It’s been over a month since Sarana closed in respect of “Shelter in Place” orders to slow the spread of COVID19. Suddenly, I’ve become unemployed along with half the world. What I find I miss most are the connections I had with Sarana clients, sharing everyday stories of enjoying or of coping with life. I’d like to re-create that sense of connection with the Sarana Community by offering this series of posts, but the only stories I have to offer are my own.
Nevertheless, here goes.
It’s taken me most of a month to figure out my Shelter in Place routine.
Most days, I get up between 7 and 8am. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, I set out before breakfast for an hour or so of aerobic exercise. I used to swim with the Albany Masters but the pools were some of the first facilities to close. Mostly I cycle or walk around my neighborhood. Lately, I’ve started slow-trot jogging along the Key Route Greenway. Yesterday, was 7.5 miles of cycling between North Berkeley BART and El Cerrito Plaza plus a ¾ mile slow jog.
Tuesdays and Fridays, I drop by Sarana to make sure the clinic is still there, see what bills still need to be paid, and check mail and phone messages.
Thursdays and Sundays, I do 45 minutes of tai chi with 1 or 2 of my tai chi buddies – outdoors, @ 6’ distancing, no contact.
Sundays, I talk with Mom who is self-isolating in the home where I grew up in Massachusetts. Mom is listening to too much network news but is generally ok. Last week, it snowed.
Mondays, I call my two friends at Piedmont Gardens Senior Housing. They’ve been on lock-down since February – no visitors except immediate family, all meals delivered to individual rooms.
Friday, I call my music buddy. Suzi and I have been playing violin / recorder duets most Friday evenings for about the last 30 years.
Saturdays, I e-mail my mother, brother and sister for a check-in. We used to go months without communicating with each other, so I have one good new habit to thank CoVid19 for.
So that’s the week: something to plan on each day – but without it, tracking the days of the week was hardly possible.
I hope you’ve figured out your routine.
Stay well,
~ Pam Chang
21 April 2020
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