Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
So, yes, I posted late. The world is a little crazy right now. I tried to schedule this last night and had to apply 5 updates to this blog before I could do anything else. Oh well.
Optional Monthly Question: The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?
This is a pretty good question for this point in time. Since I’m a stickler for this posting format I’ve devised, I’ll respond in my personal updates section below.
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Sorry, didn’t have time to put my monthly updates together. We’ll see how I do next month.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
First, I didn’t read as much as I would have liked in March, but I didn’t do too badly. At some point, I hope to post some reviews.
Second, I haven’t written anything. That’s all about that.
Lastly, the last thing I posted to this blog was an update about me dealing with some health issues and doing my best to get around to visiting blogs. Since then, the Covid-19 scare has become a lifestyle (at least for now.)
I took some time off from work, without pay, to address some health concerns completely unrelated to Covid-19 and when I attempted to go back to work, I was told I couldn’t do so without a release from my doctor. Setting up a virtual appointment to have a letter faxed saying that I could go back to work, has been just one of many adventures for me in the last few weeks.
Still, with everything going on I can say that I’m blessed. I’m a little bumbed I haven’t had time to post any videos (videos now posted), but I hope to do that soon. In the meantime, here’s why I’m blessed.
1) Because of the kind of job I have, I’ve been able to keep working, though it has been a crazy process to follow guidelines and stay safe and healthy.
2) My husband has been very protective of me and taking on a lot of extra responsibilities around the house. He doesn’t like that I’m working but appreciates my ability to make an income when so many others can’t. He only lets me go to work and home and constantly checks in on me. It’s so sweet.
3) Technology. I think it’s kind of cute how so many people are discovering different ways to use video and the Internet to communicate and stay connected. For the first time in decades, people are using social media for its original intended purpose. I’m not saying that it’s perfect or even permanent, but for now, I like the state of the social media I’m seeing. I will be honest; I’ve avoided Twitter and have only engaged on Facebook and Instagram.
4) Apps. I’ve been using Zoom for years, but I think it’s great so many other people are discovering it. Here are some of my favorite apps at the moment: Pluto, YouTube, Goodreads, Dropbox, Google Drive, Weather Puppy, You Version (Bible), ASL, and Web Toon.
5) Faith, family, and friends. In the end, this is the greatest blessing of all.
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So, how are things in your world?
Read any good books lately?
It may take some time, but I promise, will stop by your blog.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Diane Burton,
JH Moncrieff,
Anna @ Emaginette,
Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter,
Erika Beebe, and
Lisa Buie-Collard!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #39).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
32 replies on “#IWSG April 2020: How are things?”
I guess I’m kind of in the same boat: I still have to go in to work, which is great because it means I’m still getting paid. But with all the extra precautions we’re taking, it’s a lot harder to actually do my job. It’s a mixed blessing.
It is a mixed blessing.
Hi,
It is good to hear that even though there is chaos you are dealing with very well.
Treasure that hubby of yours that is looking out for you. Those are the signs of someone caring deeply.
Enjoy it and stay safe.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thank you. I do treasure him. I am so blessed.
That’s great your husband is taking care of you. Yes, so many are without jobs now. Be blessed you have one.
I’d never even heard of Zoom until two weeks ago. Bet they are really popular now!
Wow, that’s funny. I guess I just assumed more people knew about Zoom. Like you say, they are really popular now.
We need that kind of care and appreciation. So happy for you.
Thank you. Hope you are well.
I’m sorry to hear about your struggles. Stay safe and healthy!
Thank you. I’m trying to stay calm and rest as much as I can, when I’m not working.
Glad you’re still well and still able to work. That is a blessing right now.
The last good book I read was Ellen Jacobson’s Poisoned by the Pier, but I know you’ve read it too. It gave me a lift when I needed one.
Take care of yourself, Toi.
Thanks for your kind words. And yes, I did read Poisoned by the Pier. I’ve enjoyed Ellen’s series so much.
It’s so good to hear you are cleared and back at work. That’s so sweet your husband is watching out for you. I’m going to have to do some kind of video conferencing if I hope to teach any of my seminars this year.
Weather Puppy – I love the name!
There are so many options out there for teaching online classes. I hope you find one that works well for you.
I love Weather Puppy. Since I’m gonna check the weather 2-3 times a day anyway (’cause it changes that often in VA), I might as well get cute puppies with it when I do.
You are, indeed, blessed. I love how you and your husband are taking care of each other. We are blessed to be sheltered and safe and not financially compromised. We stay in touch with family and friends through texting and telephone calls. Our neighborhood has a text-circle, keeping track of each other and making sure everyone has what they need.
A good book I recently finished reading This Tender Land, by William Kent Kruger. I could not put it down.
Take care, stay well.
Glad to hear you are safe and have a good community support system in place. This Tender Land sounds like a good book.
Your husband’s behaviour made me smile. It’s nice when people show you how much you mean to them. We are blessed. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Yes, he’s really made me feel loved.
Hey Toi, you’ve been through a lot. I’m glad your husband is helping more. I’ve been hearing a lot about zoom. I’m using skype to tutor my students and that’s working well. Whatever it takes to get through this.
Keep safe.
Thank you Denise.
I’ve used Skype too. It’s a great tool. I think people are just excited about the conferencing capability Zoom offers, but that doesn’t come with the free version.
Thanks Toi for your post. Glad you are feeling better health wise. I so agree with you about the original intent of internet, communicating and learning, that what I use it for. I think you just have to learn to twig the strings of every website wisely and tailor them to your needs and you can reap all the benefits without the drawbacks and negative vibes from sources or people you wouldn’t look at twice if you met them down the street … Have an inspiring spring and concentrate on your well-being … it’s not like we’re going anywhere …
Thank you Susan. I have high hopes for my social media interactions moving forward.
Stay safe and healthy.
Glad you’re okay despite your health issues. That’s gotta be tough. Your husband sounds like a great guy. So is mine. I’m so blessed. The worst for me is not seeing the grandkids, except for FaceTime. I miss them terribly. But at least we have technology to help us. Stay safe.
Yes, we take our blessings where we can get them. It’s been nice being able to chat, text, and conference with all my family local and far away. I especially like keeping in touch with my grandmother.
Yes, the world has gone mad and everything is in limbo… neither here nor there… the global tailspin is crazy. Actually, it’s surreal. One of the bloggers used the word “discombobulated” and I had a good laugh. But she’s right. Just under a million virus infections within a month? Yes, discombobulated IS the word!
Stay safe in your corner of the globe.
P.S. Your hubby sounds like a gem!
Zoom? I’ve never heard of it. LOL
Well, you may get a chance to try out zoom some time soon.
My hubby is a gem. I’m very blessed.
Stay safe.
I am glad you are better . That was sweet reading about your husbands care. You are very lucky. Stay safe and healthy. Belated IWSG
Thanks Juneta. I am better and am looking forward to getting more answers about my condition later on. For now, I’m just so blessed.
Stay safe.
Stay healthy! I am grateful right now that none of us has to go out to a job (of the 4 of us, only my youngest son is actually working, and he’s doing it all remotely along with his classes). I’m working on learning the various video conferencing software, because clearly it’s what we need 🙂
That’s good that you guys don’t have to go out much.
Hearing more and more about Zoom. LOL
I’m so glad you are safe and taking care. Sorry to hear of the initial health problems but hoping that’s all in the past. Knowing how to survive via the internet is that new normal.
Stay well, and stay safe!
Yes, my health is better but I still have a few more tests to take later on.
Video connections do seem to be the new norm in socializing.