03/26/2020 Update:

1. Senate approves $2 Trillion stimulus deal to help US. See HERE with live updates available.

2. With how the economy looks right now, would this be a good time to discuss finances with your significant other or even revisit certain money topics with your spouse? (Sharing Finances Article)...Devil's Advocate?

3. Anyone else having odd dreams during this crisis? (What Dreams May Come Article)

How is everyone? Crazy times huh?

This COVID-19 Pandemic has exploded much more than many of us probably anticipated. States are shutting down and implementing “Shelter in Place” or “Stay at Home” regulations, parks and streets are practically empty, we can only order pick-up or delivery from our favorite restaurants, some of them are even becoming corner stores by providing the essentials like milk, water, and other needs. Bars are resorting to creating “drink kits” to make your favorite drinks at home to keep sales going, entrepreneurs are taking to social media to push sales, schools and companies are closing doors and encouraging online interaction and remote work.

HELPFUL TIP: Keep the camera off if you are going to do personal things like using the bathroom, and mute your mic if you are having a side conversation, and lastly be presentable if your are doing a video call. I’ve been video chatting and conferencing with people to keep some form of social interaction going. Although, I never had an issue with being distant, I enjoy my solitude…maybe a little too much…but since this has become my only option, I don’t like being told, “No, you can’t go outside.” It's like I'm grounded and being punished for something I didn't do. Yet, people all over are finding ways to stay entertained while being sanctioned indoors. Legendary DJ D-Nice made headlines when he hosted a live stream house party to encourage keeping spirits up.

Who could have imagined this is where we would be right now? I’ve set up my home office, organized my playlists and finished a few books. I also try to escape every now and then just to get some fresh air. We are facing something that our generation, younger generations, and many older generations have never faced before. It’s worrisome. I have been having a hard time sleeping just thinking about everything this virus is effecting and how our lives are basically placed on pause until this dies down.

With the Government grounding us…for our own good…a few days ago, I sent all my loved ones emails about tips and thoughts to stay “normal” during Social Distancing. For those who I did not have email addresses for, I sent a short text messages letting them know they were all in my thoughts. We have no clue how long this is going to last, but it will pass, Stay Positive.

Here is a little excerpt of the email I sent:

Keep Yourself on a Schedule:

• If you're working from home, this is really important. If you wake up, exercise, eat, etc. at a certain time, keep that same routine.

• Keep your same work hours active.

• DO NOT stay in your PJs all day.

• Ladies, still maintain your beauty routines: hair, nails, facial cleansing, etc.

• Men, same for you. I don't know what you guys do to stay appealing, but keep at it kid. 

• The main thing is not to become too comfortable and be unmotivated to do anything. The air is still breathable, you can step outside for a bit, take a walk, ride a bike, make a store run. (Stay within your cities safety protocols.)

Keep Your Kids on a Schedule:

• If you have small children, keeping them on a schedule will keep them mentally ready and active for whenever they return to school.

• Some school districts are creating online learning resources which is GREAT, but parents, DON'T STRESS YOURSELF OUT trying to keep up with their lessons.

• At best, READ to and with your children...everyday

• Allot for time away from TV, tablets, and computers.

• If you are home together, get them on the same eating and break schedule as you.

Another topic I added in the email was to not give in to reconnecting with people who are not good for you. You want to connect with people who mainly had/have a positive presence in your life. Don’t rekindle anything toxic. If you fell out with someone, think about who they were to you and if having them in your life makes you feel like they contribute to you being a better person. If yes, then by all means, mend that connection. Every relationship (friends, family, lovers) will have its ups and down, but what side out weighs the other and what type of communication do you want to have moving forward? A simple “How are you?” will suffice and depending on the response you receive, it will give you an idea on where their thoughts are.

*This next bit is a little off topic, but a thought was triggered. Do you know what I miss? I miss being courted (see what I did here?), I miss getting butterflies because of someone making an effort to see me smile. I'm all for Women's Rights and independence, but I draw the line at tipping the scales or changing the tone of "boy meets girl". Before college, I entertained the idea of going into broadcast journalism. A young man who was sweet on me listened to how excited I was about this potential career and gifted me with a microphone with my name engraved onto it for my birthday. I don’t know where that young man is today, we didn’t keep in touch; we were kids then and our attention span for each other was limited, but I’ll always remember that gift and the thought he put into it. In elementary school I also remember my classmate, who was a really good sketch artist, drawing me pictures of Winnie the Pooh and all the characters in that cartoon as his way of saying he liked me. I don’t know where that young man is either. I hope both gentlemen are doing well, they had very caring hearts.

Back to real time, the government has pushed through a stimulus packet, see HERE for more information. Although, make sure to learn all the details, if you make above a certain salary, you may not get near $1000 and it’s likely that you may have to pay that amount back…In that case, you can keep my check, I’m good…. There will also be relief for companies and small businesses, but again, be sure to learn all the details because much of this relief will be in the forms of low interest loans.

Remember in the start of the year when I reflected on how 2019 was a dud? (Reference Adieu 2019). Welp, 2019 was a dud, but 2020 has really shown it’s ass so far, especially for me with some of the things I faced before COVID-19 came to town. Like damn, 2020, who hurt you?! Can I make it up to you in some way? Do you need a hug? I want off this ride. If 2020 was a person, it'd be that kid who runs around the store screaming while his momma ignores the noise and just keeps shopping; why couldn't you just come in, sit down, be quiet and not touch anything?

Prayers to all the Essential Workers, such as medical staff who are still out here facing this virus head on. Prayers to those who are losing business because of this. Prayers to those who have family who are susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Prayers to those who do have this virus. Prayers to ease our concerns sooner rather than later. We will overcome this.

To bring some light, here are some funnies:

*By the way, the main thing that I am most interested in seeing when this is all over is how everyone is going to act. How many epic parties and social gatherings do you see yourself partaking in? Send me an invite, I may show up. I have so many dresses just waiting to get out of the packaging…Online shopping didn’t fully shut down.

Below is a video message from Philadelphia's King Hype Man, Jason Kelce (NFL Eagles Center).