Wednesday, May 6, 2020

IWSG: May 2020

It's been a long month for lots of people. I'm truly grateful that my family is healthy at this point and that my children are all still working and don't have to worry about their incomes. I hope all is well at your house. Because I have siblings scattered across the USA, I'm getting insight into many parts of the country and how things actually are rather than the news reports on TV.

But on to the IWSG, a terrific online group started by Alex J. Cavanaugh where writers support each other with cheers, empathy, and share amazing advice. Visit this list of find all the participants.

I'm skipping this month's questions though I look forward to seeing the responses of other participants. I'm not a ritual kind of person.

I do have my own insecurities this month. With the current state of affairs around the world, more and more business is being done online. Meetings, promotions, and social interaction is taking place on numerous platforms. It seems I'm learning of new technology everyday. And b ecause of my responsibilities to my writing group, Pennwriters, I need to use some of this technology. And I don't know what I'm doing! The learning curve seems to sharp! I need to know now! Sorry for all the !!!!, but I am stressed about it. All I know how to do is keep stumbling forward.

Moving on to another depressing item. The rain has been horrific here in Pennsylvania. It rained most of April and May started out with a day of flooding. Weeds, weeds, everywhere. I can't keep up with them.

TV is so bad right now. The season ending of Prodigal Son was really good, but who knows when next season will be filmed. I only averaged about an hour of live TV per day before the pandemic. Now, most days I only watch a half an hour of local news. I am going to watch the new season of Medici on Netflix.

Despite all the pain of dealing with technology, I'm getting a lot of writing done and reading an hour or more every day. Jo On Food, Like, and Scent of Chocolate knows what I'm working on. I'm also getting a lot of walking in though the rain has interfered with that some days.

Granddaughter is a joy. She makes us laugh so much. Two days ago, we had to watch a snake sunning itself in the front yard for twenty minutes. It's amazing to watch her little mind being curious about everything.

My blog has been a bit inactive the last six months. If you would like to do a guest post or a promo post, please let me know. I would love to have you appear here.

Have you been forced to attend or organize more online stuff since we've all been staying at home? How are you entertaining yourself? Is it spring yet in your neck of the woods?







36 comments:

Nick Wilford said...

Glad you're keeping busy and getting a lot done. I think technology has become a learning curve (more so than usual) for a lot of us lately.

Since the lockdown hit, we've had nothing but extremely unseasonable beautiful weather in the UK. Ironic, really, because we're not supposed to be out. But it's nice to look at!

Liza said...

Like you, we are experiencing a cold and pretty darn miserable spring. I need the sun and warmth right now, badly. I am so glad you are enjoying your granddaughter. I'm with you in regard to technology...I am working from home with online meetings twice a week and they are getting pretty old...fast.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I wasn't sure how I'd pull off my webinars, but I practiced with the platform and now I'm excited about it. Just keep playing with it, you'll get better.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

You're not alone in having to figure out all the technology so quickly. So many people in the same boat with that.

I still have the last two episodes left of Prodigal Son to watch. Just watched the finale of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist - such a great show but utterly heartbreaking.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for. I'm also learning to be online savvy. Hope you are safe.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I get nervous when I have to figure out new technology too. I try to remember that I've already figured out lots of stuff and there are people out there who can help. Awesome that you're writing. That's a plus in these times.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
Digital technology has definitely shown us that it is time to upgrade our thinking. Yes, it is stressful because no one ever expected this to happen.
All the best and hang in there. You can learn it. This time next year, you'll be a Pro in technology.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

DRC said...

I've worked from home for the last few years now so luckily I'm set up in the tech front, but there are still lots that throw me. April here in the UK has been surprisingly Mediterranean. Blue skies, light winds. Warm! It's almost unheard of...
Keep well

mshatch said...

It is finally spring and our grass is green and daffodils blooming. Right now it's sunny and nice tho I think we have rain coming tomorrow. I'm glad I don't have to do anything new and techie! I wish you luck :)

Dixie Jackson said...

Hang in there with the technology! I haven't really had to adjust too much to working more online, but we have had adjustments in our house. Hubby is a full-time paramedic student and is now "homeschooling." So, we share an office space. Headphones are our best friends!

Bish Denham said...

I've been quite enjoying the time at home. And, as it is very much spring and moving into summer here (we've already had several days in the low 90s) I've been getting things done around the yard and house that I haven't been able to do in quite some time. I'm a home-body by nature, so this is a very nice reprieve from having to go to work...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

What We Do in the Shadows just started back up again. But not a lot else out there.
With gyms closed, I've been doing a lot of walking...

S.A. Larsenッ said...

It's wonderful to hear that you and your family are weathering this pandemic well. It definitely has been hard, but I honestly believe this will make us stronger and, hopefully, a kinder society.

Chrys Fey said...

Having to learn a new technology is tough. It takes time to get the hang of it. Practice runs help a lot. Good luck with everything!

Stay safe and healthy!

Tyrean Martinson said...

The new technology has taken me time, too. The students I tutor know how to use Zoom far better than I do. I'm proud of being able to screen share. The first few meetings were full of pitfalls, but we kept going.
Weather here is good (cloudy with sun 4 days a week, full on rain 2 days a week, 1 day toss-up).
I love your story about your granddaughter. I remember my older daughter wanted to stare at the shark tank at our local aquarium for hours, then she wanted to go to camp there in the summer. She didn't go into marine biology like we thought she would, but wants to save the world's water sources with chemical engineering. So, who knows where your granddaughter's interests will lead?
Sorry for the long rambling comment.
Shows I recommend re-watching: Chuck, Community, Picard.
Recent book recommendations: The Dragon's Heart by David Powers King, Dragon Assassin (diff author), and Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I enjoyed Prodigal Son also. Fine actors. I appreciate that they didn't feel the need to add gore.

cleemckenzie said...

It sounds as if you're enjoying your family so much, especially that grand baby. That is just plain wonderful.

M.J. Fifield said...

I had to move one of the writers groups that I run to an online format. I recruited various people to help me practice with the format until I felt slightly more comfortable with it, but it was certainly an adjustment.

J E Oneil said...

It's a good thing we have the internet. Can you imagine what things would be like without it?

emaginette said...

Personally, if you make the tech work with your writing group, you could expand it to include others. Others like me who lives a long, long way away and is looking for a writing group. So hey, don't give up. *big wink, wink, wink*

Anna from elements of emaginette

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah, some of the tech stuff can be a pain in the butt, especially when it doesn't work how it is supposed to. Not much TV wise indeed.

Chemist Ken said...

If there's one thing this pandemic has caused, it's the shift to more online interaction. More and more people are discovering the joys of ordering stuff online, or doing their banking online, or doing anything online. Some people are going to continue doing it even after the pandemic is over, so you might as well start learning it now while you have time.

betty said...

I am with you about trying to keep up up with the online technology these days. I am so inept about it while others breeze right through it. I am curious with where the snake was. If it was anywhere close to where I lived we would be moving lol. I am working a temp job for unemployment claims right now. Seeing and reading about so many people desperate for help I stopped and thanked God son still got paid at his job and DIL is still working. By the grace of God we are all healthy too.

Betty

nashvillecats2 said...

Pleased you are keeping well Susan during this dreadful world crisis. a great post to read.

Take care.

Yvonne.

dolorah said...

WEll, perhaps all this social distancing will enhance media technology. I have no idea how to use most of the electronic features on my computer and phone.

messymimi said...

We are having a real spring this year, for which we are thankful. Usually our seasons are wet and hurricane.

Good luck learning to deal with the tech side, i hope you can find someone to explain it to you, or a good tutorial online to help.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Your time with your granddaughter sounds amazingly sweet! Such precious moments and memories. I need to get back to reading. I honestly don't think I can watch another thing on Netflix for at least a year.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I also have needed to learn a lot of new stuff in a very short amount of time. Luckily my brain seems to be functioning okay (so far), but we all know a stress overload can mess with us in a variety of ways. We FaceTime with granddaughters, and we have the dog and cat to entertain us. The biggest help of all is any kind of exercise. Today, I'll be using the weed whacker! Joy...

David Powers King said...

My work has me doing more online stuff for sure, and it's a rare treat to get the family out of the house, it seems. Maybe with warmer weather comes more cabin fever relief! :)

Diane Burton said...

We are all learning new things lately. Televisits with doctors, Zoom meetings for our granddaughter's 5th birthday and for book group meetings, ordering groceries online. At least I was familiar with FaceTime before that became the only way to visit with grandchildren. Our new "normal" is one big learning curve. Although we haven't had the rains you had, I'm tired of the rain. Hang in there. This too shall pass.

Fundy Blue said...

I'm glad to hear that you and your family are doing well, Susan. My husband's and my families are scattered across Canada and the US, so it's always interesting to hear the news from different perspectives. My husband and I just finished watching all three seasons of the "Medici" series on tv. We loved it!!! I spent five magical days in Florence, and I long to go back to Italy. So enjoy your next season. Technology makes me crazy, but deadlines keep me moving forward with it. All the best as you tackle the challenges. Wishing you lots of sunshine.

C. D. Gallant-King said...

Hey, you've never really run an online videoconference until you do it for a bunch of kindergarten kids. I feel so bad for my kid's teachers, but they're doing their best.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - I'm avoiding extra techie stuff ... and managing so far to stay away - in fact I'm being really unsociable - vaguely keeping up with emails and the odd phone call ... but the blog ticks on; though I'm desperately trying to have a really good clear out - and getting piles for later years, to go: charity and the tip!

We've had a mix of weathers ... being on the south coast - it's always cooler, and in recent days windier; next week - it's going to be freezing ... just not nice. I feel for you and your floods/very wet weather.

Glad you're all well and healthy - take care and stay safe ... all the best - Hilary

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Susan,

Yes, learning the technology is a constant battle... it keeps evolving. Happy to hear you and your family are well. So many people are having such difficulties right now, and I may be one of them if things don't change soon. I am good for a few more months at least, so I am HOPING and PRAYING I may be able to rent my condo in Orlando. With so many theme park lay-offs, people are not moving and most can't afford their rent. It is a sad situation in Central Florida. I live in NW IL and recently purchased a WONDERFUL Craftsman home, BUT the upkeep is ridiculous. I spent a small fortune just on the landscaping and I still have many other projects to get this place up to snuff. It is taking so much more than I had expected, but the house is so charming and I know once the economy shifts, I should be able to get through this crunch.

The weather dropped here last night so I had to cover all my new plantings ...Ugh. It may be for two more nights.

Hoping to finish up my current MS once I am done with the landscaping. Then back to the house. A never-ending chore.

Stay safe!

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Melissa said...

We had our first Zoom charge nurse meeting. It was actually kind of nice, not having to get dressed and drive to work. My mom had been doing church online and Sunday school via Zoom.

I don't watch TV much, and I'm sick of the news... watch it mostly for the weather now. I tend to binge-watch series on Netflix or Amazon Prime, then go back to my writing full speed when it's over. We cut the cord before we moved. No cable or dish at our house.