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| I'd like to say, "trying to stay healthy," but I'm way beyond that and now into "trying to get healthy again." |
This week, after receiving two messages from blog-friends about my absence, I realised that you can't just disappear from the blogosphere with no word of explanation to your blog friends.
Apart from not having much to write about due to the current restrictions on going anywhere, seeing only a small circle of people, working from home, etc... I've been reluctant to write anything about how I'm organising the apartment, how we binge watch tv series together into the night, coping with zoom teaching, cooking and sewing, or any other pass-times that are keeping us contentedly jogging along during corona times.
Even mentioning sitting out on our balcony and enjoying the view with a cup of coffee in hand seems like a slap in the face to those who live in less comfortable domiciles and cannot go out. A Reasons 2B Cheerful post at his time would just be rubbing salt in the wounds.
Everyday I read on FB about people who've lost their jobs or businesses that they've spent years building up, about people who can no longer afford to pay their rents or mortgages and are afraid of becoming homeless, and people who can't afford to put food on the table. In Israel we now have 25% unemployment. Like everywhere, the tourist, hospitality and entertainment industries are dead, many shops and other commercial concerns are shuttered until further notice, and those who still do have money are not spending it anyway.
Added to that the fact that I have an almost teenager who doesn't want me to write about her or post photos of her on the blog or occupy any space or speak or breathe. Fair enough but take out the 'mum' bit and I'm just Midlife Single, which is a bit sad and certainly doesn't define me. I thought of closing the blog down but I still want to write. I though of changing the name or starting a new blog. All still possibilities as I approach my 10 year blogiversay in January.
So that's where I'm at re the blog. Here are a few other observations from my dining table in November 2020.
1. Whilst actually teaching far fewer hours than in previous years and saving on the travel time, my online obligations to the school seem to stretch and take the whole day, even on days when I'm supposedly not teaching.
2. Princess Diana died because she didn't wear her seat-belt. End of.
3. Just call me Harry and wife are desperately trying to stay relevant in an organisation that they left. It would be like me calling the Head of the school I left a few years ago and asking her to include me in the school magazine. No one would care. The Markles are playing at being Royals in America and no one cares.
4. It's my daughter's Bat Mitzva (12th birthday) in three weeks and I'm waiting to find out the regulations for the next few weeks before trying to arrange something meaningful with fewer than 10 people. Or a few fewer than 10 people events. I'd like to take solace in the fact that this has saved me a fortune by not having a big party, but I'm not earning the fortune that would have [eventually] paid for it all.
I can't promise to be back next week, or even the week after. Probably another round up of thoughts and a brief catch-up in December. Which is a shame because I've just made it back into the TOTS100 top 500 and I'm going to slide down the scale again next month. Oh well. Such is life.
Well I am glad to hear that you are both well and, like most of the rest of us, at least coping.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you say about not wanting to "gloat" in any way - and most of us are very cognizant of being grateful for what we have - I still think it's good to hear a bit of good news and to know when people are well and are managing. You have worked hard for what you have and I don't think you should feel guilty about having a job or even a balcony.
I think the important thing is to acknowledge that others are not doing as well and to do what we can to help - whether supporting a neighbourhood restaurant by ordering takeout - donating to a food bank (money or time) - offering to tutor children who are having problems - or just writing something upbeat.
I think it's important to know what is going on in different parts of the world and how much alike most of us really are - and how we share concerns for ourselves and our families. You are the only blogger that I know writing from Israel so I always appreciate your take on things.
I understand your daughter wanting her privacy but that doesn't mean that you aren't still a "Mid-life Single Mom". I hope that she is able to have her Bat Mitzvah in some manner or another - even if it's on a smaller scale than anticipated. Perhaps saving money now could be put towards a special trip for the two of you once things are more back to normal - and then you would also be supporting the tourist & hospitality industry - just something to consider.
Perhaps I need to lighten up a bit. Thanks Margie. xxx
DeleteI did wonder if you were both OK and pleased to read you're jogging along OK. Your life doesn't have to be an apology for anyone else's. At this crazy time knowing of those that are OK means we can give more thought and help to those that need it. Good to see you back x
ReplyDeleteThank you. Blogged again today though it was an effort - didn't flow like it used to.
DeleteGlad to hear you are both ok, I know what you mean about the fact there are so many people worse off, however I'm sure there are just as many with even less struggles than us. I read something a while ago that made me feel better, it was something like just because some have it worse, doesn't mean we should feel bad for feeling sad.
ReplyDeleteWell done for even being anywhere near the TOTS100, I've no idea where I would be these days, might go and have a look now.
The TOTS top 500 was short lived. I'm back below the line again.
DeleteI know there is so much pain in the world right now but I’m still writing and sharing, and yes I live in an amazing place and my lockdown is completely different to others, but I’m told that some people still want to read the glimmers of hope, those reasons to be cheerful. It was why we started it so many years ago. You have to be true to yourself and if it doesn’t feel right to write at the moment then that’s ok.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad to hear you’re both well and sorry to hear the teenage stage a fully kicking in already. I am only part time embarrassing at the moment, which is progress, as six months ago I couldn’t be seen with!! Love Mich xx
You've given me hope that I might be less of an embarrassment in time. LOL. xxx
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