Social Distancing - Part 23

April 30 - Thursday

So, here we are, all the way to the end of April. My Birthday was this week, and I did celebrate. A few - a very few (6 total) - people met at my brother's house, where he and his wife have a lovely back patio, where we could space ourselves out. We grilled some tomatoes, then corn, and finally salmon and shrimp while the crab boiled. It was a lovely, sit outside, messy meal. And oh, goodness, did it draw the flies! Mainly because we were at it so long, and I'm sure the flies had time to go bring their friends. Desert was angel food cake, with fruit on top (we blended some of the fruit, mostly blueberries, with a little orange juice, to make a nice soak-into-the-angelfood juice) and then topped everything with some whipped cream. YUM.

Raine has been talking about getting a plant for her bedroom, and has been looking into plants that won't hurt her cats if they eat some. I think it is something positive for her to do. Care for a plant, enjoy the benefits of something that is natural, pretty, and alive (for however long that lasts). We got some flowering sage. Not a big container, but a good starter size. Plus she cleaned whatever area where she decided the plant should go. I got some moss rose as well, to go on the front patio, and add a little color.

It perked up some after I watered it. If I can get back to Lowe's, I may get another one to go with it.

Here are some of the other flowers from around my neighborhood...

flowering desert plant

some lantana

a bunch of ice plant

these little purple guys in with the poppies

The rock selection in with the poppies changes, and here are some of the newer ones:

rock group

land sharks

Even though you would think that the time would be passing slowly, I can't believe that the month of April has flown past. Just three more weeks of school, and then out for the summer. Of course it already seems out for the summer in some ways, but it isn't. I've been keeping my office hours, and talking to students and grading their work and thinking about next year. I really enjoy the planning part, and I have ideas for several new/different units for my 9th grade honors kids. It doesn't look like I'll be teaching the AP Literature class next year, and I admit, I will mourn that some. Still, I do enjoy the Honors 9 classes, and I think the new units will be a good change for us all.

So,  a week of walking and flowers, Birthdays and school days, rocks and rolling with it. Social distancing isn't so different in some ways...

Social Distancing Part 22

April 24th - Friday

Well, it has begun. Protests from people who don't want to stay home any more. People who - understandably - want to go back to work because they have bills to pay, and there will only be more. People who feel like those who want to stay home should, but everyone else should just be able to do what they want.

Ultimately, if you want to go out, you will. You may get harrassed, depending on where you live, but I think mostly, you'll be left alone. Oh, you won't go scott free breaking into stores, but if you want to wander around Walmart for hours, knock yourself out. Find a grassy park and park your butt there... at least until the cops chase you off. Find a remote piece of desert, and enjoy. There are plenty out there.

I was reading a social media post about a man who complained and protested about the social distancing, and stay home measures. He felt that if he wanted to take the chance to get the virus, he should be allowed to. Guess what, he got the virus, and died. His wife said that he didn't understand how serious it was. If he were alive today, he would stay home, and not protest. I feel like the only thing that would make him understand it was to go through it himself. The news didn't make him understand. The emergency measures didn't make him understand. The experts - if he was willing to listen/hear them - didn't make him understand. Only experience would make him understand. Sadly, that meant his death, but perhaps now his family understands. Can they help others understand? There are so many people like him, who don't understand the seriousness of the situation until it becomes personal, and by then, it can be too late.

OK, I get antsy. I would like my life to return to its normal. But I don't have to experience COVID 19 to believe that it is serious. Since my husband is an "essential worker" I might have to have that personal encounter. One of his co-workers tested positive. It is not a person he works with all the time, but a dayshift colleague while he works nights. But someone he speaks to at shift change, and works in the room where that person works. When the person was confirmed positive, the company had that work are professionally cleaned, and the people who had the closest contact are now self quarantining. But my husband is at work. I've asked him to wear a mask. I've made masks for him, and his co-workers, to wear. And I will wait with a little more stress than normal until the incubation period is over to see if anyone else there becomes ill. To see if he becomes ill.

My good friend, who lives in Arizona is going with her family "to the lake" where they enjoy a day on their boat, playing in the water. It should be a good day for them, in the sun, and the heat, and far away from other groups to be appropriately socially distanced. I'm kind of jealous, because my RV is sitting out in the driveway, and I want to take it out. Anywhere. But our state parks are still closed. And I will not go use them anyway, at this point. At this point where the non-believers don't think anything can possibly hurt them. My friend, by the way, is not a non-believer. She works in the health field. She knows it is serious, and if she didn't feel they could enjoy the lake safely, she wouldn't go.

Next week is my birthday. I'm not much of a celebrator, but I usually like to meet my friends and family somewhere to celebrate with a meal together. That won't happen this year, and I will miss it. I missed doing that with another friend, when it was her birthday this week. And it's my 60th. That decade landmark. I wasn't feeling too happy about it before all this. And now, well, I guess even more low-key isn't exactly a disaster.

It's rather a stress-issue post, and I would rather be more positive. But there are stress issues. And I know people are feeling pressures that make them want to pressure "the system," and take more "control" of their situations. I will take control by hunkering down longer. Perhaps past the current stay-home-until date of May 15. If it stays May 15th. I will be hopeful if some businesses get to open up with safety guidelines. There is already more traffic out there than there was. But an infectious disease will be glad to meet those people. At least some of them, and it won't be pretty. And even that won't be the last wave of it, either. I don't know, honestly, when I'll feel like it is safe out there...

Social Distancing Part 21

April 10 - Sunday

As with many Sundays, with or without social distancing. This was a day of chores. Laundry done, Made dog food. Often I try to put together some healthy snacks to go in our lunches. I have done that, but not today, there are still bags ready to eat in the fridge. I should probably go through them and make sure they are still good.

Breakfast was provided by Nueva Casita. We often go there for a weekend breakfast, and the friendly staff make us feel welcome every time. We're not eating out every meal, in fact we've been cooking (I've been cooking) more and we've been eating at home more. My fridge is usually sparse, as we get stuff, and then don't eat it, and end up throwing it out. My parents always had the fridge stuffed to the gills. Now, our fridge is pretty stuffed. I guess all it takes to want to keep a full fridge is having the expectation that you're going to eat out of it every day.

I walked. Twice today, and the second time around was not pretty. Heck I almost fell twice on the morning walk. My balance is messed up. My brother would like me to go bike riding with him, but my balance issues make me take a pass on that. Anyway, this afternoon's walk was slow, and I was stiff, and my knee was hurting. It hurts almost all the time anyway (thanks, arthritis), but more today. Sometimes it aches in the night and wakes me up. I won't be surprised if that is the case tomorrow. I'm still glad I went, and waved to my neighbors, and saw them at their entertainments: chalk drawing, a three way game of basketball, running some RC cars over ramps. Tomorrow's walking will probably go easier for going out today, even though it was hard. I'm trying to get my brother to come out walking with me, but the logistics of talking oneself into doing something you don't really want to do in the first place... yeah, problematic.

I also sewed. I've finished 7 of the 10 masks I started yesterday. I've got 10 more to work on this week. A friend even dropped off some elastic for me, which was nice, and it was lovely to talk to her from a safe distance for a few minutes.

There was also a drive-by birthday party down the street. A nice line of cars that was only annoying because we had to wait in the line to get to our own driveway after picking up dinner. They had balloons, and a bull horn, and there was lots of honking. I hope it brightened someone's birthday, getting to see the friendly faces of friends and loved ones, caring enough to come see you, if only for a few minutes.

I read The Importance of Being Ernest, because the AP online instructors suggested it. It was a short read, and funny. Now I need to find an online production of it to watch. I kept seeing young Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry (as in Wooster and Jeeves) in it. I'll have to look for that team up for sure...

Social Distancing Part 20

April 18 - Saturday

I had planned for my trip to Sam's this week to be my only grocery stop for the week. But then the milk from last week went over, and I took a run today. They were monitoring their occupancy, but the line was very short (3 people) and went very quickly. They have tried to make the aisles one-way, but people don't pay attention. And it's hard when you are used to making a certain path through the store, not to follow your habit.

I followed my regular path around the neighborhood this evening as well. There was this cute little sunflower hanging out between the concrete sidewalk and the cinderblock wall.

growth happens

Along the sidewalk at another house, someone has been busy...

notice the little pink bird top right

I've taken pictures of the flowers growing here, before. Tonight, these caught my eye...

I'm loving the creative and happy way this family is dealing with boredom. And what a nice incentive to keep walking past. What is going to be added next time? That's about as close to will to exercise as I can get.

There is pressure on now to relax the social distancing measures. One of the local Catholic churches wants to resume having people attend mass in church. In other places, the beaches are full of people and in still others, people are protesting the stay at home orders. Personally, I think it is too soon, and that it can undo a lot of good that staying home would do. I get it, not wanting to stay home. Wanting to be back at work, and earning money to pay your bills. Missing friends and family. Here's the deal, miss them a little now, so you won't have to miss them forever... or so they won't have to miss you forever. I'm very glad that New Mexico has already cancelled school-in-the-building for the rest of the year. I will keep in contact with my students, and hope they are OK, and worry about them being fed and safe... like usual. Schools are a place for sharing knowledge, and germs. Lots of germs. One less thing to worry about. I'll push for keeping social distancing going for a while longer. Then when other stores open, perhaps they will also limit the number of shoppers, and create one-way aisles, and stick to other social distancing measures for a while.

Social Distancing - Part 19

March 15 - Wednesday

I've upped my step goal, trying to get a walk in the morning, and one in the evening. Today, my reward was getting to admire one of my neighbor's yellow roses, which were in bloom, and beautiful.

The grappler truck came through the neighborhood today, and had plenty of work to do. There was a pile of stuff about every 3rd or 4th house, most of it yard waste. Some gardening is getting done in my neighborhood. Wonder if any of them want to work in my yard, lol. I started watering the front lawn, and it is actually looking fairly good. I still need to pull weeds, but that pretty much goes without saying.

After Easter, I cooked up a pot of black eyed peas. I got a bag of the peas when that was all there was on the dried beans/rice area at the grocery store. I just kept thinking about cooking them in with the bone from the ham I had. It just sounded even better when I decided to make cornbread to go with them/under them. My mama taught me about beans and cornbread, yes she did! And black eyed peas counted, this time.

Crockpot cooking for the win!

Did you get your tax stimulus check? We did. Thank goodness we weren't hurting for it, but you can bet we are saving it just in case. I know there are people who are hurting financially at this time, while we are not. I count myself among the fortunate that my husband and I both have jobs that are not likely to lay us off, or have to be closed down long term. I feel fortunate to have a comfortable home that we feel safe in, and that we can each entertain ourselves without much problem. I've been able to keep in touch with my friends and my family, and my students. My fridge is full (like my parent's fridge always was - I think it is because we are indeed planning to eat out of that fridge every day, like they were...), and my freezer, and the cabinets have plenty. A year's worth? no. But, plenty. My days feel busy, but not overwhelming. I mostly can sleep at night (yes, there are some stress dreams), but I get rest. I am thankful, that in these uncertain times, that I can feel stability here.

I'm kind of finding my stride in my "office hours" and working from home. Finding a balance, even with the realization that the balance will shift, and that is OK. I'm enjoying interacting with my students by email and Google Classroom messages, and there seem to be more of them pitching in each day. I think I've communicated with ALL of them at this point, and that makes me happy. I'm feeling at ease with the changes in grading for the rest of this semester, and I'm interested in helping, not hindering my students. We are all going through this novel experience together, and we all need to offer a hand when we can, and grab onto a hand when we need to.

Today the winds died down, and the day was beautiful.

Social Distancing Part 18

April 14th - Tuesday

Here are some of my realizations about Social Distancing, and this time.

I filled up with gas right about the time we began social distancing. It's been 4 weeks, I still have over half a tank of gas in my car. Even though I feel like I'm getting out and about more than I should, evidently I'm not getting out that much.

If I were home more, I would be baking WAAyyyy more than I should. I keep thinking about starting some sourdough. MMMmmmm sourdough bread. But I would need to bake bread about twice a week to keep it going, and I definitely don't need to eat two loaves of bread every week. Yes, I know, in theory my family could be eating that much bread. But they don't. It would be me.

I have and will make masks for people to wear. I will do the best job on them I can. Masks make me claustrophobic. I wore one into Walgreens. Spent about 5 minutes in there, and was on my way to a panic attack by the time I got back out to my car. Felt like I wasn't getting enough air the whole time.

Watching people not do a very good job of social distancing in a store makes me try to do a better job of social distancing in a store. ALSO, picking over fresh produce in the store has gotten much quicker. I don't want the produce you've handled, so I pretty much go by touch it, take it. Even with the ears of corn we had for Easter dinner. Didn't peel back the fronds to take a look before I put them in a plastic bag (which I had a hard time getting open without licking my fingers to open them). They were lovely and delicious, by the way, those ears of corn. I did, however wash the cucumbers I got with warm, soapy water when I got home. Did you see those people in that aisle???

I don't know whether I'm procrastinating doing housework by doing school work, or procrastinating school work by doing housework.

I'm very glad that I have been able to resume my walking regimen. The walk is good for my body, and my soul. I rarely miss a day, although I did miss Monday. I'm working on making it a walk in the morning and one in the afternoon/evening. I know that will help keep the swelling I tend to get in my ankles under control.

It kind of freaks me out to realize that this is Part 18 of this journal, and I'm not writing every day, and we're nowhere near the end.

Social Distancing Part 17

April 12 - Easter Sunday

This weekend was Passover, and Easter. Both religious holidays usually marked by large group celebrations, which should not be on anyone's radar this year. But the governor of New Mexico felt it was necessary to send out an emergency warning/reminder Saturday morning that gathering in groups was against the COVID 19 Social Distancing guidelines.

I'm sure some of my neighbors gathered family around them. It is difficult not to in these times, and yet, the chances one takes with that are hard to deny.  Sunday began with a beautiful day, but the winds picked up as the day wore on, as they will in New Mexico in the spring. We have not had the usual number of windy, dusty days this year, and I am grateful.

I cooked today, a ham that has been in the freezer for just such an occasion. It was yummy along with the ears of corn, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and easy no yeast rolls I made. I've got a bag of black eyed peas to go into the crock pot tomorrow with the ham bone.

Still, much of the day held familiar activities: checking school email, putting together a puzzle on my computer, sewing, and a walk, along with the kitchen chores. I finished a new tunic top today:

I tried a little variation with a bit of a shark tail hem. You can't really see it in the picture, though. I've been making masks, and I decided I would do something for me before I worked on the next batch of them. I've been having repetitive dreams of making masks. So I hope that is a break enough to kind of get out of that. I'm sure it is a kind of stress dream, and my mind is worrying itself.

We played some more canasta over the internet this weekend. That was fun. The computer version seems pretty true to how our normal games go, so that is nice. It keeps the flavor of our in-person games. We've watched a couple movies. Last night it was Seven Psychopaths, and tonight the first movie of the new Star Trek reboot. While I have been watching some occasional television shows, I haven't gone much in for the longer movies. I did get through the whole season of Next in Fashion, a Project Runway type show, which I enjoyed. They didn't use the challenging type challenges that were one of the best parts of Project Runway, but the contestants were overall kind to each other, and respectful of the other contestants and mostly really good losers, which I respect. Many of them left talking about how much they learned and grew through the experience.  I've been listening to Stephen Frye reading Sherlock Holmes stories while I've been sewing, and I enjoy his reading style and voice. I also listened to Jesus Christ Superstar, one of my personal Easter traditions.

Tomorrow, it's back to office hours, and getting my assignments posted, and working through some grades, and plans for the upcoming weeks. I would like to go turn in the masks that I've finished, and I'll probably continue working the the rest of the batch I have cut out. Then, later this week, I'll work on cutting some more out again... and maybe sew on the pair of pants that has been patiently waiting in my sewing basket. Might even cut out another top. One that will go with those pants, even. There is also the inevitable trip to the grocery store some time this week.

I wish I were a gardener, and thought that I could plant something this year, and watch it grow. I was talking to a friend of mine about that ideal "what I'd do if I won the lottery," and I shared that I would love to be able to pay someone to work in my yard. Make it a beautiful place to sit in, a fruitful place that I could eat from. Ah, well, the dreams we have... even the ones that aren't quite important to us to put some real hard work, sweat, and effort into.

Social Distancing Part 16

April 7, Tuesday

I'm tired this evening, but I feel like I had a productive day.

I put in some "office hours" today, answered emails, got a start on organization for grades. I feel like I have to use the quotation marks, because of course it isn't an office. My classroom is my office. But I've set up temporary facilities at my kitchen table, and I turn the light on over the table when I'm working, and I turn it off when it is time to do other things. I need the boundaries.

I made masks today. I didn't finish all of them, but I did finish 4. Enough for Ron, and the crew he is on. Tomorrow, I will finish one for my brother, and his wife, and work on another batch to donate. Then, I will do some sewing for me, before I work on another batch of masks. I have things that I've planned to sew. I also want time to do that cleaning in there. I didn't find that today. I was busy.

I did get my walk in, and some days it's hard, and I struggle the whole way around. Today was not that day, and I walked easily, and enjoyed the evening, listening to the voices of neighbors about their business. The sounds and smells of outdoor cooking were there too. And then, there was also this:

A beautiful pink volunteer between the sidewalk and the street. There are other flowers ready to burst open, too. I have no idea what plant it is, but that flower is gorgeous.

I drove over to my brother's house today, and on my way home, I heard Paul Simon's "Boy in the Bubble" song on the radio. It hit me today, like it never has before, and I want to share the chorus...

"These are the days of miracle and wonder
This is the long distance call
The way the camera follows us in slo-mo
The way we look to us all

The way we look to a distant constellation
That's dying in a corner of the sky
These are the days of miracle and wonder
And don't cry, baby, don't cry
Don't cry"

Don't cry, baby, don't cry....

Social Distancing Part 15

April 6,  Monday

This was the day we should have been back at school. You know, if three weeks would really have been enough. It wasn't. As it is, I've started contacting students, and they've started contacting me. Office hours will become a thing this week. I think it is something I will need to practice. The other English teachers that I work with are periodically texting the group... sharing what their plans are, and the delivery of it that they're making. Asking each other questions, which we answer when we can. I appreciate the school I work at, and the team of teachers that I work with, that we will hold each other up instead of break each other down. They make me proud!

I took some donations out today. It's a weight off my shoulders to have some stuff gone. To be able to do some other cleaning in my craft room now. A bit at a time. I didn't get sewing done today, but it will also be on the list for tomorrow. One of Ron's coworkers was diagnosed with COVID19 yesterday. They reported that the person's work area was professionally disinfected, but, they also are recommending that Ron and the other employees wear masks. But they didn't tell him that until he got to work tonight. And they don't have masks. I donated the masks I had already made today. That means I'll be making him one tomorrow. I may make a batch, and let him take them out there to wear, and share with the others. But I'll have to research so that they are clean for them to wear. The ones I've donated to Cruces Creatives are supposed to be taken to a local dentist who will autoclave them.

I guess that coworker thing will go on my list of things that are stressful. Not as stressful as it is for that person, and their family, but still. Thank goodness I have the ability to make masks, even if they aren't a perfect solution, they are still some help.

On to other things. Things that can help me stop stressing as much about that. I cooked a pan of green chile enchiladas yesterday. Usually, if I'm making them casserole style, I use chicken, but I used beef yesterday, so I had to change the sauce a little. My mom was from Houston, ya'll and when she made casserole style enchiladas, she used cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese soup with a little milk, and green chile, and chicken. It was yummy! Since I used beef, the cream of chicken soup didn't seem like it fit, so I improvised:

enchilada sauce? 

I decided to use only one of the cans of cream of mushroom soup. I added them to the beef after I browned and seasoned it with onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Once the sauces were all stirred together, I added green chile. Then, I layered tortillas sauce and grated cheese, and the pan looked like this:

just out of the oven...

It had to sit for a few minutes, so it wasn't molten. It sure was tasty though! I think I may try that again some day.

I don't necessarily love all the domestic chores, and I don't want all of them to be on my shoulders ALL THE TIME, but I will admit to finding a certain comfort in their familiarity at this time.Maybe I can't take care of everything, but I can take care of this.

Oh, yeah. And I found an old friend, from high school days, while I was taking a walk the other day. She is staying with her elderly mother for the time being. She was out walking her dog, and her mother's dog, a pair of friendly basset hounds and we spoke as one can do, even at an appropriate social distance. I looked familiar to her, and she looked familiar to me, and she finally asked if she knew me. And, she did! And I knew her, too!

Finally, online games. This evening I played canasta online, with friends and family. We use Discord so that we can talk to each other while we play, and not feel so isolated. Thank you Carl, for gifting the tabletop emulator, and thank you, Damon, for gifting Canasta 3D. That was really fun!

Social Distancing - Part 14

April 4th - Saturday

Some things that are causing me stress:
     Hamlet - our Great Dane - barking and waking up Ron, who is working nights. He likes to bark, and because he's big, his bark is loud. Is the UPS truck on our street? Maybe someone isn't mowing their lawn right... Hamlet has to tell us about it.
     The stuff in the craft room that shouldn't be there. There are things that I had intended to donate, but I'm not sure I can right now. I hate to throw them in the trash, but... Going to find out about whether Community of Hope is accepting donations on Monday, and if they are, it's going... if not, the trash. It's still going.
     Too many dirty dishes, and/or the kitchen trash can is full. Some of the other messes/stacks of stuff also can get on my nerves, but I can't deal with them all RIGHT NOW... they will have to wait their turn, and it is not today.
     Worry that family and friends and students are healthy.
   
Some things that are helping me deal with stress:
     Not worried about my job, or Ron's job or having to struggle financially because of Social Distancing. Also, a comfortable, if not fancy, house.
     Talking on the phone to, texting, emailing, and messaging with friends and family and connecting with them. Students too. I'm actually looking forward to interacting with them, even if it will be online. I texted with my niece today. Also called my aunt and talked to her for a bit.
     Petting and snuggling with our dogs and cats.

Kaliegh!

Kaliegh snuggles

Hamlet loves Ron, and vice versa.

     Daily routine (still under construction, frankly). Getting up and getting dressed. Completing chores. Cooking. Working at home for school. Taking care of house and family. Including time for things like sewing & crafting.
     Whittling away at stacks of stuff that have been waiting for me to have time to attend to them.
     Noticing cool things.

Raine's cat, Janis, in her window, which is also reflecting the new leaves on our tree.

     Sewing and crafting.

Cutting out a new top, today.

     Cool music. Listening to audio books. Reading. Watching some TV, but not constantly, and not even every day.

Abney Park did a streaming concert. It wasn't free, but it was worth the price of the ticket!

     Walking. I'm getting it done almost every day. I want to add some steps, and set a goal for them. I think recording steps will help me with that.
     Supporting my friends and family, as they struggle with these things, too. Sharing a kind word, or a supportive comment. Being willing to discuss my own issues, so that we all know we are not alone, even if we are at a distance.

   

Social Distancing Part 13

April 2 - Thursday, right?

Today I worked on making myself a workspace for my "home office" I really should call it my home classroom, I think. I took over the kitchen table, which wasn't really a great feat. But I cleaned it, and the chairs, brought some supplies to work with, and kinda got set up to spend time working there. I think it will really help me to keep my work time a reasonable part of my day, consistently. I'll be able to communicate with my students, and keep track of what we are doing, and also give me a place to get ready for next year, as well.

some workspace

I also found that I needed something to put my cup or mug or whatever on, and when I was looking through my craft room, I came upon a quilt square I had made a couple years ago to practice some english paper piecing. It didn't take much to finish it into a cute mug rug.

it's supposed to look like arrow fletching

Now, I feel like there's something pretty and functional and ME in the space.  I'm loving those blues and greys and tans together... Making things is something important to me (if you couldn't tell by this blog).

I have work piled up behind the computer to go through and organize. We'll be doing some grade level planning tomorrow, I think. The superintendent mentioned about cleaning up classrooms, but that's not happening immediately.

Cooked, cleaned up after, like one does. I think a cleanish kitchen is helping me keep my sanity. Even more so since my work space is basically in there. We had beef stroganoff for dinner tonight. It was yummy. Thinking about making the beef equivalent of shepherd's pie for tomorrow.

Went to Sam's, yesterday. They had many of the things that had been off the shelves for several weeks. Toilet paper, eggs, pasta, rice, and cheese among them. They are still making rotisserie chickens, but I did not get one this time. I did get some of the items mentioned above, though. They were letting 30 people in the store at a time, and you waited in line for people to come out. That was weird, in Sam's. They also wanted you to get done and out in 15 minutes. I think I took a little longer than that, but not too bad. Gas was down to $1.90 a gallon there, and weren't many takers, even at that price.

My phone seems more important these days, of not getting to see my friends and coworkers (who are frankly among my friends, awesome coworkers!) much less my students. Communication becomes more thoughtful, I think. Perhaps even more attention-worthy. I'm not normally attached to my phone so much. But I do want to know the people I love are doing OK.