What’s on your mind?

[Clix Pix]

So sorry to hear of your beloved cousin's passing, SS! It is a real shame that you were unable to attend the funeral in person, as that brings a real sense of closure that may be more difficult to get when the funeral is streamed remotely. I haven't yet "attended" a remote funeral or wedding, but from what I've heard, it is certainly better than nothing. It must feel a little odd, though, watching something like that from a distance!

Yes, I wrestled with the decision about the concert for well over a week and then on Wednesday, as it was starting to get down to the wire -- had hotel reservations to cancel, too, so couldn't wait until the last minute -- finally made the decision (with the encouragement of a couple of friends, both online and in person) and canceled.

Back at the time we were making our plans for the concert, the new Omicron variant hadn't arisen yet and it looked as though things were moving in a positive direction, with vaccinations, boosters and such -- and then, wham! This Omicron thing is moving fast and although it may not be as dangerous as the original COVID-19 virus and/or as Delta, it still carries risks. At my age I decided it was just a bit too "iffy" to go, much as I'd love to have seen/heard and supported the artist and been together with friends I haven't seen now for two years. Hopefully in 2022 things will be better and there will be more concerts, more opportunities...

 

[circatee]

As @Apple fanboy has already remarked, (and I agree with him), although it is a decision taken with regret, in the circumstances, - and at this time of year - it is the correct one.

My sympathies.

The first anniversary is especially tough.

As I know from personal experience, while it is never easy to lose a loved one, in winter - in deepest, darkest winter - it is even more difficult to deal with.

Anyway, today, my cousin, his life, his loves and his funeral service - which I attended remotely - and which was warm and lovely - are very much on my mind.

Sorry for your loss. I do hope the service was a warm one.

 

[PandaPunch]

I've been trying out Nvidia's Geforce Now streaming service, and I have to say, at least for the few games I play I could potentially completely leave Windows alone if I decide to. My only concern is that, if I ever move, would that new place ever come close to what I currently have now in terms of Internet.

I would hope every major city's Internet service is decent.

 

[Lioness~]

Thinking about what I miss from pre-covid times, and what I don’t?
What I am looking forward to after this.
Not that it is over yet, but most of us and our connections/relations have changed during this time.
Guess that most of you get the point.

Some people that I wasn’t that close to before, will definitely be closer to me after this thing.
And what disappeared, well, some stuff I won’t miss anyway.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Thinking about what I miss from pre-covid times, and what I don’t?
What I am looking forward to after this.
Not that it is over yet, but most of us and our connections/relations have changed during this time.
Guess that most of you get the point.

Some people that I wasn’t that close to before, will definitely be closer to me after this thing.
And what disappeared, well, some stuff I won’t miss anyway.

I don’t think my life has changed much. I go out no more or less often.
I just wear a mask when I’m in the shops.

 

[jdechko]

Not that it is over yet, but most of us and our connections/relations have changed during this time.

That’s what I’ve noticed. I started a job shortly after the beginning of COVID. Things are starting to open back up and we are having in-person events. Im starting to see co-workers that I’ve never met in person which is weird after 18 months.

I’m also not on social media, so connecting with friends takes a conscious effort. It’s nice, though, the joy of an actual unexpected phone call.

 

[Richard8655]

Thinking about what I miss from pre-covid times, and what I don’t?
What I am looking forward to after this.
Not that it is over yet, but most of us and our connections/relations have changed during this time.
Guess that most of you get the point.

Some people that I wasn’t that close to before, will definitely be closer to me after this thing.
And what disappeared, well, some stuff I won’t miss anyway.

My life has indeed changed. I don't go to concerts, movies (cinemas), restaurants, or public events and gatherings. I don't meet with friends who refuse to get vaccinated. For me, things have clearly changed but it's not necessarily a burden as it cuts down on expenses (as a plus!).

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

One thing that has never changed with COVID.

A cat is always on the wrong side of a door...

 

[decafjava]

My life has indeed changed. I don't go to concerts, movies (cinemas), restaurants, or public events and gatherings. I don't meet with friends who refuse to get vaccinated. For me, things have clearly changed but it's not necessarily a burden as it cuts down on expenses (as a plus!).

Wow I don't see this as a plus myself I would hate to work in the restaurant or entertainment industry (music, cinema etc.). As I work with a university foreign exchange program - and no you can't do that online - I hope some of these changes are not permanent. BTW we did run two program this semester and with all the precautions and restrictions I am burnt-out and I will leave it at that.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My mother.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My mother.

My mother: Today is the third anniversary of her death.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And today is also the day of the winter solstice, something which is also very much on my mind.

 

[decafjava]

And today is also the day of the winter solstice, something which is also very much on my mind.

Ahh so it is. I am busy wrapping up reporting on the just finished semester(s). If anything we were told both groups of students (Bachelor and Masters) very much appreciated the efforts made by my colleagues and myself in making the semester a successful and safe one. We received gratifying emails, cards and flowers to that effect.

At least it won't get any darker earlier. My location in Western Switzerland is bad enough for long nights but I am thinking of you all in the UK and other more northern latitudes. Even my annual trips to Western Canada at this time I would make previously exposed me to noticably shorter days as Vancouver is also a higher latitude.

 

[Lioness~]

One thing that has never changed with COVID.

A cat is always on the wrong side of a door...

According to us, it can be.
According to them, they are the queen or king of every situation

 

[Apple fanboy]

My mother: Today is the third anniversary of her death.

Any chance you can meet up with your brother? If not I hope you are able to do something to mark the occasion.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Any chance you can meet up with your brother? If not I hope you are able to do something to mark the occasion.

Unfortunately not.

However, we chatted on Sunday night; naturally enough, our cousin's recent death (and funeral) over-shadowed that of Mother, although we did discuss both in detail.

Perhaps a glass of Something to mark the occasion.

Three years? Gosh.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Unfortunately not.

However, we chatted on Sunday night; naturally enough, our cousin's recent death (and funeral) over-shadowed that of Mother, although we did discuss both in detail.

Perhaps a glass of Something to mark the occasion.

Three years? Gosh.

It doesn’t seem that long ago. But then how are we nearly in 2022?

 

[Septembersrain]

I'm thinking about God. I got another shot today with lidocaine and something else (Not steroid this time) and he's seeing something that may lead to a permanent solution faster than I thought! I was agnostic. Nihilistic. Misanthropic. Now I'm considering religion again.

This feels like a miracle. The whole situation was just amazing. Plus my husband says the home is coming together nicely. Too many good things are happening here for it to be coincidence. Just my opinion.

Anyways, I am thinking about all the people who committed suicide this year in my chronic pain groups. How many of them had a solution like I do but they never found it? How many were taken off their medication. How Fentanyl deaths beat most, if it's not the highest category this year in ages 18-45. Heartbreaking.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

[redacted]

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It doesn’t seem that long ago. But then how are we nearly in 2022?

No, it doesn't.

At times, it seems almost like yesterday; at other times, it seems an absolute age.

Still, remembering my mother, and remembering my cousin, all I can suggest is that those of you who have friends and family whom they love to give them a hug (Covid permitting).

 

[Apple fanboy]

I'm thinking about God. I got another shot today with lidocaine and something else (Not steroid this time) and he's seeing something that may lead to a permanent solution faster than I thought! I was agnostic. Nihilistic. Misanthropic. Now I'm considering religion again.

This feels like a miracle. The whole situation was just amazing. Plus my husband says the home is coming together nicely. Too many good things are happening here for it to be coincidence. Just my opinion.

Anyways, I am thinking about all the people who committed suicide this year in my chronic pain groups. How many of them had a solution like I do but they never found it? How many were taken off their medication. How Fentanyl deaths beat most, if it's not the highest category this year in ages 18-45. Heartbreaking.

Glad you’ve found a solution (hopefully!). Pain whether it’s physical or emotional is never fun to deal with day in, day out.
As to if God exists or not is probably a subject for a different place!

 

[Apple fanboy]

No, it doesn't.

At times, it seems almost like yesterday; at other times, it seems an absolute age.

Still, remembering my mother, and remembering my cousin, all I can suggest is that those of you who have friends and family whom they love to give them a hug (Covid permitting).

Hugs are great. I’d give my everything to be able to hug my daughter one last time.

You’ll have to make do with Mr Monkey!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Hugs are great. I’d give my everything to be able to hug my daughter one last time.

I do understand, and fully sympathise; these days, I'd give anything to be able to hug my mother (and indeed, my father).

You’ll have to make do with Mr Monkey!

Even now, - and he is still sitting on the window-sill, in my mother's room - I smile when I see him and recall how much comfort he gave my mother, and how much he was loved by her.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I do understand, and fully sympathise; these days, I'd give anything to be able to hug my mother (and indeed, my father).


Even now, - and he is still sitting on the window-sill, in my mother's room - I smile when I see him and recall how much comfort he gave my mother, and how much he was loved by her.

Not easy sometimes is it? At least you can have a nice coffee or at this time of night a glass of something nice as you remember her. I’ll raise a mug of tea to Mrs Scepticalscribe senior. Hopefully she is dancing somewhere to her favourite ABBA track.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Not easy sometimes is it? At least you can have a nice coffee or at this time of night a glass of something nice as you remember her. I’ll raise a mug of tea to Mrs Scepticalscribe senior. Hopefully she is dancing somewhere to her favourite ABBA track.

That is a lovely thing to write, and I'm smiling reading it.

Thank you.

Yes, this is something that I can dream of, too - and raise, not a glass, but a mug of piping hot tea - to her, as well.