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Friday Flotsam

By on March 13, 2020 in Friday Flotsam

Fri….day.

Hey.

Well, it’s just impossible for me to sit here at my laptop on this eerie Friday morning and pretend to churn out goofy stories about ankle socks or nose hair clippers when the whole world is being flipped upside down like it is. It just feels fake and inappropriate today.

I’ve been purposely trying not to talk about this virus on here for the longest time. Not to fall into the sensationalism of it all. But I feel like it’s honestly past that at this point. The thing is, I’m trying to stay chill. (not really in my nature) I’m trying to ignore the frenzy and the panic and all the terrifying Facebook explosive posts and only pay attention to the HAPPY CHARTS, like what Kristen Bell posted. That I can handle.

I’m just trying to find my place in it all, you know? As we all are. How little to panic. How much to take seriously. Because it is serious. (hi, the kids brought home homework for two weeks yesterday in preparation for the school closing possibility) But people be losing their minds and that’s what’s going to hurt the most. I don’t fear the virus. I fear the FEAR of the virus. Wait, who said something like that? Kennedy? Roseanne Barr? I can’t remember.

But everything is changing so rapidly. Lives and livelihoods are coming to a screeching halt with every hour that passes. Those big glossy plans we all had for 2020? Well, we might need to put them on hold for a bit. I know my job here is to be funny, lighthearted, full of jokes and maybe give you a good recipe or something beautiful to listen to or read, too. But I just can’t today.

But! This is what I am going to do. (besides stay home and live in a bathtub of bleach) First of all, we’re all in this together. The whole entire world. (isn’t that a wild but comforting thought?!) There’s a responsibility not to ignore of course, but we all have to relax and not buy 45 things of toilet paper. (Aaron did buy a giant bag of rice, so there’s that.) I’ll still churn out recipes for you twice a week. I’ll be here. I’ve got a ton of slow cooker pantry-staple-style meals on the blog if you need them. We’re gonna make it through this. One day (at home) at a time. (plus now you have no excuse not to read with me! ha! oh.)

It’s so hard to be my normal chipper dipper self with everything crumbling, but I’ll get there. I’ll get back. We’ll all get back! THIS TOO SHALL PASS. My mom always says that. And maybe Roseanne Barr, too? I can’t remember.

How are you feeling these days? I’d love to know all the ways, tips and tricks that you’re using to navigate these unsettling times. (like how on earth does one HOMESCHOOL? Is wine acceptable at lunch?)

And I’m sorry this post is such a cliché downer. I’m granted one per year, isn’t that the blog rule?

It’s all going to be okay. Darker days may be ahead, but just remember, the light is right behind it. (and maybe another bottle of wine, idk.)

xx -b

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26 Responses to Friday Flotsam

  1. Natalie March 13, 2020 at 8:40 am #
    Uneasy, is the only word I can use to describe how I feel. I do love thinking of the bright side of things and maybe avoid the thoughts of my 401k or friend’s fighting cancer or my Oma with lung disease. But I have a yard that my kids can play in and today we are all healthy.
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner March 13, 2020 at 9:52 am #
      Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. I'm so with you.
      Reply
  2. Mary March 13, 2020 at 8:51 am #
    Thanks for this post Bev. Yes, I fear the panic created by the virus more than the virus itself. We went to 4 stores before we could find toilet paper last night. My husband works at a tourist driven hotel and his job is in limbo right now. My daughter is a senior in high school and talks of canceling prom and graduation are on the table. I welcome your light-hearted sense of humor, practical recipes, book talks - anything to help keep us calm in these strange days.
    Reply
  3. Jenny March 13, 2020 at 9:12 am #
    Thanks for sharing. I echo your exact sentiments...I fear the fear more than the virus.
    Reply
  4. Andrea March 13, 2020 at 10:11 am #
    Thank you for being so heartfelt, raw and honest. I really appreciate it in this crazy uncertain time. The bloggers who are still continuing on as usual doing try ons and swipe ups are making me insane. Much love to you and your sweet family, we will all get through this. And I am totally making your orzo skillet tonight, got the ingredients yesterday. ❤️
    Reply
  5. Christine March 13, 2020 at 10:30 am #
    Prayer. That’s how I’m coping. And eating large amounts of carbs and sugar but let’s not go there. ? I’m conflicted honestly. I’ve decided to stay home a bit more, just be cautious but not freaked out, you know? And I homeschooled for 12 years and yes, wine is totally acceptable at lunch but just for you, not the kids. ??
    Reply
  6. Stephanie March 13, 2020 at 10:36 am #
    Even if the world is going to hell in a hand basket, I still want recipes and things to laugh about. Please. I'm sure I speak for many women who literally hold their families together through food and humor - we need material to make it through the long days.
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner March 13, 2020 at 10:43 am #
      YES. And this is exactly why by next week I'll be in a better head space to give you good recipes with a dose of happy. I promise you. I'll be here. :)
      Reply
    • Amanda March 13, 2020 at 2:02 pm #
      Same. I want to go on Instagram and enjoy an escape. Not continue to read/hear the same things. Not that your thoughts about things aren’t valid, but I want things to laugh at.
      Reply
      • Bev Weidner March 13, 2020 at 2:21 pm #
        Completely understand you, 100%! Next week I'll be able to deliver that. Promzee.
        Reply
  7. Nancy March 13, 2020 at 10:40 am #
    Thank you for this post. I, too, fear the fear and panic more than the virus. I have so many questions that can't and won't be answered by the media because they are the ones that are feeding this panic & hysteria that is happening right now. I have stopped watching the news but you still can't escape it totally especially if you are on social media. At least there are some voices of reason on Insta and I try to ignore the rest. Yesterday I read a post that was written by a doctor or at least that is how he presented himself! But he reminded us that colds and the flu are coronaviruses and that no one dies from the virus. There are always underlying conditions but again, the media doesn't tell you that. Well, I'll get off my soapbox and wish you a happy weekend and send good vibes your way. We will get through this!!!
    Reply
  8. Rebekah March 13, 2020 at 10:42 am #
    This is the encouraging word I needed this morning - as a specials teacher at a private school times are uncertain. Real uncertain. Of course it doesn’t help that I have been out ALL week with sickness diagnosed by my doc as pneumonia. No, not the virus that shall not be named. Thank you for this hug and thank you for being there for us in the days ahead. I’m here reading with you!
    Reply
  9. Megan March 13, 2020 at 10:45 am #
    I'm getting married in 78 days (not like I'm counting or anything) and I'm trying to not panic but it's so hard. I just keep searching for good news right now :)
    Reply
  10. Erin March 13, 2020 at 11:20 am #
    Thank you so much for this, Bev. You eloquently put into words what we are all thinking and feeling right now. I think I speak for others when I say that we need a good 'ol Bev's Crafts post. Maybe try the snow globe thing again? Ooor, homemade soaps? You never did show us what you did with all those twinkle lights you bought. I know my weekend is going to be filled with cooking, binging (whats good on the Netflix/Amazon?) and perhaps painting a wall..... Let's share the positive things that we are all doing while "quarantining". Love and light and health.....
    Reply
  11. Renae March 13, 2020 at 11:21 am #
    So many feelings right now. I'm mad at my friends who don't get that this IS a big deal and share stupid crap on FB. I'm sad at the prospect of my boys' baseball seasons getting flat out cancelled (something we look forward to so much). I'm anxious because what if we all end up hating each other from spending so much time together? (I'm only kind of kidding about this.) BUT I've been planning on being on house arrest for a couple of weeks now, so I worry about needing anything really. AND we have a back yard to hang out it. AND what I'm really hoping to do is to get some house projects done, spring cleaning tackled, and even ready some things for donations. Maybe in the end we'll be largely unaffected and on the other side feel mentally better because we know we helped AND we accomplished stuff. Thank you for sharing that you too are a bit unnerved by all of this, please know that it helps the rest of us feel normal. And when the Bev we all know and love is back next week, we'll be grateful she's here to help us feed and nurture our families, and make us smile.
    Reply
  12. Kelly March 13, 2020 at 11:32 am #
    I just want to know how it all ends. What it looks like when it's passed. Will life get back to normal? That's where my brain takes me. I do want to "flatten the curve" for those at risk and I support staying home and canceling school and all of the things.
    Reply
  13. Bianca March 13, 2020 at 11:36 am #
    Yes, it IS all going to be okay. This is not 1918 anymore. Even though the lack of response from our fed gov't is troubling, we have lots of experts who have prepared for this and know how to respond. I also take solace in the fact that local gov't and states are stepping it up and taking precautions to protect citizens. It's all very surreal, to be witnessing something like this in our lifetime and to have a small glimpse back into what it must've been like in the 18-1900's when these random strange scary viruses would come up and take over. I think we all need to take a breath, put things into perspective, and not freak out. The vast majority of us will be ok. It's a good time to take a vacation from large crowds of people, school, and work - get outside and into the open and breathe in some fresh air! Looking forward to more recipes as we'll be cooking inside for the foreseeable future!
    Reply
  14. Leslie Degenhardt March 13, 2020 at 11:37 am #
    You still made me smile....Thank you for that:):):)
    Reply
  15. Becca March 13, 2020 at 11:37 am #
    Such a strange time for sure. I’m a mom of two kiddos and they are wondering what is happening. I’m telling them the truth...the virus doesn’t seem to be affecting kids much at all. But they get to be the biggest helpers! Washing their hands keeps it away from people not as strong as they are. I think they liked knowing the have a ‘job’ to do and a way to help. Sending love to your family! Off to my bleach tub! ?
    Reply
  16. Tif March 13, 2020 at 11:47 am #
    Thanks, Bev. ALL IN THIS TOGETHER for sure. And I'm cross-stitching like a mutha. Keeps me focused on something and calms the 'ol anxiety a bit.
    Reply
  17. Dee @ The Kitchen Snob March 13, 2020 at 1:04 pm #
    I'm right there with ya, Bev! It's hard to concentrate on regular life. Whatever you do, DON'T go to Costco lol. I left there feeling way worse and have Costco PTSD. I will say that thinking that the whole world is in this together makes me feel good. I wish everyone would consider that always. And when people are hoarding toilet paper and freaking out, I wish they would remember what it might be like when people are fleeing their countries to come to America to escape a crazy, scary place. They just want their families to be safe. We all want to be healthy and safe. How I'm surviving: buying college style ramen - I needed an excuse to try it again! Eating extra cookies. Reading funny memes about the craziness of the situation. Staying connected online, talking with people. Playing Atari from the 80s with my husband. :-)
    Reply
  18. Emily M March 13, 2020 at 8:19 pm #
    XX back to you. I am so feeling exactly the same. A friend said earlier she finally had to just turn off the TV... “If COViD doesn’t kill me, than COViD Coverage will!” We were on spring break this past week, and we did decide to take a road trip. But we’ve been smart about it and I am happy to report that public bathroom behavior right now is ON POINT. People are doing all the right things. I am ready to be home, and like you said, take it one day at a time. See what tomorrow brings. ;We already have extra spring break days added from the schools. Anyway- we are IN this TOGETHER. All the HUGS to you. Oh, andI have “Nightengale” on my night stand to start next week!! (We didn’t buy any extra TP, but we did load up on cold meds, just in case. Robitussin, thera-flu, and pain relievers. #therapuetics Maybe I need some more rice though! ;) )
    Reply
  19. Brigid March 14, 2020 at 12:12 am #
    Thanks for this and love from NZ ?? We must all learn about and act to “flatten the curve”.
    Reply
  20. Jamie March 14, 2020 at 9:00 am #
    I live in WA state, just outside Seattle. It’s scary. I’ve been home for two weeks, and my elderly parents are home and not leaving to protect themselves. Thankful we all are healthy. My husband is still going to work, that’s the really stressful part. Thank you for the funny posts. As a side note, your lemon balm post is really useful right now. I’m going to make a tea, lemon balm is great to support immunity and also calm stress. Glad I planted that guy a few years ago.
    Reply
  21. Nan March 16, 2020 at 9:55 am #
    Thanks for this, Bev. I'm frustrated with the media for providing (1) so little information while at the same time (2) sounding alarm bells all over the place: it's very "boy who cried wolf." But I cover a lot of the congressional hearings and foreign news for my job, and let me just say: a larger number of people are going to die if we don't all avoid social contact for... I don't know, months? Anyway. That's not media hype. Alex Azar said we don't have enough medical supplies stockpiled. The countries where # new cases are dropping: they first tried a bunch of milder measures but it's only when they give up and get really strict -- *deserted* streets -- that it starts to work (ex: China, South Korea, Italy's trying it now but it's only been a few days).
    Reply
  22. Irene April 17, 2020 at 2:09 am #
    Maybe you have said something about this in a different post, but how do you look at it now? As still not a big deal? As something not to fear? I’m genuinely curious about your thoughts after a month and things are definitely bad. I live in a country that finally took it seriously and went on lockdown but it’s been painful to watch people carrying on like it’s no big deal, and that everything is exaggerated. I do appreciate your post and your thoughts on not being able to joke etc, it baffles me that so many of the blogs I used to read completely ignores it. I get that that is a coping mechanism too, but it definitely rubs me the wrong way. Take care!
    Reply

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