MMMers.... Show me your outrageous optimism!

[lexde]

DAMMIT.  They're closing the library tomorrow until future notice.

Crap I didn't even think about this. I only have 1 book to read. I guess it's time to try some eBooks.

If you have a library card and a smartphone, get the Libby app and you can check out and read books on your tablet/phone for free. Auto-returns after 21 days if you don't renew means you will never pay a late fee. My library has tons of ebooks and audiobooks!

[OtherJen]

DAMMIT.  They're closing the library tomorrow until future notice.

Crap I didn't even think about this. I only have 1 book to read. I guess it's time to try some eBooks.

Does your library have e-services? Ours does and it’s pretty great.

[OtherJen]

I noticed this morning that I was down to my last 2-lb bag of gluten-free oats, which somehow escaped my notice last week even though we’re going through them a lot faster now (husband has started eating oatmeal). Bob’s Red Mill was sold out of all sizes except the 25-lb bulk bag (they’re also sold out of most other items I checked). Turns out that even with shipping, it’s still cheaper per pound than the 2-lb bags I’ve been buying. We have a new vacuum sealer, so that should make storage even easier.

I also got an email from the farmer who runs our CSA program about alternative pick-up options if the farmers’ markets are shut. Plants are already going in greenhouses, and he’s ready to go for the season. CSA is a great way to support a local business owner and local farming, especially because public market closures might keep them from their usual money-making opportunities.

[Poundwise]

There's a lot to be anxious about as I have elderly relatives just recovering from serious health conditions, who will be the first to drop off the twig if Covid-19 strikes.

However: Supermarket shelves are bare around here, but I was already stocked up due to Costco addiction, plus a giant box of Misfits produce arrived yesterday so I am all set. Except for toilet paper, which we actually may need soon. :~(

Husband is working from home for two weeks so he's in a good mood, and kids can't stop grinning... no school for weeks and weeks and weeks. I'm also relieved to get a break from the relentless round of holidays, birthday parties, baby showers, church, and school events which are time sinks for poor SAHPs like me.

[ender]

I'm going to be able to WFH for long enough that it will give me good practice how I feel about it long term.

[penguintroopers]

My current first world problem is my fridge, pantry, and freezer are so well stocked getting something out is like playing a game of Corona Jenga!

[GreenSheep]

My current first world problem is my fridge, pantry, and freezer are so well stocked getting something out is like playing a game of Corona Jenga!

Haha, so true! It was a game of Freezer Tetris getting it in there, and now there's a risk of a head injury trying to get anything out! :-)

[Blissful Biker]

Social distancing lets me relax into my most comfortable state.  No need to push myself to engage in social situations.  Ahhh.  The sun is shining and I enjoyed a great trail run with my dog.

[scottish]

I get to work at home in this fine spring weather.    Long walks with DW, plenty of sunshine after the winter, and no annoying interruptions when I'm trying to concentrate.

[GuitarStv]

Social distancing finally gives me an excuse for being an anti-social curmudgeon who doesn't like to be near others.

[OtherJen]

Social distancing finally gives me an excuse for being an anti-social curmudgeon who doesn't like to be near others.

Haha, same. I have a Zoom meeting tomorrow and I’m wondering if there’s any way to get out of that, too.

[Morning Glory]

Well, I have plenty of job security either way. If SHTF I will have forced overtime and more money to put in the market while it's down. If it doesn't hit the fan then it all goes back to normal and the market goes back up soon.

Husband has not gotten around to throwing out his old holy  t shirts, which means we will have plenty of rags if we run out of TP.

Our library is open until Wednesday, so I can go panic-borrow tomorrow (can't remember who coined that phrase).

I wanted to clean out my pantry this month anyway.

[Trudie]

I live close to a college campus which has become a ghost town in the last 48 hours since school dismissed for an extended spring break.  This sudden drop in population will allow me to do some serious stealth guerrilla gardening in the neighborhood, starting with two trash strewn corners close to my house.  I’m in possession of one of those metal trash grabbers for picking up litter so I don’t physically have to touch it.  After safely removing the trash I’m going to plant bulbs and pollinator plants.  By the time students return, which is looking to be probably at least three weeks, things should be vastly improved.  I’ve wanted to do it this for a long time, but circumstances were never ideal for doing it on the down-low.  Just trying to bring a few smiles... And if anyone fucks with me (doubtful), I’ll get them to stand down...social distancing requires them to get out of my space.  😁

[penguintroopers]

Our library is open until Wednesday, so I can go panic-borrow tomorrow (can't remember who coined that phrase).

Don't know if it was me, but the only cue I had that my county would shut its library system down is neighboring county did so the day before.

Panic borrowed seasons 3-9 of the Big Bang Theory, and four new books. Asked husband over the phone twice if he wanted anything, knowing that this is the last the library will actually be open for a long time.

I'm hoping the day they're supposed to open again (which I doubt they will actually open again) we can go to pick up only. We're able to select books we want and the library to pick them up at online... so if we could go and pick it up dive-through style I'd be so happy.

[penguintroopers]

Oh! Another bonus: I was procrastinating on doing my taxes. Guess who now has lots of time to do their taxes? Me! But first I must procrastinate some more.

[Blueberries]

DAMMIT.  They're closing the library tomorrow until future notice.

Crap I didn't even think about this. I only have 1 book to read. I guess it's time to try some eBooks.

If you have a library card and a smartphone, get the Libby app and you can check out and read books on your tablet/phone for free. Auto-returns after 21 days if you don't renew means you will never pay a late fee. My library has tons of ebooks and audiobooks!

This!  Plus, library shop.  I have found other counties willing to give cards to neighboring counties (the term for this is escaping my memory), which really opens up your options.  Plus, if you've moved around a lot, you can usually continue to use your old card(s) on Libby, too. 

[Morning Glory]

I finished my taxes yesterday, hopefully my refund comes before prices recover.

The library has pushed all due dates to April 30th so no one gets a late fee. They also have ebooks available to download.

[iris lily]

I live close to a college campus which has become a ghost town in the last 48 hours since school dismissed for an extended spring break.  This sudden drop in population will allow me to do some serious stealth guerrilla gardening in the neighborhood, starting with two trash strewn corners close to my house.  I’m in possession of one of those metal trash grabbers for picking up litter so I don’t physically have to touch it.  After safely removing the trash I’m going to plant bulbs and pollinator plants.  By the time students return, which is looking to be probably at least three weeks, things should be vastly improved.  I’ve wanted to do it this for a long time, but circumstances were never ideal for doing it on the down-low.  Just trying to bring a few smiles... And if anyone fucks with me (doubtful), I’ll get them to stand down...social distancing requires them to get out of my space.  😁

Cool plan, fellow guerilla Gardner! I have been claiming city lots and planting Iris for years.

[wenchsenior]

I live close to a college campus which has become a ghost town in the last 48 hours since school dismissed for an extended spring break.  This sudden drop in population will allow me to do some serious stealth guerrilla gardening in the neighborhood, starting with two trash strewn corners close to my house.  I’m in possession of one of those metal trash grabbers for picking up litter so I don’t physically have to touch it.  After safely removing the trash I’m going to plant bulbs and pollinator plants.  By the time students return, which is looking to be probably at least three weeks, things should be vastly improved.  I’ve wanted to do it this for a long time, but circumstances were never ideal for doing it on the down-low.  Just trying to bring a few smiles... And if anyone fucks with me (doubtful), I’ll get them to stand down...social distancing requires them to get out of my space.  😁

Cool plan, fellow guerilla Gardner! I have been claiming city lots and planting Iris for years.

:VIRTUAL HIGHFIVE:  I really want to do this but it's tough here b/c the climate is brutal and you can't just 'plant and leave'.  And the natives tend to have trouble competing with the exotic weeds and grasses unless someone treats the entire lot first with herbicide and then tends it for the first year to give the natives time to get established. So it's a waste of money to try it unless it's 'officially sanctioned'.  But I love the idea and applaud anyone who can do it.

[iris lily]

I live close to a college campus which has become a ghost town in the last 48 hours since school dismissed for an extended spring break.  This sudden drop in population will allow me to do some serious stealth guerrilla gardening in the neighborhood, starting with two trash strewn corners close to my house.  I’m in possession of one of those metal trash grabbers for picking up litter so I don’t physically have to touch it.  After safely removing the trash I’m going to plant bulbs and pollinator plants.  By the time students return, which is looking to be probably at least three weeks, things should be vastly improved.  I’ve wanted to do it this for a long time, but circumstances were never ideal for doing it on the down-low.  Just trying to bring a few smiles... And if anyone fucks with me (doubtful), I’ll get them to stand down...social distancing requires them to get out of my space.  😁

Cool plan, fellow guerilla Gardner! I have been claiming city lots and planting Iris for years.

:VIRTUAL HIGHFIVE:  I really want to do this but it's tough here b/c the climate is brutal and you can't just 'plant and leave'.  And the natives tend to have trouble competing with the exotic weeds and grasses unless someone treats the entire lot first with herbicide and then tends it for the first year to give the natives time to get established. So it's a waste of money to try it unless it's 'officially sanctioned'.  But I love the idea and applaud anyone who can do it.

Much of the public gardening I’ve done is on established beds in street mediuns that are maintained by others. Bearded iris is a drought tolerant plant  so I don’t worry about putting them down and walking off to never care for them again. In fact in the drought of 2012 I transferred a ton of Iris all over my neighborhood,  and they all came through. They  didn’t bloom well the following year but that’s OK they lived and two years later they put a big bloom.

[Travis]

Oh! Another bonus: I was procrastinating on doing my taxes. Guess who now has lots of time to do their taxes? Me! But first I must procrastinate some more.

This is the first year I've taken my sweet time since I'm going to owe about $200. Still haven't finished them. Maybe tomorrow...

[Fresh Bread]

Weather is getting better (slowly).

Our tax return hit bank today which I transferred into our TFSA's and made a stock buy after lunch.  In hindsight I would have waited an hour or so and the price has dropped since.  Meh. 

Taking a long weekend vacation with wife starting tomorrow morning.  Not going far - couple hours up road.  Looking forward to getting away for a couple nights. 

My old dog took 1st prize in a dog show (not really ... we found the ribbon on the floor of a dog show we went to on the weekend but at 15 years old, he's still our #1)

You are lucky that this virus means I can't jump on a plane and come steal your dog.  Cutest damn thing I've ever seen.

[Fresh Bread]

I reckon if the general public are cooped up and bored, they'll probably turn to online browsing/ shopping. It might be an ideal time for me to work on and launch a few things I've been working on and get some eyes on them.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

[Dogastrophe]

Weather is getting better (slowly).

Our tax return hit bank today which I transferred into our TFSA's and made a stock buy after lunch.  In hindsight I would have waited an hour or so and the price has dropped since.  Meh. 

Taking a long weekend vacation with wife starting tomorrow morning.  Not going far - couple hours up road.  Looking forward to getting away for a couple nights. 

My old dog took 1st prize in a dog show (not really ... we found the ribbon on the floor of a dog show we went to on the weekend but at 15 years old, he's still our #1)

You are lucky that this virus means I can't jump on a plane and come steal your dog.  Cutest damn thing I've ever seen.

Lol.  Ya, he is rather handsome.

[penguintroopers]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

I know my library won’t reopen at the end of the month as planned. But my optimism is we could do a drive-by order system where we can request via holds online and pickup when ready....


A girl can dream.

[OtherJen]

The produce market had almost everything I wanted to buy, so we have well-stocked vegetable drawers once again. Cashiers were in good spirits, and the customers seemed more polite than usual.

Also, the sun is out.

[Anette]

I was  optimistic about my trip to London this last weekend and just returned to Germany tonight. Everything worked out without any problems and because nothing was crowded it all felt pretty safe.
No I have to go back to work tomorrow and I am not feeling terribly optimistic about that but no home office for me as I am a nurse :)

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

I know my library won’t reopen at the end of the month as planned. But my optimism is we could do a drive-by order system where we can request via holds online and pickup when ready....


A girl can dream.

Now that's the kind of vision and leadership we need. Can you please run for county commissioner/governor/president?

[ender]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

I know my library won’t reopen at the end of the month as planned. But my optimism is we could do a drive-by order system where we can request via holds online and pickup when ready....


A girl can dream.

Order an e-reader?

A lot of libraries have capabilities for borrowing books if you have e-readers.

[Fresh Bread]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

I know my library won’t reopen at the end of the month as planned. But my optimism is we could do a drive-by order system where we can request via holds online and pickup when ready....


A girl can dream.

Order an e-reader?

A lot of libraries have capabilities for borrowing books if you have e-readers.

I can read my borrowed e-books on my phone and laptop.

[Morning Glory]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

I know my library won’t reopen at the end of the month as planned. But my optimism is we could do a drive-by order system where we can request via holds online and pickup when ready....


A girl can dream.

My farmer's market has a drive by system set up already. And the schools are doling out food the same way starting today. I just feel sorry for people who don't have cars.

[penguintroopers]

I just want to point out that panic borrowing (great term) is the most panicy of anything I've done in this whole situation. I kept thinking...what if the libraries are closed 4 weeks....what about 8 weeks........

I know my library won’t reopen at the end of the month as planned. But my optimism is we could do a drive-by order system where we can request via holds online and pickup when ready....


A girl can dream.

Order an e-reader?

A lot of libraries have capabilities for borrowing books if you have e-readers.

I can read my borrowed e-books on my phone and laptop.

We don’t have content available across all systems. For example, I typically check out my marvel movies on DVD. Certain books (depending on age and subject matter) are only available in print form. Sometimes the wait for an ebook is several months long, but print copies are available immediately or have a short wait time since only a few people are “in line”.

I do agree, digital is great, but sometimes the hard copies are better.

[iris lily]

While this thread is trending to practical and sincere optimism, I prefer the black humor of a few posts here.

On the inheritance thread someone cracked that there will be a glut of stories about inheritance in about six months. Ha ha.

It’s the revenge of the millennials. They WILL take down us Boomers in the economic lottery of life. We lose our lives, they inherit our dough. They lose half the value of our assets in the game but still, a win for them.

Iris—former multi millionare

[iris lily]

Another point of optimism is we all know who will be Time Magazine’s man of the year in their December 2020 issue:

Mr. Corona V.  Nineteen

[Jimbo]

You guys are doing great - thanks for the optimism.

Today I am optimistic we develop a cure (not a vaccine yet) which would be a pretty good first step.

French doctors have had succes treating Covid-19 patients with anti-malaria drugs and fully removing traces of covid-19 in ~75% of patients treated. Obviously, these are very preliminary numbers, but still encouraging.

A cheap and easily accessible drug, already commercialized, to solve this mess? Sounds pretty good.

[turketron]

Group activities are still alive and well, you just do them virtually! We had a 2 hour long video chat with my buddies just down the street that we'd normally hang out with in person, along with some friends currently across the country.

We just discovered this chrome extension, which lets you binge netflix with friends- it syncs the video across devices and adds a chat panel: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/netflix-party/oocalimimngaihdkbihfgmpkcpnmlaoa?hl=en

[iris lily]

Group activities are still alive and well, you just do them virtually! We had a 2 hour long video chat with my buddies just down the street that we'd normally hang out with in person, along with some friends currently across the country.

We just discovered this chrome extension, which lets you binge netflix with friends- it syncs the video across devices and adds a chat panel: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/netflix-party/oocalimimngaihdkbihfgmpkcpnmlaoa?hl=en

This isolation has caused three new apps to land on my iPad, forcing me to learn new crap. While it sounds like my whine and it is, I will come out on the other side knowing how to navigate a few more digital things. Win!

Those who are invested in Netflix, HBO, streaming devices and content deliverers  will make some money.

Maybe network TV will gain some viewers because people will have to expand their entertainment options. And unfortunate win for the old tired networks.

[MasterStache]

Still doing a bit of side work and Lowes was a ghost town today. The streets were largely empty as well. On the home front we are optimistic our teenage son will successfully make it through his sophomore year without anymore setbacks. 

[nereo]

Ok, my optimism goes like this:

we have all known for years that -collectively- we need to save more, cook more, be more self sufficient. So my hope through all of this is that those concepts become part of our collective psyche.

I remember how my grandmothers experience living through the Great Depression shaped her saving and spending. I hope we don’t have anything near that bad (I don’t think we will) but this might be enough to jolt several hundred million into realizing they shouldn’t be carrying a cc balance and ought to have enough supplies on hand to shelter for a week or too.

I hope gardening gets a big boost. I think carbon emissions will plummet, though whether that can be made permanent is less likely. Still, it’sa start.

[Fresh Bread]

I think carbon emissions will plummet, though whether that can be made permanent is less likely. Still, it’sa start.

We will gain some proof that the world is in fact able to work together and abandon business as usual when threatened. That does give me some optimism. A "war footing" it's what's needed to fight climate change. Even our terrible PM here in AUS has shown some leadership and is improving daily.

[Boofinator]

Iris—former multi millionare

Ha ha. Yep!

[meghan88]

From a long-time career pessimist, here's my list:

- as others have pointed out, plunging carbon emissions are a great thing for anyone who breathes, and for the planet in general
- emerging pockets of kindness here and there re. people doing the right thing to flatten the curve, do errands for seniors, support small businesses, etc.
- less traffic, so biking feels safer than ever
- having people work from home where possible will save commuters $ and, even more precious, time
- companies with virtual staff will be able to scale down their bricks-and-mortar operations (eventually) and save $
- possible conversion of valuable downtown office real estate into residences eventually (especially in older loft/factory conversions), once demand for tech offices starts to wane?
- the housing market may come back down to earth in key markets as a result
- lower interest rates for those who need them (unfortunately, that doesn't include me)
- potential fast track to decent jobs for immigrants with healthcare skills (e.g., doctors, nurses, caregivers)
- bargain-basement prices on investments

[Luke Warm]

there's probably a lot of knowledge being gained from this pandemic. societal and biological.

[YttriumNitrate]

I've been working from home for the last year or so, and it has always been a challenge to find a time when the kids are quiet for conference calls. Now that everyone able to work from home is doing so, it is practically expected that there will be a kid screaming in the background on the call. It's a small thing that makes me happy.

[nereo]

Adding - this is going to force companies to consider work-from-home strategies and improve those opportunities. That alone d have a profound impact on globalemissions and commuting.

[OtherJen]

Classic FM is knocking it out of the park this afternoon/evening. They're playing "comfort" music, which apparently includes "Miserere" by Allegri, "Pavane" by Faure, and "Jupiter" from Holst's "The Planets." It's actually distracting me from my work a bit.

[Poundwise]

I live close to a college campus which has become a ghost town in the last 48 hours since school dismissed for an extended spring break.  This sudden drop in population will allow me to do some serious stealth guerrilla gardening in the neighborhood, starting with two trash strewn corners close to my house.  I’m in possession of one of those metal trash grabbers for picking up litter so I don’t physically have to touch it.  After safely removing the trash I’m going to plant bulbs and pollinator plants.  By the time students return, which is looking to be probably at least three weeks, things should be vastly improved.  I’ve wanted to do it this for a long time, but circumstances were never ideal for doing it on the down-low.  Just trying to bring a few smiles... And if anyone fucks with me (doubtful), I’ll get them to stand down...social distancing requires them to get out of my space.  😁

Cool plan, fellow guerilla Gardner! I have been claiming city lots and planting Iris for years.

:VIRTUAL HIGHFIVE:  I really want to do this but it's tough here b/c the climate is brutal and you can't just 'plant and leave'.  And the natives tend to have trouble competing with the exotic weeds and grasses unless someone treats the entire lot first with herbicide and then tends it for the first year to give the natives time to get established. So it's a waste of money to try it unless it's 'officially sanctioned'.  But I love the idea and applaud anyone who can do it.

Much of the public gardening I’ve done is on established beds in street mediuns that are maintained by others. Bearded iris is a drought tolerant plant  so I don’t worry about putting them down and walking off to never care for them again. In fact in the drought of 2012 I transferred a ton of Iris all over my neighborhood,  and they all came through. They  didn’t bloom well the following year but that’s OK they lived and two years later they put a big bloom.

Simply lovely!  I wish I could see it. I've planted irises all over but they have yet to bloom.

Gardening optimism:  Over the past 6 years I've planted dozens of fruit trees and bushes, but less than a quarter of them have survived, and hardly any have ever had fruit. But still that means I have a few. And I just bought a peach tree!

[LennStar]

After reading this thread I am suddenly somehow bummed that my job hasn't changed (nearly) at all.
Okay, I am now working from home instead of in the 3 people office 600m away, but the other 3 people I am working with (programmers) were only working from home anyway.

And I do start to worry what will happen in 3 weeks time when I run out of toilet paper. Will the panicky buyers have stocked up a years worth of TP by then and I might actually catch some? (Went today shortly after opening to do my weekend shopping, and all paper products were out, probably not restocked since days. Potato chips, noodles and cans were down at 1/4. There is no shortage of shampoo, though!!

But I am happy that now a lot less pollution of whatever sort is produced.

[Anette]

I feel very good and optimistic about all this time my husband, my daughter and I get to spend together now.
One of the biggest reasons for my drive towards early retirement is wanting to spend more time together.
I am a nurse, so I am still working but will get off night shift Wednesday morning and be off for two weeks👍 Where I work everything has been closed except for the one ward that I happen to work at.
My husband works for the state department and still had to come to the office this last week but from now on it is home office.
Although people getting sick, other people possibly loosing jobs ... is truly awful I can't help being happy and optimistic about the positive things this has brought to our lives.