social distancing and staying at home: four months in

It's been four months since I started working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though we're all in this together, things are admittedly difficult at times. However, there have also been positive moments. For those curious, here's what has happened during the past four months.

A series of unfortunate events

As nice as it is to work at home, being away from the office has its downsides:

• Although I have everything I need for my tasks, not having access to certain equipment can be a major inconvenience.
• Our quarterly happy hours for March and June have been canceled.
• It's been a long time since we've celebrated people's birthdays. Posting pictures of cakes on Slack just isn't the same.
• A guy on our team recently left for another job. He took the time to show me the ropes when when I joined the company and was like a mentor to me. It sucks that we didn't get to properly say goodbye.
• During our last call on Skype, my boss lamented that we haven't had a team lunch in a long time. I certainly can't disagree.

Of course, the pandemic has also affected our personal lives:

• I haven't been able to attend my book club since December. Our latest meeting has been moved from March to July and will likely be postponed again.
• Dad had planned to take us to the Southwest U.S. in March but understandably had to cancel the trip.
• A few months ago, my childhood friend Connie came to drop something off at my house. It took all my restraint to not give her a hug after seeing her again for the first time in almost 11 years. Chances are she wouldn't have appreciated it either. Speaking to her over the phone just isn't the same.
• I had also hoped to see my cousin Cathy and her husband Andrew again during the summer. But it doesn't look like this will happen anymore.
• It's not just me as my parents have also had to turn down several invitations.

A new gazebo

However, one positive thing about staying at home is that we have all the time in the world to work on personal projects. Dad recently decided to add a gazebo to our backyard so that our master bedroom doesn't get too hot in the summer. He actually decided to build it mostly by himself so that we could save on the labor. It was hard work for us too because he sometimes needed our help with the heavy parts. On the bright side, our backyard now has a nice new addition. :-)

RuneScape achievements

Although I still have to work at home, the fact that I don't have to commute makes a huge difference. I haven't had so much for RuneScape since my college days. For those curious, here are my achievements from recent months:

• completed the elite Varrock and Wilderness tasks
• 2,700 skill total
• level 99 Divination
• level 99 Magic
• 2,000 and 2,100 skill total on my alternate account Traductus
• 2,000 skill total on my alternate account Ixfd64 Rs2

Even though I can't see my friends and co-workers, staying at home isn't without benefits. One can see why some people want this to last forever. But at the same time, the fact that people are getting sick and dying sucks. I hope things will be back to normal soon.

In other news...

On a somewhat related note: happy anniversary to Andrew and Cathy as they got married a year ago!

Currently listening to: "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John

an unprecedented situation

As you're all probably aware, the COVID-19 outbreak has gotten so bad that it's now considered a pandemic. It's hard to believe a "mystery pneumonia" in China could turn into something so serious. Even my company has advised employees to work from home. At first I thought this would be for just a few days, but the situation hasn't gotten any better. Our entire state has locked down while COVID-19 cases are still going up. I must admit I'm actually a bit scared.

Sometimes I can't help but wonder if this is how the world ends. Perhaps I've watched too many disaster flicks, but it almost feels like the apocalypse is upon us. Although we're looking at an uncertain future, one thing for sure is that we're all in this together. Stay safe and wash your hands, everyone.

Currently listening to: "This Is Our Time" by WILD

Good riddance, Osama.

In case you haven't seen the news, Osama bin Laden has been confirmed dead. Some sources say he was shot while others report he was killed in an airstrike. But that's not important - the matter of fact is that the mastermind behind 9/11 is now where he belongs.

Although I'm not one to gloat over someone's death, I'd say Osama has gotten his comeuppance. Justice has been served.

Currently listening to: "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin

Congratulations, President-elect Obama!

While I normally don't write about politics on this blog, I'm thrilled to learn that Sen. Obama will be the next President of the United States. America has made history by electing its first African-American president. Eight years of Bush is more than enough, so this is certainly nice for a change.

On the other hand, McCain gave an amazing concession speech. I wish more politicians would follow his example. I'm aware that some of his supporters are upset about the results, but the world isn't going to end simply because their candidate of choice didn't win. At least I hope not!

Some people from our residential unit gathered in the TV lounge to watch the election. There was a strong sense of patriotism after the election was called. I saw someone hang an American flag from the window and also heard others blasting patriotic music. If only fireworks were legal here. :-)

In any case, here's to hoping the next four years will be better than how the last eight went!

Currently listening to: Independence Day soundtrack - "End Titles"