I saw this earlier this week (basically, locusts are swarming East Africa and South Asia) and was like, "this feels a little...too on the nose, right now": https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-51618188
This just reminded me of when Maryland got hit by a rare and mercifully quick earthquake and the only effect in our house was a wooden cross falling off my wall onto the floor.
This is also the same cross that fell off the wall with absolutely no provocation late at night when I was on AIM with a friend back in high school and I had to be like "brb going around with the cross and saying the Lord's Prayer in each corner."
!!!! SO GLAD YOU ARE OK, did anything break or fall off the wall? (I am married to a Californian, we live in Boston, and our first real culture clash was when we decorated an apartment together for the first time and I tried to hang a picture over the bed.)
I never let Steve put anything above the beds and now I am vindicated. We didn’t lose power, the downtown homeless shelter took a big hit but no one seems to be hurt.
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your newsletter. I have deeply missed you on Twitter, despite understanding and fully respecting why you left. Thank you for making the world suck so much less.
Hi friends, I had a Religious Experience yesterday and I thought this might be a place where people might want to hear about that. I am a cradle Catholic whose relationship to the institution of the church has devolved into disgust and whose relationship to God has been ???? for a long time. The church I was baptized in live streamed a Mass yesterday for St. Pat's, and I watched it and cried and cried the whole time and it helped, I think. I don't know if it helped because of God or because of the familiarity of the ritual or because the music was pretty, but... it did help. I didn't think live streaming Mass from my couch could really compare to the real thing, but it was comforting and if anyone else is kind of thinking about it and would like to give it a shot, here's my stamp of approval for whatever that is worth.
I turn in my dissertation to my committee in 11 days, and it feels very beside the point right now and I am having trouble focusing. What are those of you who also REALLY need to focus, and can't, doing now?
I have also been knitting a lot and I finished a beautiful scarf for my husband. That is the best news that I have to offer. It was my first cable-knit thing and it is blue and it is so, so pretty and soft.
I have a hospice dog right now and the world is so bad but not having to leave for work everyday is like giving her a huge gift. Her kids are home, her adults are home, we all get more time with her. She is ~15, she was a $5 rescue at a CT shelter 13 years ago and the only thing the guy said was “good luck she’s really hyper” as she spun circles in the kennel. We love her and finding some good in all this is helpful. A picture that captures her mood lol https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7m8x7n2ip/?igshid=1b675ttvrg38n
Two weeks ago, my work friend leaned over our shared desk wall and asked me if I liked Meatloaf. I said that I did, and he then asked me what my favourite song was. It was at that moment that I realised he was not talking about the kind that you eat. The answer was still yes, and Paradise By The Dashboard Light has been my favourite Meatloaf tune for actual years.
I was definitely a grown up before I realised what the baseball game in the middle was about.
anyone else currently pregnant and just trying to stay chill in the face of all....this? I have to go in today for my anatomy ultrasound at a hospital in Long Island. Years of trying and science finally worked but it's a gnarly feeling to consider the medical landscape when this kid is due....and as a super healthy/sturdy person it's really tough to remember that I'm immunocompromised because of my beloved parasite.
I have friends in your position and it’s scary and I love you, we just don’t have a lot of data and that’s objectively scary but China says infected people who have given birth there have all had good outcomes so far. And as we know, even newborns have shown an unbelievable ability to Shake Shake Shake Shake It Off. Kids are really safe and we don’t know why but it’s keeping me sane.
Me! It's so tough. 31 weeks with placenta previa, was hospitalized overnight with bleeding this past weekend. Basically all of my OB appointments/classes are cancelled except my next ultrasound. Sending you good thoughts, dokuchan. <3
oh man, I'm so sorry, you're really going through it. my anatomy scan went well, fingers crossed your last months are as free from further complications as possible!
It's hard to be a librarian without a library but I'm SO IMPRESSED and INSPIRED by my colleagues. We are all doing our damn best to make sure our patrons have the resources they need.
My anxiety has been !!!!!! I'm an introvert by nature, but my batteries are charged and I'm ready to socialize now, and I can't, beyond the old google hangout. My friend is having a planned C-Section on Friday and I'm very bummed I can't meet her new little one (though of course, feel very protective of her and will obviously stay away).
Your newsletter is so good for me. Thank you again. <3
My nine-month old puppy is truly a blessing in this strange time. To your point, he does not care that our schedules are different, and insists that we maintain some semblance of a normal lifestyle. He also does not understand coronavirus, and is generally just happy and goofy at all times.
Apparently a lot of pets need to be fostered right now, so if someone out there isn't ready for a long-term commitment but could use a short-term friend, that could be a good compromise!
One suggestionI saw somewhere online that you could add: instead of adopting a pet forever, shelters need foster placements too. That way, you can have a pet at home while sheltering in place, but not make a permanent commitment now, when you may have to go back to work. Maybe update with that option too, Nicole?
Regarding those in AA, etc--I'm not a great meeting attender (but sober and thriving), but I have been really comforted by all of the invitations I've received for online meetings. I might need them. And, for those that do, they're out there!
Like everyone, my anxiety is through the roof. I'm really feeling for those that are on less solid footing, isolated, unable to stay busy, exercise (thank you Amanda Mull for the article that prompted my peloton purchase!!), time on hands--and that depend on meetings to keep going. If anyone here needs any extra support, maybe that's the little thing I can do right now...
Obviously I do not want to and will not spam every newsletter with this link, but people seem to like it. Nicole, if you think it's a good idea and would want to do it, you can include this link in your newsletters. I can't promise I will be able to put that day's tracks on there same day (though right now work is surprisingly slow -- I'm in IT and work at a school doing remote learning), but they'll get on there eventually.
NICOLE! My period was ALSO 10 (!) days late this month! Which never ever happens! It was so upsetting, but I am honestly feeling much better about it knowing that I am not alone. I feel like we should get a badge, or a trophy. There should be a club.
Plus your daily routine has probably changed, which has always thrown mine off. Although my cycle has been off for months for no apparent reason, but starting to exercise daily during quarantine made it start right on time this month, so... bodies are weird.
Hi, I understand this may pale in comparison to the tragic loss of life happening because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but all U.S. Peace Corps worldwide are being evacuated back to the States in the next week and a half. We are being left with just one month of healthcare, instructed to administer 14 days of self-quarantine with no housing or resources provided for those returning to homes with 60+ or immunocompromised folks, and a re-adjustment allowance that may hit our bank accounts in two weeks? Three? A month? and most have been living on about $100 a month in country.
One of my friends and fellow volunteers is trying to raise enough money to board and then fly her kitten back to the U.S. as she is unable to take her on the plane due to the sudden circumstances of our evacuation. Literally any little bit would help.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you putting out more newsletters during this time. I live in the Bay Area, where we have been ordered to shelter in place, and everything is terribly stressful and uncertain, but reading your newsletter is always a bright point in my day. Thank you so much. <3
this isn't exactly ON topic but i just finished danny's beautiful book and the acknowledgment about the evolving nature of your "sisterhood" made me CRY nicole! so sweet and good
i knew i'd like it but was surprised how . . . genuinely masterful it really is. like i expected a good book from a familiar voice and got a great book period.
Woke up to a 5.7 earthquake, it’s all over the state. My LDS friend Steve just texted “the Bible isn’t literal, right?”
We are all fine. I thought a massive rockslide had hit the house.
The kids are very excited.
I saw this earlier this week (basically, locusts are swarming East Africa and South Asia) and was like, "this feels a little...too on the nose, right now": https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-51618188
UGH they are HUGE
also I guess I should go to confession just in case it is the end
Just saw this news, and thought of you. Apparently it brought down the coronavirus hotline? As my people say, oy freaking vey.
This just reminded me of when Maryland got hit by a rare and mercifully quick earthquake and the only effect in our house was a wooden cross falling off my wall onto the floor.
This is also the same cross that fell off the wall with absolutely no provocation late at night when I was on AIM with a friend back in high school and I had to be like "brb going around with the cross and saying the Lord's Prayer in each corner."
!!!! SO GLAD YOU ARE OK, did anything break or fall off the wall? (I am married to a Californian, we live in Boston, and our first real culture clash was when we decorated an apartment together for the first time and I tried to hang a picture over the bed.)
I never let Steve put anything above the beds and now I am vindicated. We didn’t lose power, the downtown homeless shelter took a big hit but no one seems to be hurt.
So very happy to hear this!
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your newsletter. I have deeply missed you on Twitter, despite understanding and fully respecting why you left. Thank you for making the world suck so much less.
I will be here until it’s over. Love you.
Agree times a million.
Hi friends, I had a Religious Experience yesterday and I thought this might be a place where people might want to hear about that. I am a cradle Catholic whose relationship to the institution of the church has devolved into disgust and whose relationship to God has been ???? for a long time. The church I was baptized in live streamed a Mass yesterday for St. Pat's, and I watched it and cried and cried the whole time and it helped, I think. I don't know if it helped because of God or because of the familiarity of the ritual or because the music was pretty, but... it did help. I didn't think live streaming Mass from my couch could really compare to the real thing, but it was comforting and if anyone else is kind of thinking about it and would like to give it a shot, here's my stamp of approval for whatever that is worth.
I turn in my dissertation to my committee in 11 days, and it feels very beside the point right now and I am having trouble focusing. What are those of you who also REALLY need to focus, and can't, doing now?
I have also been knitting a lot and I finished a beautiful scarf for my husband. That is the best news that I have to offer. It was my first cable-knit thing and it is blue and it is so, so pretty and soft.
I have a hospice dog right now and the world is so bad but not having to leave for work everyday is like giving her a huge gift. Her kids are home, her adults are home, we all get more time with her. She is ~15, she was a $5 rescue at a CT shelter 13 years ago and the only thing the guy said was “good luck she’s really hyper” as she spun circles in the kennel. We love her and finding some good in all this is helpful. A picture that captures her mood lol https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7m8x7n2ip/?igshid=1b675ttvrg38n
Two weeks ago, my work friend leaned over our shared desk wall and asked me if I liked Meatloaf. I said that I did, and he then asked me what my favourite song was. It was at that moment that I realised he was not talking about the kind that you eat. The answer was still yes, and Paradise By The Dashboard Light has been my favourite Meatloaf tune for actual years.
I was definitely a grown up before I realised what the baseball game in the middle was about.
I also enjoy the meated loaf as a food product.
I made one last week after this conversation was had and it has been literal years but man, it was everything I wanted.
anyone else currently pregnant and just trying to stay chill in the face of all....this? I have to go in today for my anatomy ultrasound at a hospital in Long Island. Years of trying and science finally worked but it's a gnarly feeling to consider the medical landscape when this kid is due....and as a super healthy/sturdy person it's really tough to remember that I'm immunocompromised because of my beloved parasite.
I have friends in your position and it’s scary and I love you, we just don’t have a lot of data and that’s objectively scary but China says infected people who have given birth there have all had good outcomes so far. And as we know, even newborns have shown an unbelievable ability to Shake Shake Shake Shake It Off. Kids are really safe and we don’t know why but it’s keeping me sane.
Me! It's so tough. 31 weeks with placenta previa, was hospitalized overnight with bleeding this past weekend. Basically all of my OB appointments/classes are cancelled except my next ultrasound. Sending you good thoughts, dokuchan. <3
oh man, I'm so sorry, you're really going through it. my anatomy scan went well, fingers crossed your last months are as free from further complications as possible!
Thank you thank you thank you! I'm so so glad to hear your anatomy scan went well!
I love you, Nicole. Thank you for your service.
It's hard to be a librarian without a library but I'm SO IMPRESSED and INSPIRED by my colleagues. We are all doing our damn best to make sure our patrons have the resources they need.
My anxiety has been !!!!!! I'm an introvert by nature, but my batteries are charged and I'm ready to socialize now, and I can't, beyond the old google hangout. My friend is having a planned C-Section on Friday and I'm very bummed I can't meet her new little one (though of course, feel very protective of her and will obviously stay away).
Your newsletter is so good for me. Thank you again. <3
My nine-month old puppy is truly a blessing in this strange time. To your point, he does not care that our schedules are different, and insists that we maintain some semblance of a normal lifestyle. He also does not understand coronavirus, and is generally just happy and goofy at all times.
Apparently a lot of pets need to be fostered right now, so if someone out there isn't ready for a long-term commitment but could use a short-term friend, that could be a good compromise!
One suggestionI saw somewhere online that you could add: instead of adopting a pet forever, shelters need foster placements too. That way, you can have a pet at home while sheltering in place, but not make a permanent commitment now, when you may have to go back to work. Maybe update with that option too, Nicole?
Yes! I saw that a lot of places really need foster homes right now (and always, but especially right now).
Regarding those in AA, etc--I'm not a great meeting attender (but sober and thriving), but I have been really comforted by all of the invitations I've received for online meetings. I might need them. And, for those that do, they're out there!
Oh, marvelous. I’m so glad. And congratulations on working the program in a way that works for you!
Like everyone, my anxiety is through the roof. I'm really feeling for those that are on less solid footing, isolated, unable to stay busy, exercise (thank you Amanda Mull for the article that prompted my peloton purchase!!), time on hands--and that depend on meetings to keep going. If anyone here needs any extra support, maybe that's the little thing I can do right now...
Hi friends, posting the Spotify playlist I made on 3/16 now with tracks from yesterday and today's newletters: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2FjcNXafqTQiExjRMqnNjW?si=Gy0ZENabSm2VLtTd6JXRbA
Obviously I do not want to and will not spam every newsletter with this link, but people seem to like it. Nicole, if you think it's a good idea and would want to do it, you can include this link in your newsletters. I can't promise I will be able to put that day's tracks on there same day (though right now work is surprisingly slow -- I'm in IT and work at a school doing remote learning), but they'll get on there eventually.
I love and endorse this, thank you so much!
This is really handy, thank you!
"You have to watch for hostile hop-ons" made me burst out laughing, thank you for that <3 <3
NICOLE! My period was ALSO 10 (!) days late this month! Which never ever happens! It was so upsetting, but I am honestly feeling much better about it knowing that I am not alone. I feel like we should get a badge, or a trophy. There should be a club.
We are all so stressed, and I know my sleep is off and that is always a factor.
My period is ALSO late (currently five days). I didn't think I was that stressed, but apparently my uterus feels differently?
Plus your daily routine has probably changed, which has always thrown mine off. Although my cycle has been off for months for no apparent reason, but starting to exercise daily during quarantine made it start right on time this month, so... bodies are weird.
Hi, I understand this may pale in comparison to the tragic loss of life happening because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but all U.S. Peace Corps worldwide are being evacuated back to the States in the next week and a half. We are being left with just one month of healthcare, instructed to administer 14 days of self-quarantine with no housing or resources provided for those returning to homes with 60+ or immunocompromised folks, and a re-adjustment allowance that may hit our bank accounts in two weeks? Three? A month? and most have been living on about $100 a month in country.
One of my friends and fellow volunteers is trying to raise enough money to board and then fly her kitten back to the U.S. as she is unable to take her on the plane due to the sudden circumstances of our evacuation. Literally any little bit would help.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/come-home-navi?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you putting out more newsletters during this time. I live in the Bay Area, where we have been ordered to shelter in place, and everything is terribly stressful and uncertain, but reading your newsletter is always a bright point in my day. Thank you so much. <3
this isn't exactly ON topic but i just finished danny's beautiful book and the acknowledgment about the evolving nature of your "sisterhood" made me CRY nicole! so sweet and good
I love that lil buddy more than my own right arm.
also the book is a masterpiece
i knew i'd like it but was surprised how . . . genuinely masterful it really is. like i expected a good book from a familiar voice and got a great book period.
It genuinely knocked me on my ass.