So, how is life going for you?

"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
04/10/2020 at 10:00 • Filed to: Covid lyfe, covid-19

When did this all start? It has been so long that I can’t recall. It took a while to adjust, but it’s getting to feel relatively normal at this point...

Since it all started :

I have barely driven my car. It was already barely driven, now it’s practically a garage sculpture.

I haven’t bought gas for either of our cars .

We made our first grocery delivery order.

In early March we mostly kept purchasing things like nothing had happened. Some buying even went up a bit for a while because we didn’t have much else to do.

Now that Amazon isn’t quickly filling orders for nonessential items, we have reduced our non-essential purchasing substantially. The amount of money I’m projecting we’ll have left over this month is pretty ridiculous.

We are no longer taking the baby to daycare, so that is no longer being spent (but juggling him between the two of us while we’re working from home is really wearing on us).

We have stopped seeing/visiting my in-laws because their risk is too high .

Our retirement savings are down roughly 30%.

My lawn is like 8" long because my yard maintenance guys are apparently not essential, even though they never encounter any of us at all during their usual visits...

I have cooked most of our dinners on my grill . So many that I had to refill my propane tanks today...

I’m gaining weight.

I got my allergy shot. This is particularly important when there’s an illness that everyone is afraid of going around and you’re plugged/sneezing perpetually.

The dog is in desperate need of a grooming. It was set for 03/23, now it’s 04/22, but I have my doubts that it’ll happen.

The baby needs a haircut badly . My wife doesn’t want me to go after his hair with my beard trimmer, but if this goes on much longer it might be the only option.

So, how is life going for you?

DISCUSSION (38)

pip bip - choose Corrour > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:06

carrying on like normal.

going for a drive tomorrow (saturday) here in Oz

Future next gen S2000 owner > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:08

Bought a bunch of groceries before CO shutdown, still some how managed to not get everything. Paying for daycare while still keeps the twins at home and juggling work. Seriously need a haircut and my barber does house calls. The mis sus says no and I’m not picking that fight.

Alcohol consumption has gone up markedly. Liquor and weeds stores were deemed essential. Thank you, whoever made that decision.

Weather is heating up, but snow this weekend. Time to fertilize the yard.

Days are a blur...it’s Octobruary the 11teenth, right?

TheRealBicycleBuck > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:12

Working from home with the kids and wife around has been a learning experience.

Both kids have decided that online school kinda sucks.

After 10+ years in this house, we are finally using the office for its intended purpose.

My wife is becoming a pro at using the various apps to get groceries delivered (2-item limit? nah...)

Both cars have been driven at least twice a week. Neither have required fuel in nearly a month. Both need a good washing.

I take care of my own lawn. It’s a good reason to get out of the house.

My wife has relatives in a nursing home in which there’s been an outbreak of COVID. She’s constantly worried about them and other elderly members of her family.

My storage building has doors, but I’m stuck until I can order the right siding and can get to a lumber yard to pick up floor paint and wood for shelving and other small details that I need to finish .

There are a ton of other outside projects that need my attention - weeding the garden, digging french drains for the front bed and side yard, power washing the back of the house, etc.

The best part about all of this is that I’m not traveling and won’t be for the fore seeable future.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:18

So thankful to have started a new job last week. Still driving the ST and Sportwagen nearly every day. So far, fat levels remain steady.

I got Targa shaved down to the skin the day before our groomer closed. I wish I had the same foresight with my own hair.

We should do an Oppo drive lol. I know a 1.5 mile stretch of road(s) nearby where one side is the USA and one side is Canada. We can drag race.

Kinja'd!!!

Left is the USA, right is Canada, median is the border.

XJDano > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:18

It’s strange time that’s for sure. Since construction industry is considered essential there is still work, but it’s slow. I was going to take off the last 3 days this week, but my boss wanted me to fix a job we finished a while ago. So here I am replacing ( 2) 12x12 tile that had a rock under them when installed. I’m now waiting for the wax to dry after the second coat for the next half hour. Then move all the tables and chaos across the room, and repeat for other half of the room.

I’m a bit freaked out by all this covid stuff, I do know 1 person for sure that has it and likely his wife has it also. My wife has been dealing with the kids since their spring break, and we just got an email no returning to the school the remainder of this school year.

I had not really wore a mast to the store or anything yet but since the CDC is recommending it I’ll start. The F-Ed up thing is the masks/respirators I use for work will only protect me since they have an exhaust valve and my exhaling is not filtered. This is fine now because I assume I am not sick or spreading. I did just get some safety glasses in from amazon that I’ve Hd some before, and they are nice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0839CFW3N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_J-hKEbJP3S4TR strange is that I bought them singles for $9 each..

I also ordered a $9 spring to fix an aerator I borrowed from my brother-in-law, and it was 10 miles from my house, shipped Sunday/Monday and not here yet

Ash78, voting early and often > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:29

I’m still grocery shopping, but at half the normal rate (once a week instead of 2-3x...fewer perishables). But our grocery spending has gone way up because we’re buying what we need, not selectively shopping the sale items. Alcohol is also way up because reasons. A trip to the store now takes 2 hours instead of 30-45 minutes — lines outside, lines inside, sanitizing everything at home before it comes in. Very tedious.

In early March we were preparing to list our house for sale, but a few minor construction items have ground that to a halt. Plus we don’t want our house to sit on the market unless there are active buyers. Large construction projects in the area seem to be humming along like almost normal.

I already worked from home, and my role/department is pretty crucial during a crisis, so I’m thankful for the job security. But once the reduced revenues start manifesting around every industry over the next quarter or two, I don’t think anyone will be truly safe.

Having two elementary kids at home full time is the single biggest challenge. Neither of them can do their work alone, so that’s falling to my wife 80%, to me 20%.

Thomas Donohue > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/10/2020 at 10:34

Kinja'd!!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Thomas Donohue
04/10/2020 at 10:37

Needs a couple military snipers and a machine gun nest for it to be up to Trump's liking

benjrblant > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:38

You should buzz the kiddo’s hair sooner rather than later, at least it will have a chance to fill back in over the next month so his or her next real haircut isn’t a disaster.

Wacko > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:39

I just took the our pathfinder and had to de rust the rotors before it started braking normally. Now I have to bring supplies to my father and I will take the forester and do the same thing ( apply the brakes a few times while driving) not using a car for a while here kills the rotors

benjrblant > Future next gen S2000 owner
04/10/2020 at 10:39

I like that the great prohibition of 2020 lasted for 2 hours.

I gave most of my booze away. The last thing I need right now is to be sitting at home with nothing to do except consume alcohol.

sony1492 > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:45

Work has been a little different with us having to wear masks and keep distance while helping customers.

Nothing much changes after that because I’m a hermit, maybe carpar ts I’m ordering take a little longer to show up?

vondon302 > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:48

If this is what retirement is like , I’m ready.

Kinda feeling guilty I’m enjoying this.

My bird IS the word > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 10:53

Somewhat depressed, didnt think being stuck inside would make a difference.

Keeping my job, without much in the way to do (govt intern to hire program) but i’m stressed due to bs about my status, workload, ect ect. It doesn’t seem like they have any idea what to do with me and the organization is seriously lacking. I am not doing what I went to school/signed up for. Possibly why I am depressed.

Getting an absolute ton of work done on the car, just need to drive the damn thing. Stuck waiting for parts due to the virus.

Just feel on edge and unmotivated (in a really bad way) but everything is "fine"

Pickup_man > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 11:08

- My wife, who is a healthcare worker, had her hours cut in half

- Both of my parents, both in their 60's tested positive early last week. Mom had it very mild, felt better in a couple of days and has been officially been declared recovered. Dad got it worse, and had fevers for two weeks but wasn’t hospitalized . He is just going on day two without a fever so hopefully he’ll be a recovered case by this weekend. My sister is staying with them but hasn’t had any symptoms.

- I was going to start working from home, but had a few important things come up, so I’m still going to work every day. (My state is not a shelter in place state currently, plus I’m “essential”)

- Kid is still going to daycare, they’re doing lots of cleaning and the kid count is down which helps. Problem is most of the kids left are healthcare kids so.... ¯\_()_/¯

- My overall company has laid off about %70 of it’s people, %30 in the sub company I work for, and close to %50 of the people in my office/plant . I survived the cuts.

- Budget wise we should be good. I got a very nice raise about 2 weeks before this all began, cutbacks on non essential items, and the two month student loan deferral for my wife’s loans is helping. The stimulus check will be helpful if my wife isn’t back to full time work within a couple of months.

- Weather here is still temperamental, warm and sunny last week, cold and rainy/snowy this week and next. Temps in the 30's-40's. It’s really discouraging because I’ve got outside work I want to do, garage work to keep my busy, and motorcycles I want to ride, but the weather is keeping me mostly indoors.

- My kid desperately needs a hair cut, the wife is going to attempt one this weekend, if it doesn’t go well I’ll give him a #3. I need a cut as well, which will go the same way.

So in general, things are relatively ok, I’m still pretty well off, but it’s been a hell of a couple weeks.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 11:11

I'm getting lost in my own mop of hair and I am trudging through tedious paperwork in the meantime. Seems like things could be going worse for you, but good luck.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/10/2020 at 11:13

The grass is always greener on the other side from our delicious toxic chemical manufacturing. Won't you come on down?

HammerheadFistpunch > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 11:20

It’ s been pretty crazy for me actually. Some days, like today, its pretty mild where I only have to go into the studio once for an hour or two, but at least 4 days out of the week I am there all day and working through lunch. Its both physically and mentally tough work. But I’ m happy with it. Its satisfying work and it’ s good to be busy.

The list of things to do and buy keeps getting bigger. I’ m going to replace the pads on the cruiser this morning and do a few fluid checks then do some tree trimming so I can reduce the amount of death spawn the trees in the backyard produce (Im super allergic to the spores of the trees in my backyard in spring). Tonight we’re going to camp out in the backyard and make tinfoil dinners.

My wife and daughter have gnarly coughs but my wife was tested negative for COVID so it’ s just some other thing. A coughing child = no sleep, even if they do.

Shopping is still pretty normal here. I was thinking about heading in the costco and picking up some more TP since its in stock and we are down to half a dozen rolls.

So far I can’t complain too much, though Im actually looking forward to some time at home this weekend.

Darkbrador > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 11:31

We’re all healthy, still have jobs, so life is good ! I’m very lucky, and thankful .

( “Blessed” for all of you who have an imaginary friend up in the sky.)

404 - User No Longer Available > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 11:49

Since there’s no commute, it actually saved me a lot in transit costs, plus I’m getting an extra hour or two of sleep every day.

DipodomysDeserti > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 12:47

I once lost a wheel on a Corvair while driving (sheared lugs) . My first thought was the engine fell out. Checked my mirrors and saw the wheel rolling down the street. After selling the car a fee years later the new owner texted me that the engine fell out of the car while driving.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/10/2020 at 12:51

I cut my own hair yesterday - won’t be doing that again.

Sleep schedule is off - now I am seldom in bed before midnight, get up when I want.

Never thought I’d miss the gym.

The “19" after COVID has to do with weight gain.

Drinking tons of water to ward off snacking, not sure if it is working.

Still look forward to the weekend.

Grateful that I am not facing the problems of many.

Thomas Donohue > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/10/2020 at 12:55

Be careful, he’ll make you pay for it!!! /s

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/19/2020 at 14:03

That would be a really funny social distancing meet. I could potentially get behind this idea.

With a border like this, I must imagine that the border patrols on both sides watch this road like hawks. It would be so easy to move people or contraband across that even if there was a fence, which it doesn’t appear to have.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/19/2020 at 14:05

Heat score is pretty high. We'd 100% have visitors within minutes

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Future next gen S2000 owner
04/19/2020 at 14:10

It’s illegal for the hair cutting people to work right now in my state. A small black market is developing, but if they’re caught they could lose their licenses. My hair still needs to be cut , but the dog and baby need it far more. The dog is going to be a massive mess soon.

Alcohol and weed are essential here, too. Weird, if you ask me.

Definitely feeling the blur. It’s more the radical fragmentation of my weekdays with the baby than anything. I don’t get a contiguous workday in anymore, it’s simply not possible. Back when he was going to the nanny things were still relatively normal.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Pickup_man
04/19/2020 at 14:18

Glad to hear that your doing well.

My wife’s company is owned by a company that owns a bunch of small companies and hers is the only company that has not laid anyone off or cut hours. In fact, since she works in e-commerce and it involves food, her work is going crazy.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Ash78, voting early and often
04/19/2020 at 14:28

You’re lucky that your wife is taking it that much. Our calendars are a mess and I’m doing 4 days a week of all care, the remainder I’m doing around 70%. The workday fragmentation is really difficult with the type of work I’ve taken on recently due to the odd work situation.

Both of our jobs are unusually secure. I suspect my employer will actually do better as a result of this, which is kind of mind boggling.

Surprisingly, only Costco is a difficult trip for us due to lines. Our local grocery store is operating nearly normally. We did get a pack of TP from Costco through an Instacart order this week, so we’re now good for 2-3 more months, not that I’m expecting this to last that long.

Glad to hear that you’re doing well.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > My bird IS the word
04/19/2020 at 14:34

I hope things have got (or are getting) better for you. Hang in there.

I take it you’re sheltering in place alone. Have wondered how difficult that might be compared to our totally different issues . Sometimes think it would be nice, but it could also be torture...

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > DipodomysDeserti
04/19/2020 at 14:36

That’s hilariously ironic.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > benjrblant
04/19/2020 at 14:38

My wife is still resisting, but it’s over his eyes now and it would have been his first haircut, so she thinks it is special for some reason. Really kicking myself for not having the barber do it when I had the chance...

It isn’t like it would be completely gone, either. I’d use the longest of my beard trimming attachments, which would be reasonably long... I wouldn’t be able to fade it properly, so I wouldn’t even try, but it wouldn’t be worse than it is now in any respect.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > 404 - User No Longer Available
04/19/2020 at 14:44

Nice.

Financially, we were doing far better than normal before even counting the stimulus. The amount we’re saving by not going anywhere or doing anything is kind of crazy. Quite a bit of food has shifted from eating out to groceries, that’s one of the biggest changes I’ve noticed...

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > vondon302
04/19/2020 at 14:45

If it wasn’t for the child care, I could see this being fine as well. Just imagine this without being expected to stay in your house!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/19/2020 at 14:48

Even if we’re just standing on the roads on opposite sides of the border chatting?

I mean, isn’t the border park that you can simply walk across still open? Seems no worse than that

vondon302 > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/19/2020 at 15:24

Yeah but I got a big yard so that helps.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/19/2020 at 15:33

Oh yeah, they’ll be all over ya. They have runners pretty often

DipodomysDeserti > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/19/2020 at 16:04

Kinja'd!!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/20/2020 at 23:18

Apparently some people did just this recently and it was ok

I'd be down if you are!