When I started this newsletter a few weeks ago, I thought it would be a way to share things - professional and otherwise - in a format other than twitter. I never dreamed it would become a plague diary, yet here we are.

Where to Begin?

I had a roof contractor come out last Friday to look at some damage and I touched base with him today. I would swear that it was a month since we spoke but it was only five days. So many things have happened. I not entirely sure what to cover?

The only thing that I know for sure is that it has not sunk in yet that this is my life for the next few weeks/months. I’m already a little stir crazy and I am a homebody. You poor extrovert bastards…I can’t imagine how you are dealing.

My dad is staying with me for the foreseeable future. He watches the local news and has Facebook and it’s been very interesting how blindsided he has been by this. I’ve been mentally preparing for widespread illness since at least ABA Midyear a few weeks ago (although I was not expecting it to be this bad.) My main worry right now is keeping him healthy and finding shelf stable foods to cook that are acceptable to his palate.

(One time my sister and I took my parents to an Indian restaurant and in the middle of the meal my dad declared “I HAVE TOO MANY FLAVORS IN MY MOUTH.” sooo…yeah.)

I do want to emphasize that you shouldn’t panic right now about empty store shelves. People panic shopped Wednesday-Sunday and it will take a few days for supply lines to catch up. But right now there’s no indication that the United States won’t have adequate food supplies.

I Feel This Deeply

I’m so tired of people trying to motivate people into creating great things while quarantined. I mean, it’s nice but even I -who is relatively very well prepared and an experienced telecommuter and not facing any real financial repercussions- am completely discombobulated right now. I can’t concentrate for shit.

Libraries in the Time of Coronavirus

One issue that I’ve been following is that with all the school and public closures, libraries have not been on those lists. I saw something this weekend along the lines of “emergency situations don’t break systems, they reveal what systems were already broken.” I think one example of this is libraries acting as backstop for people needing shelter and other basic needs.

It would be one thing if libraries were adequately staffed and funded to deal with these situations, but they’re not. In the past few days librarians were cleaning public spaces with supplies they brought from home. The ALA finally came out with a statement recommending that libraries close.

Stay Home

I love these propaganda posters.

Sad But Needed

Just a gentle reminder that not everyone is safe even in their home. If you can, share this information on your social media.

Sorry to end on a bummer of a note. If anything good can be said to come out the coming weeks and months, I hope it’s that people realize how much we need each other. Local community mutual aid networks are going to be key. Check in on people. Don’t be scared to ask for help if you need it.