COVID's Many Changes
As everyone is currently experiencing what we hope is a temporary new normal, I have to remind myself that we are all in this same boat, so to speak. But that doesn't always make it enjoyable - at best it is tolerable. That sounds like I am whining, and I don't mean to be. So let me count my blessings!
1) Randy and I have thus far, at least, managed to not contract this COVID-19 virus. For that I am very thankful.
2) Neither of us have missed a paycheck and we still have our jobs. I have been able to work remotely most days, going into the office a couple of times a week. Learning to work remotely has had its challenges, but I have definitely appreciated the savings in gas and mileage on my car, and when I have gone into the office, the traffic has been noticeably less. I can actually get there in about 30 minutes rather than my ~50 minute commute in "rush hour" traffic.
3) Randy and I have learned to make some adjustments to both of us being around the house more and figure out how to give each other space and be productive.
3) While we had a cruise in the Caribbean canceled this spring which was to celebrate our wedding anniversary, we did get all of our money refunded.
4) There are challenges when we go to the grocery store, or any other store. Some items are in short supply and not always available, but that also indicates how many conveniences we have come to expect. And, as Randy noted recently, its amazing how stores and businesses have made necessary adaptations to comply with new rules and restrictions, for the sake of their business and that benefits us all.
5) I am writing this little blog from the mountains of Angel Fire, New Mexico. I am very appreciative of the fact that we have had the opportunity to travel here with our very good friend, Dana. We have all traveled together for a number of years - since our children were little. And while we are facing some closures and limitations here, I am reminding myself, that I am able to sit outside and take walks and enjoy spectacular scenery and see wildlife that I don't normally see, with the high temps in the 80's and the lows in the 40's; whereas at home the low temps are in the 80s. Not looking forward to returning to that in a couple of days.
6) One of my goals for this week has been to work on several items for my photography business. I have not been as productive as I would like having really only gotten to a couple of items on my list. That said, this is supposed to be a vacation, as my husband reminded me last night, and we have not had one since last September (where by the way, we were here and I worked on photography business and Randy worked on church business all week). So I'm trying to give myself permission to not stress over what I haven't gotten accomplished, and focus on what I have done. One of which is I worked on a little fine art photography project that actually materialized while we were here. Watch for a future blog on it.
7) There are lots of things that have the potential to get us down if we let them, but this is my reminder to myself, to limit listening to the depressing news and keep my eyes focused on God and my many blessings!
So with that, let me share with you some photos taken on some of my walks and our recent outings. Enjoy!