Sandy Supposes....

Self-Isolated, But Not Alone

My coworkers and I had a virtual happy hour today where we all just chatted and played "Never have I ever" It was great to feel the connection between everyone, even though we're physically distanced.

How are you trying to stay socially close to others while #SaferAtHome and physically quarantined?

         

         Today is April 2nd, and I've been self-isolated since March 15th. For nine days before that I stayed in rural Quebec never leaving the house. My forays into the outside world consist of grocery shopping and visits to the laundromat which I curtail to one day per week. I nod and say hello from a distance.

         I haven't resorted to running to a window and banging on it to gain someone's attention. I also have not opened a window and hung out it to better see a favourite someone and shout a greeting to them. I'm definitely socially-distanced 'cause I reside on the second floor and no one could reach me unless they are willing to climb nineteen steps. I doubt anyone would notice me half in and half out a window shrieking like a mad woman. I'm not eager to risk a less than graceful fall either.

         Thank the universe and some clever inventors for the internet! Daily, I share private letters, jokes, videos, and photos via a wonderful application known as Messenger. No dial up connection, no pony express, no courier, no carrier pigeon, no flares, and no postal worker required. We instantly converse and natter away.

         Pretty well everyone I know and care to keep in touch with has a cell phone, so we have the option of speaking, or texting each other.

         Most of my family and friends live at a geographical distance and we appreciate having an internet connection. Of course, we do not share private matters there, but we also communicate via Facebook. We try to avoid the ridiculous drama that may be present. We like the shared humour.

         I still appreciate good ol' snail mail and actual hold-in-my-hands letters. If I wish a quicker response, I send my news via e-mail.

         Company is just one of these methods away, so I'm not totally isolated. If I crave a living, breathing, in the flesh person to converse with I hang around the nearby post office. Sooner or later someone arrives to pick up their mail and I can strike up a conversation. Hopefully, I don't choose a person with hearing difficulties.