Since I am pretty much a giant ball of stress, I will just skip to this month's optional question:
The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?
Boy, oh boy! Did I mention that I was a giant stress ball? Well, I work in a hospital kitchen, and things are CRAZY right now, as you can imagine. While our overall patient count has dropped significantly (because no one is going to be there if they don't absolutely have to), and the days are really long and slow, there are also a TON of precautions in place and things seem to be changing every day. It's a lot to keep up with and my anxiety is probably at an all time high.
We are being very safe. We have to wear masks everywhere we go in the hospital (except in the kitchen, which is good because it's hot in there and those things already make it hard to breathe!), we don't have contact with a lot of patients who are under certain precautions, we can't even go in certain sections of the hospital. The newest change is that right when we get to work, we're asked if we have any of the coronavirus symptoms. They're not checking our temperatures yet (unless maybe you have the symptoms? I'm not sure because luckily I don't), but I'm sure that will be next. My hands are also very raw from all the Purell and hand washing.
Besides the added stress level at work, though, honestly, things don't feel that different. Probably because I'm a hermit who never leaves my apartment anyway, and I also still have to go to work every day. I'm definitely grateful to still have a job.
How's the writing going? you might ask. Yeah, that's not happening right now (kind of like my diet...). I pretty much just want to decompress and watch Netflix (got one episode left of Tiger King!). Since my schedule hasn't changed at all, and my stress level is high, I don't see any writing happening in the near future unless I'm really struck by an idea.
I am still trying to actively think about Chapter 28. So you never know...
Your post reminded me that I have an actual stress ball around here somewhere. Hmm, maybe I better look for that and soon....
ReplyDeletePlease continue to be careful, Sarah! Take care of yourself!
Thanks you so much for your work in the hospital. You're a true hero in these challenging times. Glad you're taking a break from writing when you're home to relax and rest so you can stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteI'm still going to work and stay at home like normal, so not a big change for me either. Glad they are keeping you safe there.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, that's the best hand washing meme I've seen in awhile. LOL
ReplyDeleteYou are a hospital worker! Thank you for all you're doing, right now. You are brave and kind. Please take care.
I work at a hospital too, well, a mental health hospital so it's a bit different, but lots of precautions have gone up too. Even taken on an extra shift each week to help with the check in station. Thanks for your service, and stay safe out there! :)
ReplyDeleteThinking about chapters totally counts as writing. As does staring out a window or decompressing while watching Netflix. Do what you need to do to manage the stress.
ReplyDeleteTake care!!
You're in good company with a lot giant balls of stress rolling around. I'm keeping my eye on June and hoping the magic of summer will turn this mess around.
ReplyDeleteAt least they keep your exposure to a minimum. I have a friend who works with the hospital's mobile unit and they take every hospital employee's temperature when they arrive. I'm sure that's coming for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're not around many patients. Stay safe and healthy!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine why you're stressed, considering your job. You guys help keep the hospital running in this time of crisis. My thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteDo they really have to ask everyone if they have symptoms? I'd think that people would figure that out for themselves.
I say getting back to writing eventually is a good goal, but for now, just stay safe as much as possible. I appreciate the work you do. I am a former nurse myself (disabled now). As for dieting, screw that nonsense. It only works long-term in about 5 percent of people. I tried to hate myself thin for 33 years. I didn't get thin, I just hated myself. Enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteI totally get the stress. Hubs and I are sheltered, but my daughter and sister are nurses, so I worry for them. Hubs is binging on the Tiger King. I've caught up on The Crown and have hit the third season of Victoria. I've run through five books, as well. Exercise, diet, and routine? Gone with the Wind. But I am writing some dark, creepy poetry that may make it into my upcoming WIP. Or not.
ReplyDeleteActually, you made me feel good in this post. My husband is one of those "has to be there" patients who will be returning to the hospital on Monday. You have made me confident that the protocols in place will keep him safe. Please know how valuable you are as you provide sustenance for the sickest among us.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! <3
ReplyDeleteLove the gif.
ReplyDeleteHope you remain safe at work and don't worry about the writing. It can wait.
Love that gif. Stay safe. The writing will come when it comes.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I just vented in my journal a lot. Then, I decided to do a just-for-fun project and I'm enjoying it. I'm not taking it seriously. My other WIPs, although not really that serious, are in the revision phases, so I'm not touching them much other than to poke at them from across the room.
Can't imagine the craziness you must be experiencing! But yes, thankfully you still have a job. Writing will always be there, so don't worry about that. Breathe, and keep doing what you're doing. And I have one episode left of Tiger King too!
ReplyDeleteWow, you and every hospital worker are real heroes. Please stay safe. The writing will be there when this is over.
ReplyDeleteWriting will come... stay safe and stay positive in the mean time.
ReplyDeleteThinking about writing is good. It's a hard time. Much harder for the good people like you, who are out there near the front line, keeping the people fed.
ReplyDeletethankyou for sharing this informative post. i will be visit again soon for new post.
ReplyDeletethe warriors vest