Embrace Your Destiny: Find New Normal

Life happens. When life goes sideways like with the Covid 19 Pandemic we are experiencing, adjustments have to be made. Even my cat Sootie is having to adjust to a change in his schedule. He is very distressed. He doesn't like change. I also recognize that I’m feeling stress from all the changes. Today, I am reaffirming just how very critical hot yoga, gym work, and routine are to me. The closures, shortages, and even having to learn new skills increases stress  exponentially.

Sootie meows, and gets underfoot unless he is snoozing. I adjust by cooking. I tried two new recipes and used up all my freezer storage containers storing soup, stews, and other dishes.

Each night I am exhausted. My soaking tub bath at the end of the day is a treat for my muscles and mind.

 The first week into our “New Normal” had many learning moments. Day 1, we knew hot yoga was suspended. So, we set up our "hot yoga" practice space in the upstairs bathroom. It is large enough for both mats. The “hot” was accomplished with running the shower about 30 minutes along with a space heater. “Warm” is a better adjective to describe the experience. We still felt very good when we got finished. We went to Gold’s Gym for the rest of our workout and ran some errands. At Ingles, the shelves were indeed very limited. Luckily, fruits and vegetables were in good supply.  That and a pork shoulder was all we were looking. At the meat counter, most meats were scarce but pork products were nonexistent. 

Day 2, we improved our “hot yoga” experience. We got it a little bit hotter. I was also getting more comfortable with the space and “warm” experience. We drove back to Gold’s for that workout. I checked their website before leaving to make sure they were still open. They closed sometime between the time we left and when we got there. Frustrating! No gym either. 

Katie's Refrigerator

That prompted me to worry about my juice order with Katie. I texted her to see if Green Heart Juice was open for business. She was. She sent me this picture of her full refrigerator and said I could get what I needed. Not wanting to risk not getting what I needed for the week in case she had to close, I took precautions.  We made a pick up that afternoon. Luckily, we have a freezer and plenty of quart jars for storage. 

Day 3, I woke up with another headache. Two nights running with headache. I decided it must be the stress. Hot yoga space was better after I plugged an air leak I found under one door. Also, I’m figuring out where to stand to both see myself and use the vanity and chest for balance. All in all, not bad. 

My upstairs gym

I set up for “gym” work in the open area upstairs. My notebook of lessons Trainer Evan has used with me was my resource. Many of his lessons can be adapted to use at home. I have open space for lunges and other leg work. I have different strength bands, for various chest and upper body work. The exercise ball and  yoga mat are useful for abdominal work and some other floor exercised. Grumpy bear and a small ottoman also came into play for several exercises.  

Day 4 was a smashing success!  The bathroom was even hotter. We ran two cycles of shower. I’m still not getting a really good sweat, but it’s better than nothing. I’m mentally engaged with my new gym as well.

Staying home is not a problem. I have more time to write, cook and practice piano or French. The new crock pot recipes were very tasty. The pinto beans and rice meal is a keeper. The pork shoulder recipe needs another try but has potential. I have almost another half of the shoulder to do again. 

Day 5 was our usual Toastmaster’s meeting. Pardee Hospital, our usual meeting site was closed to us because of Covid 19.  Trinity Presbyterian Church gave us permission to meet there for an officer’s meeting.  We needed to learn how to use the Zoom platform  and figure out how to do a virtual meeting. Five of us had fun getting connected, seeing how the Zoom works and planning how we will bring it all together next week. We figure the younger members will not have a problem because they have probably used Zoom. For the others, we are going to do a test start up early in the week. 

Nobody knows when this new normal will end. We are thankful we are virus free and at home. Our job is to stay healthy and to stay put. The weather is improving. We’ll take walks  and pick up trash on our road. Getting outside is always spirit lifting. Trying to stay cheerful, optimistic, and intellectually stimulated is the way i personally tackle tough times. 

Adi at Hot Yoga Asheville has scheduled a full week of Zoom virtual yoga classes. I signed up for her Breathing class but didn't get in. Zoom is not automatic for me yet. Maybe after this crisis is over, I will be proficient. In the meantime, the puzzle waits as does Duo, my French buddy on Duolingo, my piano, books, memoir writing and blogging. I also have a quilt project I want to finish and start another. I have time! My new routine in this New Normal is still evolving.