if you need a new chair. Mine's a serta brand one. Bought a new desk lamp and a cushioned mouse pad too LOL. I could use a new desk as I got the one I have currently when I moved into my apartment 5 years ago, I was broke at the time so I got a cheap one LOL. But I'm being picky and haven't found one I liked yet.

I noticed at work anything tech related has basically sold out. Everyone realized they weren't prepared to work from home and ran out to buy things. Amazon has been a god send too. The day after Nevada shut down, one of my pantry shelves broke. Maintenance at my complex is really awesome normally but due to the shutdown they were only doing essential repairs like A/C or plumbing, so that was out. I ended up buying this rolling shelf that's made to fit that weird space between your fridge and counter and it created a lot of new space and helped me reorganize the kitchen LOL.

I'm doing crazy hours right now, plenty of OT but nowhere to go so I'm buying nonessential luxuries I brushed off before this cause I wanted to go on trips instead basically LOL. I mean I did just buy two things from the BSB store though cause of the sale and cause I decided what the hell haha. My stimulus check is basically sitting in my savings, probably till next year when the DNA tour comes back.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 25, 2020, 06:01:12 AM
I've not bought much since lockdown, apart from essentials and a couple of new tops online.  My husband however has decided to learn to play the guitar! So he's bought all the equipment and is constantly on YouTube learning.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 25, 2020, 01:14:01 PM
That's awesome!  Good for him.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 25, 2020, 06:06:35 PM
I've not bought much since lockdown, apart from essentials and a couple of new tops online.  My husband however has decided to learn to play the guitar! So he's bought all the equipment and is constantly on YouTube learning.

That's pretty cool!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 27, 2020, 03:21:34 PM
In case you haven't seen, they announced the new North American tour dates!  https://www.backstreetboys.com/news/299193  My three are the same weekend as originally scheduled, just a year later, which I couldn't be happier about!  I was hoping they'd stay in the summer, even if it means waiting longer, so I wouldn't have to worry about missing work or being super tired traveling to and from shows on school nights, since they're all about a 3 hour drive from where I live.  Plus, Rose was planning to fly out to go to three in a row with me, and now she still can!  I hope the new dates work for everyone else too.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 27, 2020, 04:24:16 PM
Mine will be in July now instead of September. Hopefully it’ll work.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 27, 2020, 04:28:39 PM
I hope so!  At least you don't have to wait as long as if it was September of next year.  I like that they're starting in early June instead of July.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 28, 2020, 04:30:30 AM
That's great news that they were able to reschedule and the dates are all suitable for you :)

I had an email yesterday to say I'll be getting a refund for Phantom of the Opera as it's been cancelled :(  The show is not until December! But I suppose the tour of it starts way before then, so they have to cancel the whole thing.  Disappointing for everyone though.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on May 28, 2020, 08:16:08 AM
Aww I’m sorry Steph, that stinks!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 28, 2020, 11:50:34 AM
Oh no, that is disappointing!  This whole year has been one disappointment after another.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 29, 2020, 03:45:38 AM
Awww!

Yeah this year has been a downer.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 29, 2020, 09:53:57 AM
Seems the rest of the UK are easing restrictions a lot more than they are here.  It was announced today that from Monday we can meet up with one other household outside, but still can't travel anywhere, and no other shops are opening yet.  We are way behind England who can drive wherever they want in England. 

How is the lockdown easing going where you live?

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on May 29, 2020, 11:23:41 AM
Me I cannot leave the house at all because of my degenerative illness I am too much at risk to have it if I leave the house.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 29, 2020, 01:11:28 PM
We entered "Phase 3" of my state's reopening plan as of today, which means restaurants are open for outdoor-only seating, many stores and attractions like zoos are re-opening at limited capacity with masks required, and gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed.  If things go well and we don't see a spike in new cases, we can move to the next phase at the end of June, which would allow schools to reopen in August... but they warned us that we could also go back to "Phase 2" if things worsen.  So we'll see.  There are still people complaining about having to wear masks and threatening to travel to neighboring states with fewer restrictions - like Missouri, which made the news last weekend for all the people partying at Lake of the Ozarks, completely ignoring the fact that we're in the midst of a pandemic.  I'm curious to see what their cases look like in the next two weeks.

It doesn't seem fair that Wales is so far behind the other parts of the UK when you have fewer cases, Steph.  It seems like it's still a lot stricter over there than it is here, and my state is one of the stricter ones because of the high number of cases in the Chicago area.  But now that school's out for the summer and my concerts have been rescheduled, I'm okay with us being behind so we can watch what happens in the other areas that have already reopened and hopefully not make the same mistakes.  And if there aren't big spikes in places that reopened early, great!  That would be a good sign.

Rose, I saw a commercial for Vegas tourism last night, advertising a different but more intimate Vegas experience.  I took that as a good sign too.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on May 30, 2020, 01:22:27 AM
Yeah Vegas' new focus is to try and cox people back but make them feel safe.

Phase 2 just began today but protests sparked so that might hurt the new phase since I have a feeling cases might spike as a result. So far, we're still doing good. Testing went up so our numbers did too but not an extreme amount. The crown prince of Abu Dahbi had to donate tests cause we couldn't get them from Trump lol.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 01, 2020, 04:02:03 AM
Trump wouldn't supply tests? That is awful.

We have our own idiot in charge of the UK though
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 01, 2020, 09:46:26 PM
It figures, just when retailers start to open back up, everything is closing early because of all the rioting and looting going on.  I support the protests, but I hate to hear about more violence and vandalism... and also hate how those acts are being blamed on the Black Lives Matter movement when the actual protests against police brutality have been mostly peaceful and lawful.

It did make me laugh a little to see a report in our local news this morning that the local zoo was broken into last night, and someone released two donkeys, then returned them safely.  Of all the random things to do - free the donkeys? LOL WTF?  Glad no animals were harmed.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 01, 2020, 10:41:29 PM
My favorite looting report was the woman who stole a whole cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory and was walking down the street with it. I guess she’s my evil spirit animal lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: alota_cookin on June 01, 2020, 11:05:48 PM
Hi all! I’m checking in from good ol’ Michigan.
It’s been forever since I have been on here! I forgot how much I enjoyed this little family!
We are doing ok here. Since I work in a nursing facility, my kids have been doing school from home and everything in Michigan had been insanity...my days haven’t been boring! Lol.
The past week or so I actually started writing again, just to de-stress some. I was super happy that I was able to log in to the forum since I’ve had no luck logging in to AC.
I’m glad to see that you all seem to be doing ok, for the most part!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 02, 2020, 12:21:09 AM
My favorite looting report was the woman who stole a whole cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory and was walking down the street with it. I guess she’s my evil spirit animal lol

Haha!  If I were going to loot anything, cheesecake would be a good choice.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 02, 2020, 12:26:44 AM
Hey, welcome back, Kristal!  Long time no see!  Thanks for being an essential worker through all this.

Writing is a good way to de-stress.  I didn't write all weekend, I was so distracted by everything else that's been happening, but I finally forced myself to sit down and try tonight, and I feel so much better.  I know we need to pay attention to what's going on in the world, but it's nice to turn off the TV, close the social media apps, and just escape for a little while.

I hope you're able to get your AC account figured out.  There's been a lot of issues with the site the last couple of years because the platform it runs on is no longer being updated or maintained.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 02, 2020, 03:46:21 AM
Welcome back Kristal, good to see you are ok and that writing is helping you to de-stress :)

Julie, I saw on TV about the cheesecake, it even made it to our news lol.  I think if I was going to take something (not that I would of course), it would be something sweet :D

It is nice to turn the TV and social media off and try and forget all the bad stuff that's going on in the world right now.  I've enjoyed reading and listening to music instead to escape it all.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 02, 2020, 08:56:28 AM
Hi Kristal! Welcome back! Sorry your having problems with the site. Like Julie said, we are working with a very old server and the spam attacks are slowly killing us.

Thanks for being an essential worker.

Last night in Buffalo someone drove a car over two Policemen.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 02, 2020, 09:16:22 AM
Oh god, how awful!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on June 02, 2020, 12:35:11 PM
Hey Kristal! Welcome back. Glad to hear you’re doing well.

I have been writing a bit as well, just working on a fic with a couple friends for fun and writing random bits of it here and there. It’s a fun way to de-stress.

I saw that cheesecake thing too. Hilarious lmao
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 02, 2020, 02:12:06 PM
Last night in Buffalo someone drove a car over two Policemen.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: alota_cookin on June 02, 2020, 03:16:13 PM
Uh oh! I tried resetting the password but I never get the email...so maybe I’ll just have to make a new account or something. Lol
Thanks for all the welcome backs! I missed you gals!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 03, 2020, 03:56:13 AM
It figures, just when retailers start to open back up, everything is closing early because of all the rioting and looting going on.  I support the protests, but I hate to hear about more violence and vandalism... and also hate how those acts are being blamed on the Black Lives Matter movement when the actual protests against police brutality have been mostly peaceful and lawful.

It did make me laugh a little to see a report in our local news this morning that the local zoo was broken into last night, and someone released two donkeys, then returned them safely.  Of all the random things to do - free the donkeys? LOL WTF?  Glad no animals were harmed.

LMAO okay honestly the randomness of it makes me love whoever that person was.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 03, 2020, 04:02:27 AM
Wow welcome back! Thank you for what you're doing. Essential working is so stressful.

So far my Target had to close early Sunday/Monday. Tuesday though we went on as normal. I work on the opposite end of Vegas, up towards the mountains. So so far we're low risk in terms of a protest or looting happening nearby But protocol right now is if there's multiple protests in the city then we shut all the stores in the city down early. My team gets paid for the hours they were scheduled too even if we shut down early so, there's that. It sucks though cause I'm the closing front end leader so many of my cashiers are younger and they're just scared with all this happening.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 15, 2020, 03:28:16 AM
How's everyone doing?  I wasn't online much last week because I needed a break from it all, but I'm back now.  I see I didn't miss anything here.

I got my hair cut on Friday for the first time since all this started, which felt good.  Things are starting to feel more normal now that more stores and stuff are open, but at the same time, not really.  It's still weird.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 15, 2020, 09:48:06 AM
Sometimes you need a break Julie, taking time away from online stuff and news is good for you I think.

Over here non-essential shops are still closed, although garden centres, KFC and McDonalds drive through all re-opened again.  In England they re-opened today, but not sure when Wales and Scotland will open.  Hairdressers, restaurants and pubs won't open until at least July.  I trimmed my own hair as I was getting fed up of it.  Luckily as my hair is a frizzy mess, it doesn't really matter if it's wonky as you can't tell lol.

As we are now able to travel within five miles, it's been so good to be able to walk along the seafront again.  That's the one thing I really missed as I can see the sea from my house in the distance, but couldn't go there.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 15, 2020, 10:09:56 AM
Things here are starting to open. This week we’re entering phase three which means indoor dining and most businesses opening but with social distancing guidelines. Of course, people aren’t following the rules. Our governor said that there have been thousands of places cited for not following social distancing and not wearing masks. He’s going to end up reversing some of these guidelines. People are so dumb. Now these people who have recovered from the virus and had been in the hospital for weeks on ventilators, are getting their hospital bills here with totals over a million dollars. Welcome to America.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 15, 2020, 06:30:46 PM
Steph, are people in the UK protesting how strict the guidelines are, or do they generally accept them?  It sounds like it's much stricter there than it ever has been here, and yet people in my area are constantly complaining about their rights being violated because they can't dine in at restaurants or shop without wearing a mask.  It's so ridiculous.  I get that, for most people, it's not fun to be cooped up, and wearing masks aren't comfortable, but it's a small price to pay to prevent people from getting sick.  Of course, the ones complaining are the same people who think COVID-19 is "no big deal" or a made-up liberal media hoax.  Is that happening in other countries too, or is that just a dumb American thing?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 15, 2020, 06:39:50 PM
Now these people who have recovered from the virus and had been in the hospital for weeks on ventilators, are getting their hospital bills here with totals over a million dollars. Welcome to America.

Oh my god, I just saw a story about that on Facebook!  And of course, the comment section was full of Canadians and people from other countries with universal healthcare talking about how that would never happen in their country.  I don't understand why people in the US are so against it!

I really do wish we would split into two separate countries - peacefully, without a Civil War this time.  Let the south/red states secede; they can fly their Confederate flags and idolize their statues and spread their germs and pay ridiculous prices for healthcare and insurance and keep Trump as their president, while the Union enjoys equal rights and universal healthcare and elects a decent person to lead us.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 15, 2020, 06:43:02 PM
^ I second this idea!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 15, 2020, 07:46:43 PM
Hey! I’m from Canada so don’t talk bad about my country!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 15, 2020, 08:00:30 PM
No one's talking bad about Canada.  My point was that I wish the US had the same kind of healthcare Canada and a lot of other countries have; I agree with the Canadians in the Facebook comments.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on June 15, 2020, 08:26:27 PM
I saw that story! At least with the one I saw the guy's bills were mostly going to be covered by his insurance. But still yikes yikes yikes. I don't see why there are so many issues with getting health care in the states. The Canadian system is far from perfect but at least we don't end up with bills like that.

There was a dumb protest here about the closures last weekend but it was so unnecessary. Most things have opened back up. Only 25 people showed up to the protest... they could have had it inside LOL. On the flipside we had about 15,000 people show up to our BLM protest - it was peaceful and respectful. I wasn't able to go because we couldn't find anyone to watch Liam and I was mildly worried it was going to turn violent because there was an alt-right group saying they were going to use it as an excuse to start some shit. Glad to see that didn't happen.

My province is down to 5 active cases! Woooo
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 16, 2020, 05:34:32 AM
How's everyone doing?  I wasn't online much last week because I needed a break from it all, but I'm back now.  I see I didn't miss anything here.

I got my hair cut on Friday for the first time since all this started, which felt good.  Things are starting to feel more normal now that more stores and stuff are open, but at the same time, not really.  It's still weird.

We had to put Phase 3 on hold to make sure the upwards numbers in cases here doesn't keep spiking. Our Governor is PISSED that some of the casinos aren't enforcing the guidelines. There's murmurings masks will be required in casinos soon. But of course locals are bitching that Phase 3 isn't immediately happening now. Like that's what you get for not being careful!

I NEED to cut my damn hair lol. It's so long so it's always in a braid so I don't lose my mind. But with everything happening I'm waiting till things mellow again.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 16, 2020, 05:36:43 AM
Oh my god, I just saw a story about that on Facebook!  And of course, the comment section was full of Canadians and people from other countries with universal healthcare talking about how that would never happen in their country.  I don't understand why people in the US are so against it!

I really do wish we would split into two separate countries - peacefully, without a Civil War this time.  Let the south/red states secede; they can fly their Confederate flags and idolize their statues and spread their germs and pay ridiculous prices for healthcare and insurance and keep Trump as their president, while the Union enjoys equal rights and universal healthcare and elects a decent person to lead us.

Yes please! I'm completely fine with that happening. They can even build a wall to keep us out. That way their virus spreading stupidity stays on their side.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 16, 2020, 07:00:20 AM
Omg, today phase three is happening up here in Buffalo and people were waiting on lines since last night to get into these stores like it was Black Friday. None of them were wearing masks and they were all clustered together. We are all too stupid to open back up. Honestly, Canada should keep their borders shut until all of the stupidest Americans die.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on June 16, 2020, 07:53:48 AM
I am really hoping the border stays closed for a long time. It’s the only reason my province is doing so well I think. We’re stuck in the middle of nowhere in Canada but I’m an hour drive from the US border and people often go back and forth.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 16, 2020, 10:41:55 AM
Steph, are people in the UK protesting how strict the guidelines are, or do they generally accept them?  It sounds like it's much stricter there than it ever has been here, and yet people in my area are constantly complaining about their rights being violated because they can't dine in at restaurants or shop without wearing a mask.  It's so ridiculous.  I get that, for most people, it's not fun to be cooped up, and wearing masks aren't comfortable, but it's a small price to pay to prevent people from getting sick.  Of course, the ones complaining are the same people who think COVID-19 is "no big deal" or a made-up liberal media hoax.  Is that happening in other countries too, or is that just a dumb American thing?

I think there are people who aren't happy with the way things are, but the majority of people seem to be accepting it.  It is for our own good after all and a small price to pay in the long run.

I see quite a few people shopping in face masks, my mum has made me a few.  I'd rather shop in a mask than risk getting or transferring the virus.  I saw on the news about huge queues for the shops re-opening in England.  I think ours will re-open in the next couple of weeks, but I won't be going to any shopping centres for a while.

We haven't had it as strict as some countries because we've been allowed out to exercise close to home.

We have our share of idiots here too who think the virus is made up.  A friend of my sister's is convinced it's a cover up for putting up 5G masts or something like that lol.

Mare, that is a huge bill to have to pay :( I'm glad we have free health service here as a lot of people wouldn't be able to pay.  Shame you don't have a system more like ours.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 16, 2020, 12:59:32 PM
Canada borders gonna be close until the end of July.

In Quebec, the restaurants gonna open next week with the shopping mall. Little school and high school gonna open only in september. Cegep and university gonna be online in the fall. No big show or fireworks for Quebec st-jean-baptiste or Canada day.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 16, 2020, 03:08:12 PM
Canada is smart to keep its borders closed.  Have you seen that meme about Canadians feeling like they're living in an apartment over a meth lab?  I laughed because it's probably true.

Mare, I keep waiting for natural selection to run its course, but the dumb ones will probably just infect other people without dying from it themselves.

I've heard reports of long lines outside stores as they reopen, but haven't seen any such lines myself... I tend to avoid going out at times when a lot of other people will be out though.  I like to get groceries late at night.

One of my new shopping pet peeves is people who go the wrong way down the one-way aisles.  I'm not really worried about walking past people, but I'm a rule-follower, and I find it so annoying that these poor employees probably spent hours planning a route through the store and putting out all those signs and arrows, only to have customers blatantly ignore them.  Ugh... I hate people.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 16, 2020, 03:08:23 PM
I really think its a mistake to not ban traveling. I feel like all borders should still be closed. Now New Zealand has a few cases because of two people who flew there from England tested positive.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 16, 2020, 03:10:47 PM
I still haven’t gone grocery shopping or really ventured out anywhere. I am just going to wait until I feel safe and I hate people too lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 16, 2020, 03:45:35 PM
No I didn’t see the meme that you talk about.

We have very long lines outside groceries stores because they didn’t let many people enter in the store at times.

I wish I can go outside to buy the birthday gifts for my brother and sister, I’m so bored too, but with my health is a big no for me.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: balance on June 16, 2020, 07:18:20 PM
I really do wish we would split into two separate countries - peacefully, without a Civil War this time.  Let the south/red states secede; they can fly their Confederate flags and idolize their statues and spread their germs and pay ridiculous prices for healthcare and insurance and keep Trump as their president, while the Union enjoys equal rights and universal healthcare and elects a decent person to lead us.


Hey!  I live in one of those red states and not all of us are like that!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: balance on June 16, 2020, 07:22:57 PM
I'd been out of school since 13 March.  Finally got to go back the last week in May to clean my computer lab and to help take up equipment.  Now, I'm worried because there are so many questions about the fall, I'm not sure I will have a job because I'm a related arts teacher.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 16, 2020, 08:31:53 PM
^ I feel you on that one. All the arts teachers I know are really worried about their fate next year. Talk is there are already so many adjustments that taking the arts away for a year might be the answer. I hope that’s not the case and everything works out so that people will be back in their classrooms instead of having to do any remote learning.

And nice to see you posting, Pam!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 16, 2020, 08:54:59 PM
We need to create a new forum before this one stop working to continue to keep contact with everyone here.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 16, 2020, 10:31:12 PM
I’m pretty sure this board will be fine. It’s separate from the actual site. At least I think it is.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 16, 2020, 11:56:38 PM
Hey!  I live in one of those red states and not all of us are like that!

No offense intended; you can stay in the Union!  I feel you; I live in a blue state, but that's only because of Chicago - central Illinois, where I live, is more red.  I'm surrounded by idiots who call those who wear masks sheep and display yard signs saying our governor sucks for trying to keep people safe.  *facepalm*
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 17, 2020, 12:01:07 AM
I'd been out of school since 13 March.  Finally got to go back the last week in May to clean my computer lab and to help take up equipment.  Now, I'm worried because there are so many questions about the fall, I'm not sure I will have a job because I'm a related arts teacher.

It's frustrating not knowing what things will look like in the fall.  I hope you'll be able to keep your job!  I don't see my district trying to cut the arts program, even if we do have to start the year online.  It's too important.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 17, 2020, 12:03:42 AM
If anything were to happen to this board, I've still got my old site's forum we could use.

https://dreamsanctuary.proboards.com/
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 17, 2020, 08:56:03 AM
I signed up for that Julie, I think I had an account years ago but couldn't remember my username or password.

I also hate people going the wrong way down the one way system in the supermarket.  We have arrows and blockades in place in the shops here too, but the amount of people I see ignoring it is so annoying.  Most seem to follow the rules, but you do always get some who blatantly ignore it.  It's usually old people and men I've found!  The old people don't even stay 2m away either, it's like they don't realise there is a global pandemic! 

I also tend to go shopping when it's quiet, if I see a big queue then I just drive to another shop or go home. 
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 17, 2020, 09:24:48 AM
The old people are the worst!!  I can't tell if they're clueless or just don't care.  I wanna be like, "You realize you're the most at risk and the main reason we have all these precautions in place, right??  Wake up, people!"
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on June 17, 2020, 10:59:46 AM
I can sympathize a bit with the older people. My grandma can barely see so she always goes the wrong way in the grocery store. She also said she was done with social distancing and she wants to still see us (I am also done with it but we had decided not to pressure her at all because obviously she’s highest at risk) and she basically said “I’m 93, I’ve lived my live, I want to see my great grand babies.” I get it, for us it’s like okay if we have to stay separate there’s a fairly high chance well all still be around in a year. At 93, that is not a guarantee at all.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 17, 2020, 03:51:28 PM
The old people are the worst!!  I can't tell if they're clueless or just don't care.  I wanna be like, "You realize you're the most at risk and the main reason we have all these precautions in place, right??  Wake up, people!"

My dad is going insane. He's listening and staying home but he's hating it lol. But he also sees the videos of people not being careful and says they're stupid lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 17, 2020, 04:22:18 PM
I especially feel bad for the older people stuck in nursing homes. I mean, those places are so dreary and depressing to begin with, let alone not being allowed to have visitors. I see why older people have that attitude where they feel like “I’m old, I have lived a good life! So I’m just going to go out and do what I want!” But there are high risk people who aren’t older and you can get them sick too, not to mention your own family. It sucks but that’s the way it goes. I know it’s been a long time, but it’s going to be even longer if people don’t keep up with wearing masks and staying inside.


Supposedly there are a whole gaggle of morons already waiting to get into orange hitlers rally on Saturday. I mean... come on! Seriously?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 17, 2020, 07:30:13 PM
I can sympathize a bit with the older people. My grandma can barely see so she always goes the wrong way in the grocery store. She also said she was done with social distancing and she wants to still see us (I am also done with it but we had decided not to pressure her at all because obviously she’s highest at risk) and she basically said “I’m 93, I’ve lived my live, I want to see my great grand babies.” I get it, for us it’s like okay if we have to stay separate there’s a fairly high chance well all still be around in a year. At 93, that is not a guarantee at all.

My grandma is the same way.  We stayed away from her the first two months so as not to risk exposing her, but by May, she was done with it all, so we started visiting her again at her request.  She even had me take her grocery shopping a few weeks ago because she was going stir-crazy and wanted to get out of the house.  I kept telling her I would go get her groceries myself or she could wait in the car, but she insisted on going in with me.  I do get it; she's 86 and doesn't want to waste the rest of her life sitting around her house all by herself.  To her, it's worth the risk to see people and go places when she can.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 18, 2020, 04:25:56 AM
My mum is 69 and hasn't been out since lockdown as she was one of the people who had a letter saying she had to shield at home for 12 weeks (which has now been extended until August).  She had breast cancer and finished her radiotherapy a few weeks before lockdown, so she doesn't want to risk getting Covid.  So she's getting her shopping online and we are visiting her but staying two metres away and standing in the garden.

I understand that some older people probably think they would rather risk it and go out and about, but they should also consider others and keep their distance in shops.  My sister had some old woman cough in her face when she was food shopping, and a few days later my sister became very unwell with Covid.  Luckily she didn't need to go to hospital, but she very nearly ended up there as she has a lot of other health problems.  If only the old woman had worn a mask or even kept her distance then she wouldn't have infected anyone.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 18, 2020, 05:13:00 AM
That is awful that your sister got it that way!  Gross old lady.  My grandma at least wears a mask.  People like your mom are exactly why we need to continue to follow the guidelines.  The virus is more likely to spread through droplets in the air than touching solid surfaces, which is why masks and social distancing help.  I wish more people understood that.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 18, 2020, 07:48:12 AM
I’m glad your sister is doing better. Yuck to that lady!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 18, 2020, 09:57:13 AM
Thanks, yes glad she's better now.

Julie, I wish more people understood too, but people are idiots aren't they.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 18, 2020, 04:05:17 PM
Yes they are.  Just got back from the grocery store and felt like I was the only one following the arrows the right way down the aisles.  Come on, people, it's really not that difficult to follow directions!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 18, 2020, 05:43:07 PM
Ugh! So gross. Glad your sister is okay.

Honestly I've offended people by keeping a distance but I don't care. Like I've been working this whole time and I'm going to keep being careful so I don't catch it.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Sakabelle on June 19, 2020, 05:22:18 PM
Glad your sister is okay Steph. That is gross when people don't wear a mask and just show no regard for others.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 20, 2020, 03:26:16 PM
So apparently 6 people on Trump’s team have tested positive for COVID ahead of his klandemic rally tonight. Should we start a pool on how many people will be infected as a result of this stupid rally?

Morons
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 20, 2020, 03:43:43 PM
I saw that too!  Not a good sign, but it's about what I expected.  Klandemic LOL - that is perfect!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 20, 2020, 06:36:39 PM
So apparently 6 people on Trump’s team have tested positive for COVID ahead of his klandemic rally tonight. Should we start a pool on how many people will be infected as a result of this stupid rally?

Morons

LMAO at Klandemic. I've been calling it Covidfest.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 21, 2020, 04:27:34 AM
Young people of the world...I salute you!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 21, 2020, 11:11:53 AM
Yes!  Super proud of the TikTok kids for trolling Trump.  Well done!  Let's hope all the ones who are eligible go vote in November.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 22, 2020, 02:50:29 AM
Do you really think he would be elected again?  Has he got that much of a following?  I don't know anything about American politics, so not sure how it works there, but he seems such a bad leader that I'm shocked he's still in power and people would even consider voting him in again.  As for people on his team with Covid, I bet he's got them injecting disinfectant lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: julilly on June 22, 2020, 11:06:14 AM
Do you really think he would be elected again?  Has he got that much of a following?  I don't know anything about American politics, so not sure how it works there, but he seems such a bad leader that I'm shocked he's still in power and people would even consider voting him in again.  As for people on his team with Covid, I bet he's got them injecting disinfectant lol

No one believed he could be elected in the first place so I think it’s definitely possible! And I’m sure republican states will do whatever they can to make it as difficult as possible for liberals to vote.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 22, 2020, 02:13:53 PM
I can vouch for the fact that no one thought he would actually get elected in the first place.  I sure didn't.  I have lost so much faith in my country and humanity in general over the last four years.

That being said, only about half the country actually voted in 2016, so if there is better voter turnout this time, especially among young people and minorities, that should give Biden an advantage over Trump.  But like Julilly said, the Republicans will do everything in their power to prevent them from voting.

Trump does still have quite the following, and they're a frighteningly devoted bunch!  I don't understand it at all.  I wish they would all follow his advice and inject disinfectant!

I asked my dad yesterday who he's going to vote for in November.  He's always been a Republican, but he didn't vote in the last presidential election because he didn't want to vote for Trump... but also couldn't bring himself to vote for Hillary.  He said this time he's going to vote for Biden.  My grandparents, who were also longtime Republicans, became Democrats during the Obama era and find Trump despicable.  So there is hope!

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 22, 2020, 04:11:04 PM
I get asked this question a lot from my non American friends. We actually tried to get him out of office. He was impeached but at this point the Republican Party is so corrupt that they voted to keep him in office. I am positive he has Manila envelopes full of nasty, dark things he’s holding against a lot of these people.

Trump and his cronies will do anything they can to win this election in November. He’s already claiming that the election is rigged and how mail in ballots are bad, setting the stage for some kind of uprise when he does actually lose in November. One thing’s for sure, the orange hitler is not going to go quietly.

I do feel like he’s going to lose. It seems like people who voted for Trump last tine, thinking that Hillary was the worst of two evils have figured out that perhaps they were wrong. Biden isn’t as off putting as she was.

Trump does have a big base but thankfully they’re also really ignorant and I’m hoping this virus will help bring their numbers down. That may seem horrible to say, but I’ve had it lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 22, 2020, 05:23:33 PM
Come to live in Canada we have a safe country here! We have beautiful landscape, people are very warm, our country have laws against firearm.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 22, 2020, 05:27:58 PM
I would love to!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 22, 2020, 07:51:57 PM
In Quebec we search for teacher because school doesn’t have enough staff for the baby-boom we have right now. Just last year in my little city they build a school for kids and we are gonna need a new high school very soon.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 22, 2020, 09:16:27 PM
There is a worsening teacher shortage across the U.S. too.  I would love to move to Canada, but realistically, I wouldn't want to find a different job, sell my house, or move that far away from my family.  Plus, I bet I would need to know French to teach in Quebec.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 22, 2020, 09:31:34 PM
Not at all because we have many english school because Quebec is an bilingual province.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 22, 2020, 09:40:12 PM
That's good to know!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 22, 2020, 09:53:54 PM
Well, from the looks of it I'm not going to be doing anything for awhile. Vegas opened up our freaking waterpark today and of course people aren't distancing or being careful. Meanwhile we're spiking. Florida is looking really bad too. 2020 sucks LOL
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 22, 2020, 10:17:24 PM
Yikes!

Illinois is on track to move into Phase 4 on Friday, which is good news because it allows for gatherings of up to 50 people... meaning as long as we don't backtrack, schools should be able to open in the fall.  Fingers crossed.  Of course, the idiots here are still giving our governor a hard time, not realizing that the reason we're still moving forward with fewer cases while other states are spiking is because of how he's handled things.  Even Chicago meets the criteria to move forward, which is awesome!

I actually have plans to go out for dinner, drinks, and trivia with a few friends tomorrow!  At a real restaurant!  Outdoors, of course.  I haven't been out to eat in over three months, so I'm looking forward to it.  I think restaurants will be able to open for indoor dining (with reduced capacity, party limits, and tables six feet apart) after Friday.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 22, 2020, 11:49:35 PM
Yikes!

Illinois is on track to move into Phase 4 on Friday, which is good news because it allows for gatherings of up to 50 people... meaning as long as we don't backtrack, schools should be able to open in the fall.  Fingers crossed.  Of course, the idiots here are still giving our governor a hard time, not realizing that the reason we're still moving forward with fewer cases while other states are spiking is because of how he's handled things.  Even Chicago meets the criteria to move forward, which is awesome!

I actually have plans to go out for dinner, drinks, and trivia with a few friends tomorrow!  At a real restaurant!  Outdoors, of course.  I haven't been out to eat in over three months, so I'm looking forward to it.  I think restaurants will be able to open for indoor dining (with reduced capacity, party limits, and tables six feet apart) after Friday.

I'm very jealous LOL. Some stuff opened back up in Phase 2 but so many are just being careless I decided to wait it out and I'm glad I did. Cause man it got bad fast. We went too fast and now we're suffering the consequences for it.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 23, 2020, 12:01:54 AM
I hope you guys don't have to backtrack in Vegas, but I guess it's better to shut it down if it continues to get worse than let it spiral out of control.  I know this is especially hard on places that rely so much on tourism, which is why Florida's in the same boat.  (Also, Florida's full of idiots. There's a reason "Florida Man" is a thing...)
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 23, 2020, 05:25:48 AM
Over here the level has changed meaning that shops have now re-opened with social distancing measures and schools are set to go back next week, but only part time.  I don't think pubs and restaurants are opening for another 2-3 weeks.  England tends to open up before the rest of the UK, so we'll see.  As the shops only opened yesterday, I'm avoiding until it all calms down.

Enjoy your meal and drinks out Julie, that will be lovely :)  I can't wait until I can do that with my friends, not been out with them since the beginning of March.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 23, 2020, 06:42:55 AM
Have fun, Julie! That should be nice being around your friends. I think I’m still avoiding going to restaurants or beauty salons for awhile. I have also been postponing going to the eye doctor or getting bloodwork done.

Pretty much everything is opening up here. I feel like we’re moving too fast now.

Even if some Americans wanted to move to Canada, I don’t think they’d take us lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 23, 2020, 09:34:11 AM
In Canada we welcome people with open arms and we are very warm people!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 23, 2020, 01:56:37 PM
I don't think places like Canada, Australia and New Zealand take just anyone do they? You have to have a skill they want, which leaves me in Wales lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 23, 2020, 03:04:55 PM
Yeah, it’s definitely not that easy. When my sister moved to Canada, she really couldn’t do anything because they wouldn’t approve a work visa for her because they didn’t feel like her skill set was essential, so she actually had to commute to Buffalo for work. In the end she decided to just move back to the US. If Trump gets re-elected I’m sure there might be a surge of people trying to cross the border. Trudeau might have to build a wall lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 23, 2020, 09:08:07 PM
I hope you guys don't have to backtrack in Vegas, but I guess it's better to shut it down if it continues to get worse than let it spiral out of control.  I know this is especially hard on places that rely so much on tourism, which is why Florida's in the same boat.  (Also, Florida's full of idiots. There's a reason "Florida Man" is a thing...)

LOL yeah Florida is definitely being stupider.

It's hard all around but it's also like if we become a hot spot then the tourism suffers more than it does had we just opened up more slowly. My sister's in California and she was shocked we opened the casinos already. We'll see how this plays out. She wants to come out and see dad but knows it's not safe yet so I'm gonna set up a Zoom chat this week so he can see the kids. I think it's the not visiting that's hard.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 23, 2020, 09:54:26 PM
The not visiting is definitely the hardest part.  I'm a homebody and an introvert who doesn't get lonely, and even I am glad to be able to see my family and friends again.  Our dinner out tonight was nice and felt mostly normal.

It looks like baseball will be starting back at the end of July!  I'm excited for that!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 23, 2020, 09:58:45 PM
Yeah, it’s definitely not that easy. When my sister moved to Canada, she really couldn’t do anything because they wouldn’t approve a work visa for her because they didn’t feel like her skill set was essential, so she actually had to commute to Buffalo for work. In the end she decided to just move back to the US. If Trump gets re-elected I’m sure there might be a surge of people trying to cross the border. Trudeau might have to build a wall lol

Yeah, it's very easy to say "I'm moving to Canada!" but not so easy to actually do it.  I don't even really know what Canada's requirements are, but I never fully realized until I started watching 90 Day Fiance what a long process it is to even get a visa to come to the U.S., at least depending on what country you're coming from.  I would imagine Canada is similar.  I've said I would love to move to the U.K. too, and I do think I would love living there, but will I ever do it?  Doubtful.  The reality is, I would never want to move that far from my family, and I'd have to be desperate to jump through all the hoops needed to immigrate.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 24, 2020, 08:37:37 AM
Well the UK is a lovely place to live, lots of beautiful places to visit, but I've never lived anywhere else so can't compare it to other countries.  
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 24, 2020, 10:15:59 AM
It really is!  I studied abroad in Scotland 15 years ago, and it's the most beautiful place I've ever been.  I would love to live in a cute little cottage there.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 24, 2020, 10:46:37 AM
Speaking of Scotland, I just saw that the Loch Ness Monster is trending on Twitter after a new photo of something in the water was taken.  Who had Nessie on their 2020 bingo card? LOL
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on June 24, 2020, 12:45:09 PM
If you find a job and place to live in Canada you can move in or if you have already a house in Canada.
In summer many people pass Canada border on Roxham road.

RokofAges75: I respond to your message about ER on twitter.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on June 24, 2020, 06:41:44 PM
Speaking of Scotland, I just saw that the Loch Ness Monster is trending on Twitter after a new photo of something in the water was taken.  Who had Nessie on their 2020 bingo card? LOL

Dammit I had Godzilla not Nessie lmao
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 25, 2020, 07:01:44 AM
Aww I hope this Nessie photo is real!

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 26, 2020, 07:52:24 AM
I hope the Nessie photo is real too!  Tim's mum was from Scotland and when he was a kid he was convinced he'd seen Nessie on a trip there lol

We were supposed to be going to Scotland in July and Loch Ness was one of the places we were going to go.  Obviously we aren't going now as travel is still banned in Wales, but we will go one day.  I've only been to Edinburgh and loved it there.  It really is a beautiful place.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on June 26, 2020, 10:03:23 AM
I’ve only been to Europe once. I went to London when I was in high school. It was a London and the theater tour so we saw several plays but also went to Stonehenge too. I would love to visit Scotland, Wales and Ireland one day.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 26, 2020, 05:09:45 PM
Aww, I'm sad you can't go this summer, Steph!  I went to Loch Ness when I was there in 2005, and the boat we went on had a Nessie decal on the window below the boat deck so that if you lined up your camera right, you could take a pic out the window that looked like the famous "surgeon's photo."   It also had a sonar system, and the boat captain told us about once a month or so, they would see a big shape moving in the water that they weren't sure what it was.  He was probably lying and playing it up because we were tourists, but it's fun to believe!

I really want to go back to the UK and go to England and Wales!  We mostly just toured all around Scotland and went to Ireland when I was over there before, but there is so much stuff in London I want to see!  I would love to see Stonehenge as well.  Someday!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 30, 2020, 02:43:40 AM
That boat trip sounds great! Yes, the crew were probably telling stories, but that's all part of the fun isn't it.  I've never seen Stonehenge, but it's one of those places I'll get around to seeing one day.

Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 06, 2020, 05:26:07 AM
From today we are finally allowed to travel more than five miles :)  But pubs, cafes and restaurants are still closed until next Monday, and even then we will only be able to sit outdoors, which in this country isn't the best with our unpredictable weather lol (as I'm typing this it's cold and I have a jumper on, in July!).

Hairdressers can finally open next week too.  But cinema, theatres, gyms etc, there is still no word on when or if they will re-open.

There are no cases in my town anymore, but that may change now that travel restrictions have been lifted.

How is everyone else doing?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on July 06, 2020, 06:16:45 AM
I'm doing good though cases are still spiking in Vegas. Rumor has it we're shutting things down again and that they were waiting after the 4th of July cause of the money coming in from that weekend. Rolling my eyes at that here. Honestly I just want people to get their shit together so I can feel safe traveling again next year.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on July 06, 2020, 06:31:19 AM
Things are continuing to reopen here in NY although cases as a whole are going up in the USA. If I was a guessing woman, I’d say in about a month we’ll all be back to square one because we have the worst and stupidest people here.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 06, 2020, 12:42:28 PM
Steph, I'm glad to hear they're lifting a lot of the restrictions there!  I just looked at the UK's stats, and the numbers for your entire country look a lot like the numbers for just my state. *facepalm*  The UK is a smaller country than the US, but our cases as a country are out of control.  If Trump had a conscience or an ounce of common sense and wasn't worried about his reelection, I'm sure we would shut down again.  I feel the same way, Mare - things are still looking okay here in Illinois, but with so many other states going up, I'm worried we will have another wave hit before school starts in the fall.  We really do have the worst and stupidest people in the world.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 06, 2020, 02:44:30 PM
Oh no, that's so awful to hear that parts of America are still really high.  I hope it can be brought under control soon, doesn't help with useless government I suppose though.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 06, 2020, 02:53:37 PM
We have the most cases in the world, by far.  It's embarrassing.  We were trending downward at the beginning of June, but we went right back up when states started reopening, and now it's the worst it's been.  https://www.google.com/search?q=us+covid-19&oq=us+covid-19&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l7.4023j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#wptab=s:H4sIAAAAAAAAAO NgVuLVT9c3NMwy Sk6OL8zJecTYxM gt8PLHPWGpyklr Tl5jLOYS901NyU zOzEt1ySxOTSxO 9clPTizJzM8T0u Nic80rySypFFLh EpRCNUeDQYqfC1 VISIOLA65XhotX ilM_V9_AMtm83A CompsLweXZxcTt kZqYU5IRXJJYUr yIVcw5vyg_L7Es s6i0WKEYKJZZXJ KZXAwAMgsWrL4A AAA

Not every state looks that way; most of the ones that shut down early and delayed reopening did manage to flatten the curve, but the states that reopened early (mostly the South) are causing a resurgence that I worry will spread into the states that seem to have it under control.  I think Mare said this a couple weeks ago, but I wish the states would all close their borders to keep it contained.  I can only imagine the complaining that would happen if they did, but it would be better than all states having to shut down again because of others' stupidity.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 06, 2020, 03:01:15 PM
Yes, it would be better if all states closed their borders and the ones worst off go into lockdown.

We are the worst in Europe, well England is, the rest of the UK have much lower death rates.  But now that the whole of the UK are able to travel between countries again, we will have to see what happens here. 
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 21, 2020, 12:44:15 PM
Well, the school districts have started releasing their plans for fall.  My district is doing a blended learning model.  Half the students will come to school on Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday.  The other half will come Tuesday, Thursday, and opposite Fridays.  The days they're not at school, they'll learn at home.  The school day will also be shortened by half an hour to allow extra time for cleaning and planning.  The district is going to reassess the situation every 9 weeks, and families also have the option to have their child do full online learning from home if they choose to.

I feel okay about this plan as of right now.  Only having half the class at a time will make it a lot easier to social distance, and I'm actually looking forward to having such a small class size for once!  I'm used to having 26-27 kids in a class, and now it will only be 13 or so at a time.  I'm happy to be able to start the year off with some face-to-face interaction and be able to see my kids in person at least a couple times a week.  It will also make it easier to transition to either all remote learning if things get worse or full, five-day in person learning when things get better.

On the flip side, my head is spinning thinking about all the new procedures there will be to teach, enforce, and build in time for, like frequent handwashing breaks, sanitizing hands every time we come into the classroom, disinfecting everything in the room, and so on.  The kids won't be able to share supplies at all, so I'll have to put away the extras I usually keep out for them to borrow as needed.  I'll probably have to get rid of the comfy pillows I keep in my reading corner so they're not spreading germs that way.  I'll have to come up with a plan to quarantine books from the classroom library between uses.  Bathroom breaks will need to be coordinated with the other classrooms in my hallway so we're not all trying to go at the same time.  I still have to figure out how I'm going to arrange the desks so the kids are sitting 6 feet apart.  Actual teaching and learning will come second to all these safety considerations .

I also feel for parents who work full time and are now trying to figure out what they'll do with their kids who are going to be home 2-3 days a week.  Hopefully most employers will be flexible with schedules, considering the circumstances, because not every job can be done from home.  Of course, I already saw lots of complaints from parents who would prefer the kids come back five days a week for their convenience, but their health and safety should come first.  I feel safer knowing they'll be able to spread out more and cut the number of other kids they come into contact with in half.

I'm just glad I live in an area where the virus is somewhat contained.  We do have cases, but not many cases compared to a lot of other areas.  If I lived in a state like Florida or Texas, I would be freaking out at the thought of going back to work.  But I feel like my district really does have the staff and students' best interests at heart and has come up with the best plan possible under these circumstances.

Anyone else know what their local school districts are doing?
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 09, 2021, 06:58:03 PM
Wow, no one has posted in this thread since summer.  As it's now the one-year anniversary of our "last normal week," I just had to come in and say something.  My school district went back to full, in-person instruction five days a week yesterday.  I have mixed feelings about it, but the first two days went well.  It has been nice to see both halves of the class that I've been teaching on different days all year finally together as one.  We still have every safety guideline in place except six feet of social distance, which just isn't physically possible with twenty-five kids in a classroom.  But at least it's another sign that things are starting to go back to normal.  Also, I finally get my first dose of the vaccine on Thursday!

I hope everyone else is doing okay!  Hang in there!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 09, 2021, 08:01:41 PM
Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of me getting a "weird unexplainable fever," then going to the doctor the next day, then going to a drive through testing site, then waiting a million years for results, and entering the ghost town of a world a week and a half later. I'm looking forward to celebrating it. ;) Thursday is my second dose.

I'm glad all your kids are back, but I'd be a little wary of sending them all back before all the teachers are vaccinated. That being said, in-person is so much better for them! I'm glad the first two days have gone well. I hope you're in good spirits through the transition and glad that you get your first dose on Thursday!

I wasn't here for the initial check-in, but I hope everyone is doing okay and hanging in there too.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 09, 2021, 08:30:53 PM
I’m glad things are starting to get back to normal somewhat although, it must be weird for the kids to finally be back together all day everyday for two months and then summer. I feel like they should’ve just left it as is until the end of the year. It’s too soon to have that many kids at one place from isolation. Almost a sensory overload!

I’m glad you guys are getting vaccinated. There are no appointments open by me. The closest is Syracuse and that’s a no lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 09, 2021, 08:59:44 PM
Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of me getting a "weird unexplainable fever," then going to the doctor the next day, then going to a drive through testing site, then waiting a million years for results, and entering the ghost town of a world a week and a half later. I'm looking forward to celebrating it. ;) Thursday is my second dose.

I'm glad all your kids are back, but I'd be a little wary of sending them all back before all the teachers are vaccinated. That being said, in-person is so much better for them! I'm glad the first two days have gone well. I hope you're in good spirits through the transition and glad that you get your first dose on Thursday!

I wasn't here for the initial check-in, but I hope everyone is doing okay and hanging in there too.

Wow, so you had it early!  I never got it, as far as I know.  If I did, I didn't have any symptoms.  Hopefully I can keep the streak going for the next month until I'm fully vaccinated. *knocks on wood*  Congrats on getting your second dose soon!

Yeah, that was my thought too.  I would have rather just waited until the start of next school year instead of changing the routine the kids have gotten into, but of course most parents wanted them to go back to five days a week, and apparently a majority of the teachers in our union were in favor of it too.  The cases in my area have been trending downward for awhile, and many of the other school districts have been in person five days a week without any major outbreaks, so hopefully it'll be okay.

I have a student teacher this year, and I'm happy for her that she will get a couple months of a more normal teaching experience.  There were so few behavior problems with only a dozen kids at a time that I was worried she wouldn't get enough practice with that aspect of classroom management.  I think she'll have more opportunities now that we have a normal class size LOL.

Hang in there, Mare.  I was frustrated by the lack of appointments and general lack of organization in my area, but I think it will get better as more people get vaccinated and the demand goes down.  It seems like the problem is not enough people to give the vaccine, rather than a shortage of doses.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 09, 2021, 09:17:56 PM
I’m glad things are starting to get back to normal somewhat although, it must be weird for the kids to finally be back together all day everyday for two months and then summer. I feel like they should’ve just left it as is until the end of the year. It’s too soon to have that many kids at one place from isolation. Almost a sensory overload!

I’m glad you guys are getting vaccinated. There are no appointments open by me. The closest is Syracuse and that’s a no lol

There's so many districts talking about going later or starting early, so what is summer at this point? It's probably so weird going back from learning at home to surrounded by other kids, but I think so many of them have been craving normal peer interaction, they might not care about the sensory overload. The teachers on the the other hand...

Oh yeah, the drive from Syracuse to Buffalo is not particularly fun! I've now spent a ridiculous amount of my time in Syracuse that I never thought I would, haha. Hopefully you can get one soon, Mare!


Wow, so you had it early!  I never got it, as far as I know.  If I did, I didn't have any symptoms.  Hopefully I can keep the streak going for the next month until I'm fully vaccinated. *knocks on wood*  Congrats on getting your second dose soon!

You know, after all that, my results actually came back negative! haha Sending you good vibes for keeping the streak alive!


Yeah, that was my thought too.  I would have rather just waited until the start of next school year instead of changing the routine the kids have gotten into, but of course most parents wanted them to go back to five days a week, and apparently a majority of the teachers in our union were in favor of it too.  The cases in my area have been trending downward for awhile, and many of the other school districts have been in person five days a week without any major outbreaks, so hopefully it'll be okay.

I have a student teacher this year, and I'm happy for her that she will get a couple months of a more normal teaching experience.  There were so few behavior problems with only a dozen kids at a time that I was worried she wouldn't get enough practice with that aspect of classroom management.  I think she'll have more opportunities now that we have a normal class size LOL.

That's good that your area is trending downward! I think it will feel safer and safer as time goes, especially once you have your two doses in. :)

One of my friends is student teaching this year too. What a strange year to student teach in! I'm glad she'll get a more normal experience and a chance to practice all her classroom management skills, since behavior incidents are a big one!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 09, 2021, 09:26:53 PM
There's so many districts talking about going later or starting early, so what is summer at this point? It's probably so weird going back from learning at home to surrounded by other kids, but I think so many of them have been craving normal peer interaction, they might not care about the sensory overload. The teachers on the the other hand...

Yeah, yesterday felt like the first day of school all over again!  Same kids I've had all year, but we did so much icebreaker stuff to help the two groups get to know each other and organizational/procedural stuff because they are finally allowed to put stuff in their desks and lockers now.  (Before they had to share a desk with a student who came on the opposite days, so they couldn't store their stuff in it.)  I was exhausted by the end of the day!  But the kids are definitely excited to see their friends from the other group that they haven't really seen all year.

Thankfully, we are not adjusting our summer schedule at all.  We are offering summer school, but I will not be teaching that.  Summer vacation is sacred. LOL


You know, after all that, my results actually came back negative! haha Sending you good vibes for keeping the streak alive!

Oh, well that's good!


One of my friends is student teaching this year too. What a strange year to student teach in! I'm glad she'll get a more normal experience and a chance to practice all her classroom management skills, since behavior incidents are a big one!

If nothing else, these new teachers will be flexible and able to adapt to anything!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 09, 2021, 09:47:32 PM
Yeah, yesterday felt like the first day of school all over again!  Same kids I've had all year, but we did so much icebreaker stuff to help the two groups get to know each other and organizational/procedural stuff because they are finally allowed to put stuff in their desks and lockers now.  (Before they had to share a desk with a student who came on the opposite days, so they couldn't store their stuff in it.)  I was exhausted by the end of the day!  But the kids are definitely excited to see their friends from the other group that they haven't really seen all year.

Thankfully, we are not adjusting our summer schedule at all.  We are offering summer school, but I will not be teaching that.  Summer vacation is sacred. LOL

If nothing else, these new teachers will be flexible and able to adapt to anything!

What a strange turn of events! "First day of school" in March! I'm happy they can have their own permanent space again even if it took some procedural time. I'm surprised you were so chatty here after a day like that!

I'm glad you still get your sacred writing (and hopefully concert) summer. :D

Yes! Having the practice with the flexibility and creativity will be a great repertoire addition!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 11, 2021, 10:03:57 PM
Also, I finally get my first dose of the vaccine on Thursday!

How are you feeling after your first dose?!

Dose two is going okay so far, just a sore arm. I'm trying to preemptively edit next week's update just in case, even though I wouldn't normally edit two weeks' worth of updates back to back.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 12, 2021, 10:17:04 PM
I'm good!  I didn't feel any different yesterday, but woke up with the sore arm this morning.  It's still a little tender, but not too bad.  I haven't had any other side effects.  I'm glad it hasn't been bad for you either.  Yay second dose!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Rose on March 13, 2021, 03:08:37 AM
I'm good!  I didn't feel any different yesterday, but woke up with the sore arm this morning.  It's still a little tender, but not too bad.  I haven't had any other side effects.  I'm glad it hasn't been bad for you either.  Yay second dose!
Which one did you end up getting? That was me pretty much after the first one.

Honestly I just want to feel safe doing things. Huzzah vaccines!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 13, 2021, 09:44:15 AM
Moderna was what they offered me, so that's what I got.  I hear that one is worse with side effects after the second dose.  I'll get my second one during spring break, so at least I'll be home anyway if I feel like crap afterwards.  But my mom already had both of hers (Moderna) and said the worst side effect for her was the sore arm.  So maybe it won't be bad at all.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 13, 2021, 01:31:34 PM
Which one did you end up getting? That was me pretty much after the first one.

Honestly I just want to feel safe doing things. Huzzah vaccines!

Same. Can't wait!

Moderna was what they offered me, so that's what I got.  I hear that one is worse with side effects after the second dose.  I'll get my second one during spring break, so at least I'll be home anyway if I feel like crap afterwards.  But my mom already had both of hers (Moderna) and said the worst side effect for her was the sore arm.  So maybe it won't be bad at all.

That was my experience too. I showed up for my first dose appointment and they handed me a form and said "We're giving the Pfizer vaccine today, so check that box." Then I showed up for my second dose appointment and they said "You're here for your second dose, right? It's Pfizer today, make sure to give them your vaccination card from your first dose." I'm guessing they're doing second doses at different times than first doses because everyone who arrived around the same time I did said it was their second for the same vaccine.

Did you get to pick, Rose?

Day two was much worse than day one, but overall fine. Still the sore arm, but I was also completely exhausted. Temperature regulation was a little more extreme than typical (though our classroom fluctuates in general between way too hot and way too cold, I was just vigilant about giving myself temp checks if I felt off and it went back to normal fairly quickly with a thermostat or clothing layering adjustment). I managed to make it through the work day, but came home and thought "I'll get some writing in this afternoon" and wrote a sentence, then laid on the couch, napped, and watched Friends until I went to bed at 9:30.

Day three, arm is sore only if I lift it over my head or the area right around the injection site gets touched. Though I heard some people say they felt worse maybe three days afterward, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.

I guess all of this makes sense since a vaccine is basically a puncture wound in the name of health and puncture wounds hurt! I flinched a little, since I'm not a huge fan of shots, and the hospital employee said "No one likes pokes." And I thought, I'm sure this is what you tell the children at this children's hospital all the time, but I'm also in my thirties? You're right though, no one likes pokes. Makes me feel a little bad for the amount of times I've had Nick get stabbed. Sorry, Nick, for giving you so many puncture wounds; they hurt! Don't tell him I said that. He can't know that he's my favorite, has control of the plot, and that I feel badly for inflicting pain on him.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 13, 2021, 03:22:39 PM
I'm glad you're feeling better today.  Hopefully the worst of it is over!

The nurse who did mine gave me this whole speech beforehand about the possible side effects and her own experience with getting it and how I was making a good choice to get it and how I would be 67% protected after the first dose and that even if I were to contract COVID now, I wouldn't die from it, and on and on and on.  I just kept nodding, like, yep, I know, I've heard all this before, I'm ready, just get it over with!  She went on about how the vaccine has been thoroughly tested and shown to be safe and effective, even though there are conspiracy theories out there that say otherwise.  I was finally like, "I'm not worried; I respect and trust in science," and she was like, "Thank you!!"  Then she told me about how she had just talked to a woman who told her she refused to get the vaccine until "Q" told her to.  I can only imagine how tired these poor healthcare workers get of trying to convince the batshit crazy conspiracy theorists and other ignorant people to believe in science.  God bless them!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 13, 2021, 03:48:53 PM
Thanks! Me too! Hopefully yours is smooth for this one and the second dose too!

Sorry you had to get that speech when you kept saying you understood! Mine was basically "Have you read up on the benefits and risks? Do you have any specific questions?" And I said I had and got my one question answered, then got stabbed and went on my merry way.

The amount of people who are anti-vaccine is crazy to me, like they all know that they likely got so many vaccines as children and are doing a disservice to their own children by bringing back things that have pretty much been eradicated by vaccines like all the MMR diseases? That must be a hard job trying to convince people who believe otherwise to get vaccines, I appreciate them for trying.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 13, 2021, 04:10:01 PM
Anti-vaxxers annoy me too.  I know we eventually want anyone who can be vaccinated to get it so we can have herd immunity, but while doses and appointments are still in such high demand, I don't know why they even bother trying to talk people into it.  Just give it to the people who want it!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 13, 2021, 04:56:58 PM
There's probably people in high risk groups and early priority groups that don't want them or possibly can't have them because of other medicines they're taking? Not too sure on that second portion. I know there are teachers at my school who opted not to get the vaccine through the school set up pool and I don't know if that's because they were doing something else or just didn't want it. I'm trying not to think about it being "just didn't want it" because it seems crazy to me (especially when on top of all the good, it's also free).

But it's also weird to me that the nurse seemed like she was trying to convince you on your choice when you were literally there having already made it. Getting all the way to sitting in the chair ready to be stabbed seems like a long way to go if you're still unsure about a vaccine.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 13, 2021, 05:57:14 PM
I'm sure there are people who can't get it or have valid concerns because of prior reactions to medications - that's different from the people who don't want it because they think it contains microchips to track them or will cause autism or whatever crazy conspiracy theories they believe.  There are probably others who are just waiting and letting others be the guinea pigs first before they decide whether or not to get it, and that's fine too - like I said, let people who want it get their shot.

Yeah... I know there's a protocol with certain questions they have to ask, and they're probably required to go over the list of potential side effects, but I brought in the consent form I had printed from the health department's website already filled out and signed and told her I was excited to have finally gotten an appointment, so clearly I was not on the fence about it LOL.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 13, 2021, 06:02:22 PM
Anti-vaxxers annoy me too especially since I’m in that high risk group and still can’t get my hands on one. Meanwhile there are places that literally have to throw them away because people aren’t showing up for appointments. I mean, it’s not like I go anywhere, but it would be nice to feel like I can go get my COVID hair cut without worrying about dying.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 13, 2021, 06:19:32 PM
That's so frustrating!  The health departments here are doing a dose-saver thing where they have a list of people they can call to come fill an appointment at the last minute if they have extra doses left at the end of the day due to cancellations.  It's like a ticket lottery.  But as more people are able to get appointments on their own, I'm sure that list is dwindling.  Keep trying.  I know certain grocery store pharmacies around here were releasing their new appointment times at midnight each night, so some people I know were able to score an appointment early in the process by getting on right at that time.  Not sure how many places are offering the vaccine in your area.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 13, 2021, 07:54:14 PM
I'm sure there are people who can't get it or have valid concerns because of prior reactions to medications - that's different from the people who don't want it because they think it contains microchips to track them or will cause autism or whatever crazy conspiracy theories they believe.  There are probably others who are just waiting and letting others be the guinea pigs first before they decide whether or not to get it, and that's fine too - like I said, let people who want it get their shot.

The best thing about the people who are worried about microchips tracking them is that most of them have cell phones, a device that tracks things you do and knows where you are at all times. And they don't care about that at all!

Yeah... I know there's a protocol with certain questions they have to ask, and they're probably required to go over the list of potential side effects, but I brought in the consent form I had printed from the health department's website already filled out and signed and told her I was excited to have finally gotten an appointment, so clearly I was not on the fence about it LOL.

You were so prepared with a consent form! At that point, I feel like you could shorten protocol to "do you understand the risks and do you have any questions."

Anti-vaxxers annoy me too especially since I’m in that high risk group and still can’t get my hands on one. Meanwhile there are places that literally have to throw them away because people aren’t showing up for appointments. I mean, it’s not like I go anywhere, but it would be nice to feel like I can go get my COVID hair cut without worrying about dying.

That's is really frustrating, Mare! I've been trying to help my mom get an appointment and it is a process for sure. You should be able to go get your COVID haircut without worrying.

We have a similar thing here with the dose-saving lists that you can sign up for if you can guarantee you can be to the location in fifteen minutes or something like that. Keep trying! I'm sending good vibes your way! If it gets too ridiculous, I'll just come get you and drive you to Syracuse so my in-laws can help get you vaccinated! (This sounds weird, but they're both doctors so it's semi-relevant, lol.)
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on March 13, 2021, 08:54:48 PM
The best thing about the people who are worried about microchips tracking them is that most of them have cell phones, a device that tracks things you do and knows where you are at all times. And they don't care about that at all!

So true!


You were so prepared with a consent form!

LOL I saw on the website when I made my appointment to print it and fill it out in advance if possible, so I did... and then the receptionist acted so surprised when I brought it in.  Typical, I guess most people don't read or follow directions.  Hence the need for nurses to be really detailed when checking to make sure people understand what they're getting into LOL.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 13, 2021, 09:17:50 PM
LOL I saw on the website when I made my appointment to print it and fill it out in advance if possible, so I did... and then the receptionist acted so surprised when I brought it in.  Typical, I guess most people don't read or follow directions.  Hence the need for nurses to be really detailed when checking to make sure people understand what they're getting into LOL.

Ugh, so true! The big one on mine was pre-filling insurance information and consent on their online database, so I wonder if they had issues with that with people or not since I didn't get quite the detailed checking in that you did.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on March 13, 2021, 09:20:36 PM
They are getting a little closer. There were a few appointments opened in Rochester lol
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on March 13, 2021, 09:32:35 PM
Ooh, that's a lot closer! I'm excited to hear that. Soon!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 09, 2021, 01:12:11 PM
I am fully vaccinated, yay!  I got my second Moderna shot yesterday.  The arm pain was a lot worse than with the first one, but it's already much better this morning than it was last night.  Otherwise, no side effects so far.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: mare on April 09, 2021, 02:10:27 PM
Yay!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 09, 2021, 06:19:01 PM
Quebec is back on the worst again for the third time! The covid case increase more and more each weeks.

On the good news I have my job for the summer and I am so happy!!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: RokofAges75 on April 09, 2021, 06:28:18 PM
I'm glad you are able to work this summer!

Hopefully numbers will start going back down as more people get vaccinated.  My state is opening it up to everyone over 16 on Monday, and other places are ahead of us.  I just hope people who are eligible get vaccinated.  I know here in IL, moving to the last phase of the recovery plan where everything is fully open (and concerts can happen!) is dependent upon a certain percentage of the population getting vaccinated.  I'm worried about the dumbass antivaxxer conspiracy theorists ruining this for us.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on April 09, 2021, 06:38:59 PM
Yay, no side effects! Good!

Glad you're able to work despite everything.

We opened it up to everyone 16 and over as of Monday. Which is good, but then my mom was in the same group as me and still hasn't been able to get an appointment yet, so... Pluses and minuses. I think we're in the same boat, if a certain percentage of people are vaccinated, then concerts can happen. Although our baseball team had one of the higher percentages of capacity for Opening Day, so who knows.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 09, 2021, 06:44:22 PM
Thanks!! We can only prepare until the government give they okay to open all the summer camps.

Canada have problems to receive all the dose of the vaccines they buy so we are on the last countries on numbers of people who are vaccinate.
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: nicksgal on April 09, 2021, 06:46:49 PM
Sorry to hear that, sending some good vibes!
Title: Re: Quarantine check in
Post by: Mistral on April 09, 2021, 06:52:27 PM
Thanks!!