It has been far too long since I really blogged here. And over the last few weeks you would think I would have more time to do so. While my commute is lot shorter and no longer requiring me to wake before 6 am each day, I still find myself very exhausted each day. I have been quarantined in my condo for nearly 5 weeks now due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
So what have I been doing while home? I am still serving our members and general public as a staff genealogist for American Ancestors. My days consist of catching up on Ask-a-Genealogist emails, writing lectures, presenting webinars, working on some project work (top-secret for now!), participating in chat service 3-4 pm, preparing for and giving consultations, and answering general inquiries that may come via phone. We may be closed in person but there is still a lot of work being done behind the scenes. Recently I participated in a tweetup on Twitter to help touch base with other genealogists during this time and see how they're keeping up with their genealogy.
I'm looking forward to some upcoming webinars I'm giving for some genealogical societies as well as some upcoming conferences that hopefully won't be cancelled. Many societies are making the move to host more webinars so we can all stay connected and not outright cancel anticipated events.
When I'm not working, I'm watching mindless tv as I can't bear to watch the news and death tolls. It's been far too depressing and mentally I need to keep busy and calm as much as possible. I have several health issues so freaking out about getting ill with a new virus is not going to help. Stress levels need to be controlled as much as possible and sometimes that involves eating junk food (yes I stress eat). I do want to say that it's ok to freak out. These are scary times and I wonder how I'll feel when I look back on this entry a year from now, 10 years from now.
How are you keeping busy/sane/safe during this time? Leave a comment on how you're doing.
Tonight I'm sitting here catching up reading blog posts. I've kept myself busy with genealogy, but with a very different mood about it. I have requests out for local people to look up things for me that I know they haven't been able to. I need to find some rare records for a DAR supplemental, but that's not happening. All in all, this literally has been "the best of times... the worst of times." More time to work on my own genealogy, but a lack of access to records and amid such a dark cloud. I hope your stress has lessened since you wrote this piece. STay safe!
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking Laura! It's still a stressful situation since I've been cooped up at home. I'm also working on a number of work deadlines. I have been working on a few genealogy projects so that helps bring up the routine so it's not like Groundhog's Day. Stay safe as well!
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