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..

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Glimpse of watching different #churchservices streaming live last weekend during the #nationaldayofprayer 🙏 @goodnews_usa (#inGodwetrust 👆✝️) to #stopcoronavirus⛔️ here in our country and the global world 🗺. Feel free to join others Sunday, March 22nd for the #globalvoiceofprayer

A post shared by Goodnewseverybody (@goodnewseverybodycom) on Mar 21, 2020 at 10:18pm PDT

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..

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https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/prayers-people-affected-new-coronavirus #bibleversesonhealing #bibleverses on #healing #sick https://www.openbible.info/topics/healing_the_sick #powerofprayer 🙏 from #usatoday 📰 https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/03/12/power-prayer-deal-reduce-coronavirus-anxiety-covid-19-column/5014472002/ #sampleprayers for those #infectedwithcovid19 #infectedwithcorona #coronavirus 🦠 https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/prayers-people-affected-new-coronavirus from #worldvision

A post shared by Goodnewseverybody (@goodnewseverybodycom) on Apr 5, 2020 at 6:26pm PDT

"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/

October 2016

We continued our weekly soccer in October, which the weather remained beautiful most of the month. My local college where I graduated had their homecoming, which my friends (Joey & Shannon) came again for another consecutive "countless" year. They weren't able to arrive till later (Friday) due to personal reasons. I picked them up and greeted them at the Student Center after a KUMM (local radio station) concert. Unfortunately, my car wouldn't start. After countless tries with the factory alarm going on late at night (10:45ish pm), the local campus police officer was successfully able to to stop the alarm after I handed him one of my wrenches in my tool box that was in my trunk of my car. I decided to leave my car there and follow the suggestion of the campus officer to replace the battery the next day when there will be daylight. I gave up fixing it after I wasn't successful getting a response via text from friends to help as it was late! My friends ended up calling the Morris Taxi service and I just walked home.

The next day, I got up early to get a new battery and replace it myself as my friend (Tim, the mechanic) still hasn't replied. I carried my new "expensive" battery ($160!, which Tim called it a rip off) via bicycle and was able to fix it. Tim finally came after I put the new battery and was able to drive to my house. Unfortunately, the car shut off as it remained idle in my driveway. It started up again after contacting Tim to check it out again, which we test drove it around town and couldn't diagnose the problem-probably just had to warm the battery more by letting it run.

I was thankful to God that this car was able to start and run, but was still weary it wouldn't start again. I told my friends that my car isn't 100% working, so I suggested them to use their Morris taxi pass the remainder of the weekend of Homecoming if they need a ride. I would later get my car working with no problems...praise the Lord! This car issue came along with other 2 challenges at the time ("comes in 3 saying" :( ). I was already having problems with my desktop computer, which I wouldn't get running for the most of the month of October. I ended up replacing my hard drive with a $300 Samsung solid state drive, which I never heard about until after doing some research. Tim spoke highly about it, so it was actually a blessing to purchase this and haven't had any problems since replacing it sometime the last week of October. It was such a blessing as it got my computer to start quicker and run smoother too! I was able to upload one of the songs I recorded the previous month...

During Homecoming, I was able to see my former mentor (who motivated me to ready my Bible daily) Stu F...

...who I passed by on my bike with my new car battery, but wasn't able to chat as I was going down a small decline. I would meet him at my local church, which we were able to catch-up and share what God has been doing in our lives in this small group fellowship activity during our monthly community "communion" fellowship.

The third "challenge" during the beginning of October was my bike, which I had 2 flats within a week time. I ended up buying a new bike "back" ($70) wheel after taking it to the bike shop (Eul's Hardware), which they suggested me replacing it as the bearings were worn out (probably caused by me going over the curb too many times and my weight was too much for the thin back tire). Fortunately, I got it fixed and was thankful to God for all these challenges to be taken care of....Praise the Lord!

A former co-worker invited me to meet with her friend about this potential business at Old #1 on Tuesday (11th), which ended up being one of those "make money quick" pyramid scheme business. I learned from my mistakes in the past (e.g. Equinox International, Quickstar, Powermall, etc..), so I wasn't able to get tempted by their fancy presentation.

I went to the cities the 3rd weekend (14th-16h) as my renters' younger brother (Saad) needed a ride to the airport early Saturday morning (@6am on the 15th). I took advantage of that weekend doing family time (e.g. watched my niece and nephew during swimming practice). My younger brother invited us (mom, kids, and I) to a spontaneous road trip -Southeastern: Great River Road-Scenic Hwy 61. The weather was cloudy, but still nice and warm to enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

I attended the annual health expo in town , which the local hospital featured a key note speaker that was a former NFL Super Bowl Champion. I shared with him a little how I had some health brain concussion like symptoms too, which I would encourage him via instagram with my blog

We had our annual dance during this time at my workplace on Friday (28th), which I dressed up as a baseball player. I would do my monthly singing with my local church worship team on the 30th. I attended 2 funeral-memorial services on the 29th & 31st, which is always a good time to self-evaluate's ones' own life of purpose , gratefulness, and goal-setting.

May 2016

I watched the "National Day of Prayer" online "live" from my house after finishing up some yardwork. I was about to attend the special service locally, but wasn't able to finish mowing in time.

The first weekend of the month, I brought some of my ESL students (Caio & Luciano from Brazil) to the cities to stay with me at my parent's house. We first went to Hudson, Wisconsin just so they can say they've been to another state. We then drove a little north across back to Minnesota to the beautiful river town of Stillwater.

We were waiting for my co-workers/friends (Oray & Olga) to call us to meet us at the Festival of Nations late Saturday morning. However, due to family circumstance, they wouldn't meet us till 2:30ish. I would give them a tour of the riverfront in downtown St. Paul. To kill time, we walked around the big outdoor annual "Cinco de Mayo" in the beautiful sunny day. We still had some time, so checked out Como Zoo for awhile before they told me they were on their way from the west area of the Twin Cities. Ironically, they happened to get lost and saw us coming out of Como Park's parking lot..coincidence?..not! God divine baby..hehe!..Praise the Lord!

We ended up driving together to the River Centre in downtown St. Paul. Along the way, I accidentally led them to a Wrong Way street, which was my 2nd time doing this in the Twin Cities (1st time happened in Minneapolis..hehe!). When we finally got to the parking lot, we met my sister and my niece & nephew outside of the parking ramp...

We all hung out at the Festival of Nations, but it was hard to stuck together as a big group. We ended up going our separate ways to see the rest of the event.

After the event, we visited a mass service at the St. Paul Cathedral, where we met my parents at the end. We toured around the beautiful church building before heading back to my parents' house for the night.

The next day, Caio & Luciano wanted to go shopping at the Mall of America, which I would see "Sea life Minnesota Aquarium" for the first time. We would walk all floors of the mall from 11am-5pm or so. It was nice to see some new additions and the remodeled front area (north side)..

We then drove back to Morris and went through downtown Minneapolis along the way. However, the guys were too tired, so we didn't stop to take any pics around the city.

When I got back to Morris, I picked-up my new fixed lawn mower, so I'm ready for the new year. On Thursday (12th), I had a "challenging" day at work, but it worked out. I would spend 3 hours of yardwork after going home, which is somewhat relaxing to just be outside.

On Saturday (14th), I missed the local college graduation for the first time that I can remember. They started a new rule that you need tickets (invite from students) to attend. They've had some over-crowding issues indoors in the past, to it was probably a way to cut down on congestion. I ended up working out at the nearby gym and would see the guest speaker (former Minneapolis mayor) coming out.

I painted the garage in my backyard of my house, which was supposed to be my summer project. However, due to the early nice weather. I decided to start early.

We had no work on Friday starting the last week of the month, so we had had a 4-day Memorial Weekend. I spent it by catching-up on many of my on-going projects. I was supposed to do the paper route on Saturday (28th), but the door to the local paper place was lock. I decided to ride my bike around Pomme De Terre and caught a lot of great footage of various birds. I love the wildlife and nature!

September 2015

Fall season of ESL classes started with a new student from China at the Morris Literacy Project on Wednesday (2nd). It was a good way to start the new season after a slow summer. However, I had to leave early since I had rehearsals still for the Aladdin musical. We had a day off from rehearsals on the 4th (Friday) and it was the "last" Friday of no work for the summer season. I took advantage of the "last Friday off" by visiting a friend in Lino Lakes Prison with a friend, which it was a "life lesson" (map reading) adventure.

The next day (Saturday 5th), I attended the once a month community worship called Real Ministries. One of the guest speakers (Jenny) shared about J.O.Y, which I tied to my character (Jafar) in the musical play I was in and wrote this blog-> Disney Character: Jafar-"Why M-E?". I used this Labor Day weekend to not only write this blog, but to do other fun activities (e.g. biked to Pomme De Terre Park).

We had our last week of rehearsals before our two performances at the end of the week on the 4th (Friday) & 5th (Saturday). I did a lot of mental, physical, and spiritual preparations (see Music: Tips for singers with “dry” throats?). It turned out to be a great personal experience for me and a self-confidence booster.

I would continue my bike contest (e.g. going to Pomme De Terre Park) throughout the rest of the month as it was the last month of this competition.

I attended the 2nd annual "Storm the Planet Conference" at my local church. I would later share the importance of taking "notes" and now applying it in our daily lives the following Sunday during shares. During the conference, I was thrown a "curve ball" (unexpected life circumstance), which was just another faith builder challenge. I would later share this at church too -> Visiting those “sick” in the hospital .

On Thursday (24th), I attended my once a month worship practice for my local church in preparation for Sunday's worship team service. I was inspired to write this parody after practice..

I would try to ride my bike as much as I can towards the last days of the month and here were the results of this summer long competition..

May 2014

May 2014

On Monday (5th), DAC hosted their annual "ARC Board Meeting Picnic" with the help of Willies Super Valu (owner grilled burgers and brats). We couldn't ask for a better day as God brought sunshine and beautiful weather.. Praise the Lord!

The following day (6th), I hung out with some friends (Yuu & Chris) at Old#1 to watch both the Minnesota Twins play (lost 4-2 against Central Division last place Cleveland Indians :( ) and the Minnesota Wild (2nd round of the playoffs) win Game #3 (down 1-2) against the Chicago Blackhawks by 4-0!

On Wednesday after my weekly ESL-GED classes, I went over to a special service going on at a local church family's house. It was a great service even though I came late for the last hour of it. This past Sunday's guest speaker (Michael G.) shared and led a prayer service for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (see Good News Ministry).

I started the 2nd weekend of the month by going golfing (driving-range) with my housemate (Yuu) on Friday at (9th-Pomme De Terre Golf). It was my 1st time to go this year as the weather was great. We then went to Old #1 again to watch the 4th game of the Wild vs. Blackhawks series. We ended-up winning that too as we had home ice advantage. Yuu and I each invited all our friends (Hakeem-sp?, Julie, Jillian, and Wagner-newest ESL student from Brazil) to join us as we had a great time hanging out.

On Saturday (10th), it was the UMM Commencement Graduation, which I was happy to see my housemate and others that I've befriended graduate. It didn't rain as they forecasted, but it was too windy and there was a "little" chance. Thus, they had to move it indoors. The following day, like many years after UMM Graduation, it was "Mother's Day". We had a special service to honor the moms at my local church. We had a guest from our connection to Mexico-Vineyard Church, which I would invite them to the "Spanish-speaking" church ( Iglesia Nueva Vida) at the Morris Evangelical Free Church. I haven't had the chance to visit my hermanos-hermanas (brothers-sisters) in Christ there for awhile, so it was good to see them. The next day, my housemate (Yuu) had to leave for Japan, which he left the following day with his girlfriend to the Twin Cities. He would then leave the next day by plane to home. It was a blessing to have him over at the house, which encouraged me on my mission or "calling" in housing international students to "welcome" them to Morris. O

On Wednesday (14th), we had a cultural experience of trying a Brazilian drink called "mate" (pronounced as "mah-tee"). This student brought his unique cup and we all started sharing it as a volunteer (Jon) bought a bag from his own home to share with the class.

The next day (15th), we had our 1st official practice for the men's softball team. My left knee isn't completely healed from my unfortunate knee accident when I fell on ice last March, so I took it easy (not diving for balls) as I work a knee brace. However, I felt good hitting during batting practice! I would later go to another practice the following week and not play any games for the season at this point (4th of July) as I want to rest and focus on other activities (e.g. play music).

On the 3rd weekend of the month, I took my every other month or so visit to Moose Lake Prison. It was a nice day for driving (60's). When we got back from Moose Lake, we stopped over at Molitor's Place Restaurant. We drive by this place every time, so we got curious on checking this place out...

I ordered this fancy personal size chicken pizza, which reminded me of Bella Cucina's! They had a great sweet potato fries too, which I shared with my friend.

I sung with my local worship team the following day (Sunday 18th), which I enjoy everytime! Later in the day, I continued my summer projects by preparing my garden (tilling and planted seeds such as sunflower and potatoes).

On Monday (19th), we had our (workplace) annual board-staff supper after work. It was a great evening and I had great time with the people I saw with over a delicious meal catered by a local restaurant (?).

The following day (20th), we had another volunteer work time at the new church building. They had to do some preparations for the new carpet. We did some moving and cleaning. The next night, I was invited to a couple of friend's bonfire. We stayed up till past 10ish in the nice evening before the mosquitoes! On Thursday (22nd), I went to my 2nd softball team practice, which I had a great at bats (many line drives)! Too bad I won't be able to play :(... I did more house yardwork the next two days including cutting the large bush in front of the living room window. However, I couldn't cut the 2nd one (by housemate's master bedroom) due to a baby robin...

It was like a "Divine" intervention as I was about to cut this bush, but my blade broke (worn out)after cutting one branch. I was about to cut the branch that had the nest, which I wouldn't see till the "parent" bird attacked me (flew towards me, which I had to duck!).

We had our last church service at the local high school, which was a mix of emotions (sad that we are leaving this place we've had service for many years and happy to get out of here to move on :)) . We had a couple of guest that came, which coincidentally was a friend (along with his girlfriend) that used to come to this church many years ago. However, he came when we were meeting at the "old" local elementary school. It was actually his first, only, and last time at this high school auditorium. I took them both as a treat to Don's Cafe for lunch after service, which they went on to Chokio for a friend's high school graduation. It was a great fellowship time!

It was Memorial Day (Monday 26th) the following day, which I didn't do anything special besides doing stuff on facebook. I did some multi-media projects (videography-photography), clean tools in my garage, etc.. The next day (27th), we had our first "unofficial" church worship service-prayer meeting at the new building. We didn't have the new chairs yet, which we used some "used" ones. It was cool! I then went to the 2nd game of my softball teammates to cheer them on and I dressed in case as a back-up. We won the 1st game (15-3) and lost the 2nd game (3-15), which I probably brought "bad luck"..lol! :( , A co-worker (THANKS Christine B.!!!) of mine gave me a couple tickets to the movie "God's Not Dead", which I actually got teary as it brought up a lot of life challenges (e.g. elderly, Alzheimers, Cancer, Philosophical questions on: life, creation; etc... I can't wait till this movie comes out in DVD, which I would love to share that "God's Not Dead" (Newsboys challenged us to text this at the end of the movie) to as many people.

The last weekend of the month, I went on my monthly trip to the Twin Cities to visit familia. It was a scary moment Friday evening with my nephew as he was coughing blood (came from his bloody nose) as he's been sick after coming home from North Carolina for a vacation. Thank God he got better. I also came home to help hook the computer I bought as a gift to my parents, which is supposed to be "elderly" friendly! Then my friend Wanny (h.s. buddy) text me to read his book (about motivation) online on his story that I never knew about since I've know him during junior-high school!