How has Covid affected your life?

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As I am sitting here writing this I begin to think of how life use to be. Before Covid 19. I use to stop at my local Starbucks for a grande iced macchiatto to sip as I painlessly made my way through the dreaded grocery store. I use to sip my beloved coffee as I shopped my way around Nordstrom Rack and Kirklands. I loved sipping my coffee while shopping. It brought me comfort.

I use to love to go to a great horror flick. Every time a Stephen King movie was released or Halloween time rolled around I would gather with my friends or family and make my way to the movie theater with the reclining chairs and speakers so loud I swore my ear drums would pop at any second.

I LOVE going to concerts. I have been to quite a few shows in my life time. I have seen Mariah Carey about 5 times live. Mariahs Christmas shows are my favorite. I was planning on going again this December. I have seen Usher a few times, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Brandy, and Nick Lachey among many others.

I loved going to basketball games. Nothing was better then those moments of seeing Kyrie Irvings crossovers and LeBron James super human strength dominate the court. I loved the jumbo screens and Clevelands crowds cheering away to the most dynamic duo in NBA history (in my opinion). I know Anthony Davis is playing like LeBrons right hand man right now but I am still in the bliss moments of the memories of Kyrie.

I loved taking long strolls in the Cleveland Metro parks. I loved the quiet, peaceful walk with the shaded trees, wild rabbits and chirping of the birds.

Now my life has completely changed because of Covid. I signed up for a writers shop in Cleveland, Ohio and was so excited to finally attend the workshop and meet publishers and have the opportunity to present my books. The class was changed from being downtown cleveland to online. I felt a little sad to miss the opportunity to attend the class in person.

I can no longer sip on my Starbucks coffee while shopping. The state of Ohio has mandated masks to be worn or the stores have the right to refuse service.

I am still afraid to order take out food. I mostly cook at home now . My grocery store shopping experience now is wearing a mask, carrying disinfectant with me, keeping a 6 foot distance between shoppers, disinfecting my car afterwards, disinfecting my food packaging , disinfecting my counter tops, doorknobs, and changing my clothes after the shopping ordeal. Basically it takes me twice as long grocery shopping then it did before Covid which makes me hate grocery shopping twice as much as I did before.

I no longer feel comfortable going out in crowds. That means no more basketball games or concerts for me for a long time even after Covid starts to decrease. I don’t know when I will be ready to actually sit down in a restaurant again. I feel more comfortable cooking my own food and not having to worry about what Covid19 germs are on my food wrappers , cups , napkins etc. If I do make that rare trip to Jimmy Johns and Starbucks, I do not accept or use their napkins and I disinfect the wrappers or cups. I feel like its a lot less hassle to just stay home and make my own dinner and coffee.

I know a few people who have experienced Covid 19. My coworkers brother died in March from Covid. My coworker has been off of work for two weeks now with Covid19. My supervisors wife currently has Covid19.

I am afraid of being one of the Covid 19 carriers without symptoms and passing it to my family. I am afraid to take a walk in the park because it is so crowded and no one keeps the 6 feet distance. I am afraid of walking in stores to browse because I know the germs are everywhere.

A vaccination is in the works for Covid19 but I am a little concerned what is actually in this vaccinations and what the long term affects will be if I get one. I don’t trust the government and vaccinations. I already have my concerns on the flu vaccinations that are forced upon healthcare workers every year with unknown long term affects . Hospitals are now forcing the vaccination while making the employees sign a waiver that they can not sue the hospital as the risks of the vaccination are unknown. If that doesn’t make your stomach turn I don’t know what will. I can guarantee that health systems will force this Covid vaccinations on employees while making them sign a waiver so they can’t sue for any odd side affects that might occur with this new vaccination. Sometimes I feel like the government is out to control our every move.

Stay safe out there everybody! Life is short. Enjoy it! As for me, I am staying inside and looking forward to the NBA playoffs if they make it that far without Covid taking over.