Author Archives: oregonmikeruby

The Grand Masque In some ways it’s hard to believe it has been almost 4 weeks since this all started (for me, anyway). In other ways it has been a very long 4 weeks. At least I can get outside and experience spring happening…that has probably been the thing that has saved my sanity moreContinue reading “Covid Journal: 26 days in”

With every passing day it seems like there are more guidelines but no solutions. More fear but no light at the end of the tunnel. More demands of the people but no help for the people. Maybe this is all just a way of keeping us in line. Whatever it might be, I don’t likeContinue reading “Covid Journal: 24 days in”

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like this is all “supposed” to feel like some glorious war effort reminiscent of WWII, when in actuality it feels more like The Handmaid’s Tale without the handmaids. Folks who can afford it go and hide in their vacation homes in sleepy, picturesque locations like Ketchum, Idaho (andContinue reading “Covid Journal: 21 days in”

Remembering the Dichotomy of Control Last night I was feeling pretty good about myself: I had done an in-home strength workout, gotten lots of work done for my job, found a new (to me) video chat app called Houseparty, and cooked a healthy dinner for my significant other and me. Then, without even thinking aboutContinue reading “Covid Journal: 18 days in”

Trying to Stay Positive As the days march by and the new cases in the U.S. skyrocket, two things are becoming more and more clear: 1. Life has changed, dramatically and in some ways permanently 2. This will be months, not weeks. But, as I am a firm dweller in the “life is what youContinue reading “Covid Journal: 17 days in”

The Toilet Paper Redemption In some ways it’s hard to believe it has already been two weeks. In other ways, it’s becoming hard to remember how life was “before”. It’s becoming even harder envisioning what the new “normal” will be like once things have calmed down. One thing is gaining in clarity with each day,Continue reading “Covid Journal: 14 days in”

The Shopping Trip We got up relatively early today and went to get groceries. Here are some things we observed. Traffic on the roads is light, but it’s there. Like a more pronounced version of the 2008 downturn, there is some activity but noticeably less than before. People are still panic buying toilet paper. TheContinue reading “Covid Journal: 13 days in”

I’m now under orders (for good reason) to stay in the house, except to buy groceries, for medical reasons, or to walk/bike with social distancing.  Here are some things I’m noticing about myself so far: The days seem to go by much more quickly than at first.  I don’t know if it’s because I’m settlingContinue reading “Covid Journal: 12 days in”

Just like everyone else on the planet, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed my life in a very short period of time.  Nine days ago, I was beginning to social distance, but still had big plans for adventures involving driving out to a trailhead somewhere with the bike on the rack, and tying in with friendsContinue reading “Covid Journal: 9 days in”

Every year at this time, it seems that I go through the same thing: I simultaneously love and dread holiday get-togethers. I love them because I get to talk with some good people I normally don’t get to, beyond a professional conversation or a quick greeting. But I also hate them because of the inevitableContinue reading “Going through the Holidays as an XL-sized Cyclist”