Monday, March 23, 2020

Self-Quarantine (Social Distancing) "Daily" Life with COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

It's Sunday , March 22nd 2020 as I decided to start blogging about my daily life with this quarantine period. Not sure how long it'll last, but I decided that I want to record this for future generations. I want them to learn the "sacrifices" we are currently making with the increase of technology "making life easier" ..somewhat! I have to start when I was visiting family in St. Paul last weekend. I was weary about visiting with the virus spreading. Fortunately, the cases were lower at the time. However, I took precautions, so when I arrived home. I told my mom I need to wash my hands before she could hug me.

I showed my mom and dad the Vitamin C supplement I ordered for them ..

..that I told them to take daily to build their immune system, especially with this virus right now.

Later, I then took some Clorox wipes that I bought awhile back and started cleaning common areas where "we" touch..

...I would continue this at my workplace this past week as we heavily focused on "cleaning" at the end of everyday. I did this late last month at my own home after I was sick (caught some "virus" bug too). My past renter was sick before he moved out (mid-February), so I decided to clean afterwards with disinfectants.

Going back to my time in St. Paul last weekend, I was very "on-guard" whenever I went out publicly. I did take the chance to workout at the local fitness center (Woodbury), which I checked the map of where the cases of Coronavirus has been reported. None so far in Washington County, so I decided to go when I checked it around 5:30ish am and went back to bed. Somehow, this whole pandemic has kept me up at time some mornings. However, I try to meditate in God's Word more than usual to give me peace.

In fact, I meditated on Psalm 91 with my mom the night before..

Psalm91Mar13th20

https://youtu.be/Xi_sdQ6FQqQ

When I was in the cities I would watch the "National Day of Prayer" declared by the U.S. President..

Before leaving back to Morris, I wanted to store up some food, water, and natural remedies for my parents in case they can't go outside "totally"..


*see Drinks: Various Teas foodsofallkinds.wordpress.com

As I write this (Monday, March 23rd 2020), our state (Minnesota) is not in "total lockdown" compared to several other states (e.g. Illinois, New York, and California) and other countries (e.g. Italy and Wuhan, China earlier this year). However, it's good to be prepared !

Another reason for doing this blog is to share some experiences so far out in the community during this "social distancing" period. Earlier last week, I finally got my new Drivers License renewed; however, it took 3 visits due to the long lines of people trying to get various services from the local DMV. I didn't have the right documents with me or the time was short (e.g. driver license renewals for the new ID takes long, so I couldn't get one if I'm not serviced by 4:30p - closes at 5p) . Well, when I was there for my 3rd visit, the restrictions were higher (Monday, March 16th) when it came to "social distancing" (6 feet was the recommended distance after our state declaration). When I got there, there was no line like the week before. Instead, we were instructed to stay 6 feet away from each other, which was impossible to do in that small tight office! I was at least a foot from the person besides me!

This was just the beginning of this "social distancing paranoia". When I went to work, we were always on the "social distancing" rule. We've always had that "personal space" issue, but more than ever! Clients kept on each other's case about this themselves.

When I would go to the grocery store in the Twin Cities, it was crazy at times. The first one I went to last weekend was Target in Woodbury. I went there Saturday (March 14th) morning right away after my workout so I can beat the rush. Unfortunately, I got there later than I wanted to as I didn't sleep long enough that morning. However, I was able to get what I needed. I just wanted to keep my "social distance" and get out of there. I wasn't able to get the particular water brand (Ice Mountain) my parents prefer, but I did find some toilet paper :) Instead of buying more than I needed, I just stuck to buying a 4-pack so I didn't look like I was hoarding.

I went to the Target closer to my parent's house and this was one was really busy when I went around noonish Sunday (March 15th). My dad asked me to buy some stuff and I went to buy more of that "tea" (above) as this is great to boost one's immune system instead of toilet paper. I have an "emergency" set at home in Morris, and I wanted to buy one for both my parents (above pic, which I previously bought the day before) along for my sister and her husband too. I took a pic of the bread selection as I texted my sister as she mentioned there was not much bread in her area....

This was like a common scene in many grocery stores due to "panic shopping" all over the world. I shared a post earlier last week about the rice being sold out in many stores in the Twin Cities.

When I was back in Morris, I decided to grocery shop late as possible after going early last week after an overnight shift around 7am (Tuesday, March 17th). The store was bare, but it was at the time being stocked. There were staff in almost every aisle stocking the shelves after it was almost emptied out. Also, there were a lot of people shopping so early as there was no school too. I just wanted to get as much of my grocery list and leave. I was able to get most of what I wanted except bell peppers.

When I went grocery shopping late this past weekend (Saturday, March 21st around 9:30ish pm) before it closed at 10pm, I was one of only 2 customers shopping. I saw a post of a "dance challenge", so I decided to video myself dancing while getting drinking water..

Dancing at the Grocery Store

https://youtu.be/h9hmi4YMO-8

Just wanted to post something with "positive vibes" during this season of a serious situation.

As I write this on a Monday afternoon , I just took a break earlier and took advantage of the sun shining by riding my bike around town. I did ride my bike earlier when I came home from work doing the overnight shift this morning, which I'll post this sometime.

I'm done writing for now. Till then, keep building your immune system, keep building your faith and trust in God and know you will be taken care of.

Good News Health
https://www.facebook.com/groups/479920498739082/

Update: Monday, April 6th 2020

I'm going on my 3rd week of "quarantine", which last week was pretty "slow" when it came to work as I wasn't needed to fill any shifts. However, this past weekend, I had to work as I was put on schedule at one of the group homes short of staff. I decided to write this after finding out during work, a "friend" told me her grandparents caught COVID-19 at a "senior living center" close to my home. I felt like these places are "hot spots" and very vulnerable for an outbreak. Please pray for my friend's grandparents and many others affected at these senior living centers and around the world overall. I decided to post this social media prayer immediately when I got home..

"Life in a Day w/ Sal (7.25.20)

Life in a Day w/Sal: Lake Affect Coffee in New London, MN

https://youtu.be/PxwSSdUaMfo

Feel free to share this as a "sample" on what to pray . Keep persevering..Pray Until Something Happens!

During my time at work this past weekend, my co-workers and I were chatting about how this whole "pandemic" has affected the people around us overall. We noticed people are more "nicer" and not so "rushy". Maybe this is more around our rural communities compared to the "panic shopping" going in the "bigger communities". What is it like for you ?

Last week I didn't have to work, so I had a lot of time to "do other things". I noticed I had a lot of dreams that were very vivid as I've been asking God -"show me how I can be a light" for you during this "dark season" around the world. I decided to post more "intercessory" prayer videos, like this..

Way Maker Tribute (April3rd20) https://youtu.be/nXtETr7POxs

Let's all come together in prayer, social media community, as one human race, etc.. to fight this Coronavirus: COVID-19 !

Good News Prayer
https://www.facebook.com/groups/609542502392314/

Saturday, August 17, 2019

2019 Year in Reflection

January

The year started off with some "life challenges" due to my father's health. He had to have a life saving AAA (see Protected: Getting through a family member’s AAA Surgery with Updates goodnewseverybodycom.wordpress.com ) surgery mid-January...

... I would ended up living at "home" for a month to help out at home during his recovery. I used that time to work on a lot of personal projects too and spent some great quality time with family , so I thought it was a well time spent. I was able to attend my niece's musical concert..

Minnesota: Highland Park's "Scot-A-Palooza" at the North Garden Theater in St. Paul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HLganpmXhU&t=2s

February

During my month "break", I worked on an online class to build on to my "Fitness Coach" certificate. I took a class on Senior Fitness (see Fitness: Exercise tips for Seniors goodnewshealthandfitness.wordpress.com

I would apply what I learn with my aging mom to encourage her on exercising and get strong as she battled some health ailments due to aging..

Sit Down Squats w/Encouraging Verses for Mom w/ #healthfitnesslifeguy

https://youtu.be/IpU-k91SXt4

I went back to Morris mid February after almost a month of "paid leave time" from my work, which was a blessing. My dad started to slowly get his strength after a month since his AAA surgery, which I was a little more comfortable leaving. I would go with him to drive for the first time in weeks , which I wanted to make sure he was able to do this before I went back to Morris.

Sounds of Blackness at UMMorris (Feb28th19) Pt. 1

https://youtu.be/NMVDbI6Sr6g

March

It's been a long cold winter season, but we got some temporary heat when the Polynesian Dancers came in March 2nd...

I was inspired by the free workshop they gave prior to their performance to do some different type of drumming on my recent new drum set my co-worker gave me free..

I play in my garage so my renter(s) won't be bothered by me playing in the house. It's cold , but playing on the drums keeps me warm!

April

This month is a big month for family back in St. Paul as we celebrate my mom and older sister's birthday. My siblings and I went to this "once in a lifetime" event called the "NCAA Final Four" basketball tournament as Minneapolis hosted this year's big event..

We brought my nephew and his cousin to it, which we did various activities at the Minneapolis Convention Center..

The following day, we went to another event called Philippine Day...

I would see a buddy of mine from my high school days, who I keep in touch regularly. It's an annual event, which has been a great time to catch-up with friends I haven't seen for awhile along with spending time with family too.

I would go back home in St. Paul later in the month for "Resurrection Sunday" weekend..

I'm thankful to God everyday for what He did on the cross!

May

I had the opportunity to take some clients from my ft-job with another co-worker on the 15th to the annual Special Olympics: Track & Field Regional Competition in Moorhead, Minnesota...

This is just one of the perks of my job! :) I would end up coming back here later in the month after taking a renter (Shafiul from Bangladesh) to this area. We would visit Fargo first...

June

Went to my nephew's baseball tournament with family..

Later in the month, my parents and I went to Como Pavillion in St. Paul to this restaurant along the lake ...

July

I would later go paddle boarding for the first time within that week during my week vacation through July 4th..

Later in the week during my annual week of July 4th vacation, I went to the St. Paul Saints Baseball Game at their newest stadium for the first time since it opened years ago..

After July 4th, my mom and I would do some karaoke to some favorite "patriotic songs"...

Wahid and I would checkout this annual event in St Paul, which was both of ours first time to attend..

I would visit my sister and her husband in Willmar for supper at a Mexican Restaurant and then went to another baseball game this month...

Dwier Brown ("Field of Dreams" father) at Willmar Stingers Baseball Game

https://youtu.be/CO0g8P3fFuA

August

I took Wahid to to this "Taste of India " at the State Capitol Mall Grounds..

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

2018 Year in Reflection

January

Below are just "some" of the highlights that I can remember through pics I've taken and went through recently. I thank God for the many blessings for being able to do all this..

Went geocaching with my sister and her husband in Fergus Falls..

Minnesota Vikings "Parody (Twins) Theme Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi6CeVVESs0#action=share
*a little fun parody I made after another video I made of the "Minneapolis Miracle"

I didn't have tickets to the Super Bowl, but I was able to checkout some of the activities :

Sal reporting from St. Paul's Winter Ice Palce (1.28.18) https://youtu.be/HKeoZAfB_Rs more... USA: Minnesota-Super Bowl 52 Experience Visit smiletravelingblog.wordpress.com

February

My younger brother visiting Morris..

As he drove through before going to Fargo for a work-related trip.

The Winter Olympics going on in South Korea inspired me to go ice skating at the local rink..

I was able to snowboard only once (February 24th) the entire season during a winter storm as I love fresh snow..

March

Parody-"Walk Like a Minnesotan" (originally "Walk Like An Egyptian" by Bangles) by Crazy lil' Sal https://youtu.be/qsoxwacSYtw

Some of the challenges of the year were my sewer back-up..

I tried to rent this machine at the local hardware store, but it broke. I ended up calling a local plumber and got it taken care of.

I visited family down in St. Paul for my birthday, which my dad treated all of us to Brasa Restaurant (found by googling)..

Before heading back to Morris, I watched my niece's volleyball game with family..

April

It was an "April Fools" Cold Day, which I was in St. Paul to celebrate my Mom's b-day ..

Went to play some piano after getting inspired by watching a "friend's" performance at the campus..

During the celebration of my sister and mom (again)'s birthday together, some of us played the "big version" of Jenga!

We would later go out to eat (same restaurant-Brasa, where we went earlier this monht) and then go for a walk along downtown St. Paul's riverfront...

I also worked on car maintenance projects-spraying rustoleum (black) underneath my car to maintain the exterior protection and color from the "winter" elements of Minnesota.

May

My sump pumped started acting up, so I ordered a replacement

My co-worker and I took some clients to this annual "Special Olympics Track Meet" in Moorhead, MN..

My friend Chris and I drove to Minneapolis for one night to check out "Pulse Twin Cities"..

It was our first time at US Bank Stadium too!

I worked on my summer project early as we had some nice "early" summer-like weather..

Helped record the local high musical called Legally Blonde.

"Fill me Up" (originally by Will Reagan) by Crazy lil' Sal
https://youtu.be/N0Y88Zi0qEE

June

Hungout with some co-workers , friends, etc.. at Old #1 's cool patio view after watching Jurassic World..

It has been a rainy season and year overall after, so I left these tarps in the back and front part of my house to collect rainwater coming down my metal roof and sliding it a way as far from my house..

This prevents my sump pump working overload and keeps my basement "dryer"!

"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" ("Lion King" Disney Movie Soundtrack) by Crazy lil' Sal

https://youtu.be/ZBJmc-CKXyU July

I walked the entire lake of Nokomis (Minneapolis, MN) with an "old" friend that used to attend the University of Minnesota-Morris, which we were just "catching-up" on how we are both have been doing since (several years) we last "hung out" together..

I would later go check out Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, which I haven't visited for year and remember going to earlier as a kid too..

I then visited another friend that went to UMM, but we both went to school together. We also caught up on what we've been up to since we graduated (different years). We saw each other years ago when a "close friend" (faculty) passed away :( in Morris..

When I first bought my house, I would use a "manual" (non-gas powered) grass cutter. It would take a longer time, but less noise and more environmentally friendly, plus a great workout! Life got busier and I started using my "gas powered" lawnmower that the previous owner of the house left and gave me. That was back in 2006 and it finally died! :( I decided to invest on a long term (when I get older and don't have the "energy" to keep pulling that string/wire to start it up!) "battery powered" lawnmower..

So many benefits, which I highly recommend!

I love swimming, so I joined some friends (co-workers) one hot day to Glacial Lakes State Park, which I would show a picture hanging up of an "old school" pic of our local church "MCC Softball Team" parade float back in the days...

I also had a great workout kayaking (*see #saldapal8 , pic taken by Paul J...thanks!)

I continued my summer project of painting some "spots" underneath my metal roof ..

Also, did on-going car maintenance by re-doing my windshield repair..

"Wavin' Flag" (originally by K'naan) Dance w/ Crazy lil' Sal

https://youtu.be/M6qPg2vx90M

August

We (family & I) celebrated Alysa's (my niece turned "teenager") birthday at Olive Garden

I took one of my ESL (English as a Second Language) students (from Brasil) to the Douglas Country Fair..

I took some time to volunteer for my workplace to "table" at the Stevens County Fair

As we were promoting our Open House fundraiser for our renovated building project.

I had my own personal house building renovation issue with my roof with this roof "sky window" leak..

I met some cool people while helping out with the annual Feed my Starving Children..

September

I started my own "moving" business-just for a weekend! :) I helped my sister and her husband move somewhat across the state by renting this U-Haul truck in Alexandria..

It was fun driving it, but the most difficult part was one area where I was trying to cross this double state highway. I was tempted to cross to the "medium", but there wasn't much space. Fortunately, I saw the news prior of a car accident that did the same thing and I learned from it. I decided to NOT take the chance and wait a little longer for a more "clear" traffic despite some "pressure" (car behind me). Let this be anyone's lesson!

Thanks to a couple of several friends that helped move (unload and load).! It was fun riding in the trunk from Pizza Ranch as we had a packed car of helpers.

I then went to the cities to drive one of my renters to the airport as he left for "home" :( We were able to hangout a little at the crowded Minnesota State Fair..

Minnesota: State Fair 2018-Scenes of Big Crowds (Sun. 9.2.18) https://youtu.be/MPlUZd2g6pY

I went to the cities again , but to celebrate my nephew's birthday. I gave this gift (children's Bible) to him...

We then went on a boat ride at Lake Elmo..

Thanks Chris and Paul for keeping me safe and helping with my needed to be done "sky window" caulking..

Metal Roof: Climbing for Maintenance Repairs-Caulking Circular Skywindow https://youtu.be/ip7W5LS-zqk

We (Morris Community Church) had our "last church fellowship service gathering" the church building..

We'll be meeting in rental and other places afterwards..

October

Donated blood at this sports bar in downtown St. Paul while I was there for one weekend..

Got this gift from facebook..


(click on pic for description)

November

Harvest season brought a lot of "produce", so I'm thankful to God for my co-workers for giving me some healthy foods:


(thanks Nicole) and
(thanks Patty)

I went to Hmong New Year with family after Thanksgiving..

Minnesota: Hmong New Year (Nov. 24th 18')-Dance 1 https://youtu.be/UQnlgwuLm6

I would work on my parent's bathroom sink..

Learned new skills and applying what I've learned in the past too from past plumbing projects from my own home.

Karaoke-"Give me Your eyes" (originally by Brandon Heath) by Crazy lil' Sal

https://youtu.be/UKt1j24TnN8

December

I was a "last minute" fill-in as a client wasn't able to come to the annual ARC Christmas Program..

I played one of the "prophets" during this "Christmas Story"

Karaoke -"First Noel" (Hymn) by Crazy lil' Sal

https://youtu.be/P-qZCw5p-mY

Thanks for checking out my 2018 reflection, which I've been doing this for the past year now (used to do it monthly). It's an opportunity to "take a break" before "life gets too busy after the "holiday season"-reflecting on God's blessings !