I was putting dishes in the dishwasher this morning and realized I was shaking.

[hamsterjill]

The stress is getting to me obviously. I sat down for a few minutes and thought of the things I am grateful for. I breathed deep and slowly and I’m fine.

But I’m so sick of feeling this way. I’m already limiting exposure to news, etc., but there are some things that we NEED to know. We have a daily mayoral briefing here in San Antonio and the data is very bleak. I don’t watch the briefings but I do see the data afterwards. We are in bad shape. But we aren’t as bad off as some other places. It’s just that nothing is being done it seems to get through this. Mayors are begging for federal help and none is being provided.

Today, I will move slowly and breathe. I will pray for safety for all of us and I’ll pray for those already fighting the virus. I’ll think of more things that I’m grateful for and I’ll try my best to envision a future again.

I listened to Biden yesterday and I liked what I heard. We need more of that. I wish he would go ahead and pick the VP and do more things to get his plans out and public. I’m sure he will be.

Sorry for such a rambling post. Just putting this into words because I’m sure I’m not the only one going through this. I know so many people are heartsick, struggling and afraid.

Let’s continue to take care of one another, okay?

[DarthDem]

1. Well Said!

Sorry for the stress you're experiencing. It will get better and this will pass!

[hamsterjill]

11. You're right.

Thank you. We’ve just got to make it through. Take care of yourself.

[DarthDem]

45. Thank you!

[MineralMan]

2. Yes. We all sometimes need to slow down, breathe slowly and evenly,

and take a break these days. Coping with the stress of everything can be difficult. Good for you for finding a way to get past it one more time.

[hamsterjill]

12. Thanks, MM

I find it helps to list the things to be grateful about. Sometimes the bad overshadows and we have to try to bring the good to the forefront of our minds.

[DUgosh]

3. I'm nearby

In Hill Country - gotta go to Live Oak today not thrilled about it.

[hamsterjill]

13. I'm in northwest SA

Please be careful. Take all precautions and be vigilant. I’ve been having to go to my vet’s office daily this week with a sick cat (who is finally now recovering - one of my things to be grateful about). The vet’s office is going above and beyond in precautions but even still, I worried each trip. I don’t have to go today so that will help.

Be safe.

[maddiemom]

143. Just had the routine visits for our cats at the vet's.

You stay in the car (preferably masked) and masked assistants come out and pick up your crated or leashed pet and take them inside for their routine visit, then bring them back if all is normal. Having dealt with vets for cats, dogs and horses for more than sixty years, it was my most unique experience. I'm grateful I only have the cats to worry about at present. It's gratifying to find that almost everyone is going out of their way to deal with this dilemma. Too bad we don't have a president who is handling it as gracefully.

[summer_in_TX]

101. Are you in Hays County?

Live Oak Health Partners?

[Sucha NastyWoman]

150. I'm in Houston and I feel the same way you do

I lived in Spicewood, west of Austin, until a couple of years ago and I miss the hill county/ central Texas so much. I’m dying to go back for a visit, but it’s a long drive when you cant really go anywhere once you get there. I’m waiting for my husband to retire and looking at the real estate listings all the time. But I think San Antonio, Austin and Houston are all in about the same rough shape as far as being dangerous to go out. There are so many dangerous people who don’t believe in the virus here, and they are getting really militant. At least the hill country is lower density.

Until a couple of weeks ago very few were wearing masks anymore. Now most everyone does, but not many stay home very much. Every time I go someplace (grocery, vet, to vote) traffic is always thick.

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I think it is getting to all of us in different ways. I find myself waking up during the night and

can't turn my mind off to go back to sleep. I'm worried about the election, how Covid19 is affecting my family, wondering if I'm doing enough to protect myself. It's a constant background noise in my mind.

[hamsterjill]

14. It is definitely getting to all of us - each in our own way

It helps IMHO to say the words. Let it out.

I hope you can find some peace and get some good rest. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Wounded Bear]

5. I feel your pain and worry...

[hamsterjill]

15. Thanks. I know many are feeling like this.

Be safe and take care of yourself.

[trueblue2007]

95. I feel your pain and worry... Our tears mingle together.

[Thekaspervote]

6. I'm sorry for your pain! I think most of us here feel the same, being worse sometimes than others

I am grateful for our strong dem gov here in IL. He’s definitely a buffer for what’s happening.

[hamsterjill]

16. Thanks. Yes, we are all hurting.

I think it would help us (me, at least) if we had a governor who cared. Our mayor is doing a great job but Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick have sold us out and it’s frightening.

[onetexan]

146. Im in austin area &feel your pain. We are having to stay close to home as much as possible as well.

Thankfully the numbers of hospitalized have taken a downward turn last couple days & hope it will continue in this downward trajectory.

[hamsterjill]

148. I hope so, too.

SA is still going up. They need to close everything down again but Abbott won’t consider that.

Continue to be vigilant and stay safe!!!

[kairos12]

7. I hear what you are saying.

Be kind to yourself. I like to visualize the media when it calls the election for Biden early on November 3rd, early.

Take care.

[hamsterjill]

17. I try to see headlines

Biden Sweeps; Trump Tweets Surrender!!!!

[Tanuki]

8. I will say a little prayer for you today, Hamsterjill, for feelings of peace

and wholeness and clarity. We are all in this together. I wish you health and happiness. I am glad you reached out to let your DU family know how you were feeling so that we could all send hugs!

Hang in there and stay safe!

[hamsterjill]

19. Thank you, Tanuki

That’s very kind...and kindness is what we all need right now.

I will ask for peace for you. As well. Take care of yourself.

[jimlup]

9. So I was realizing today that the time left 'til Nov 3rd

is now less than the time we've been fighting the virus.

Hold on!

[hamsterjill]

23. There's a countdown clock!

116 days!

https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/election?p0=263&iso=20201103T00&msg=2020%20US%20Presidential%20Election

[jimlup]

51. I just hope we are all celebrating on November 4th

any other scenario is too horrible to imagine. All out for November 3rd!

[hamsterjill]

72. Me, too!

I can’t even go there thinking that this nightmare would continue.

[Bayard]

10. I hear you

I find my stomach roiling and tears in my eyes far too often anymore.

Last night was the first time I've watched Rachel and Lawrence all the way through in awhile. I've been escaping into the sci fi I have recorded.

[True Blue American]

28. I did feel

Just a little better when the Court ruled yesterday, but it still means back to the drawing board.

Cohen going back to jail for not signing basically another non disclosure agreement shows Barr’s handiwork. We know what happened to Epstein. After Barr visited numerous times.

I understand how you feel. I am nervous most of the time now.

[hamsterjill]

29. Yes, the tears.

I am watching reruns of Hot In Cleveland. No thinking involved. Just slapstick.

Take care of yourself.

[True Blue American]

32. In The Heat Of The Night

But have discovered a new series on Hallmark Mysteries based on Debbie MaComer books.

[littlemissmartypants]

18. Stay strong. ❤ nt

[hamsterjill]

30. Thank you.

Trying...with a little help from my friends!

Be safe!

[Wawannabe]

20. Here for ya!

Like you are for us! Feel ya and sending

[hamsterjill]

31. Thanks.

Right back at you!

[calimary]

21. I think this whole nation has been traumatized.

At least those of us who are capable of independent thought.

The trumpers? Who knows? And who the hell cares?!

[hamsterjill]

34. The trumpets are lost causes

I’ve posted about this before here but a high school classmate is a QAnon idiot. Her father-in-law died two weeks ago from COVID-18 and she is STILL posting shit on social media about how it’s all overblown, a hoax, etc.

There’s no hope for these people. We simply must outnumber them en masse.

Please take care.

[calimary]

46. Yeah, I've come to that conclusion too. "There's no hope for these people."

And YES we must DEFINITELY outnumber them when it comes to voting. And voting him OUT.

[bdamomma]

80. We need

to declare this regime an enemy of the state. Period.

[Collimator]

22. My sympathies to you.

I have been unable to discuss what I am feeling at this time because the words seem trivial and cliche. Also, I don't want to put a particular name to this.

For you, I wish support and encouragement. For all of us, I wish strength to shoulder forward in wisdom to make smart, workable decisions as we begin the long and complex task of moving our country onward along humanitarian lines rather than simply making it more profitable for investors*.

I like your username and I will try to envision cute, funny hamsters when I see your posts.


*This is Trump's one and only definition of "greatness".

[hamsterjill]

42. Thank you, Collimator.

Please take care of yourself. It’s not only about BEING strong; it’s about STAYING strong. Do what you need to stay strong.

[oregonjen]

24. Feel the same way

I have two adult kids, both at home right now. One is returning to college town to finish out senior year, even though classes are online. I’m wanting to keep said kid in a bubble, protecting my child from everyone and everything. That stress alone is eating me up inside.

[hamsterjill]

43. I can only imagine

I have a grown daughter who opted not to have children. I can only imagine the stress associated with kids - all kids - returning to school and college.

Teach him to be safe, vigilant and careful. Try to find a way to vent the stress.

[Freedomofspeech]

25. You are not alone....

We have been consumed by that evil imbecile for 3.5 years now. I try and stay positive but he has taken so much joy out of our lives. Everyday he brings forth a new hell.

[True Blue American]

37. Share your feelings

[hamsterjill]

44. Well said.

He’s taken all of the joy and replaced it with apprehension. We gotta make it to November.

[CrispyQ]

26. We're in shock.

Most of us have never seen anything like this in our lives—a crisis of this scope and a total lack of response or concern from the US federal government. And this is the second crisis. The first is climate change, & one entire party in our two party system has been bought off to deny the science our survival depends on. It's jaw dropping. The world is stunned, as well. It's almost unfathomable how far we've fallen, even if you've been paying attention. The willful ignorance has caused unprecedented destruction on so many fronts.

[hamsterjill]

73. Absolutely.

The degree of willful ignorance is staggering. It’s something we’ve got to figure out how to address because the idiots get far too much attention and their claims take time and energy away from efforts to make things better.

Stay safe.

[essme]

27. Yes- It's awful. I need for Biden to go ahead and announce

I need something to hold onto right now.

The visceral hatred I have for the philosophy of "Trump" is so bad that it's overwhelming. I feel like if I have something to glom onto-- something I can visualize, it will make things emotionally more tolerable.

[hamsterjill]

75. I agree.

I find that I’m so hungry for a little bit of hope that anything positive would have an impact. Maybe Biden is considering the time line and waiting a few more weeks, but I’m ready to hear his ideas NOW!

[essme]

133. Yes- it's that emotional.

I am sorry you are going through this. Please know that there are so many of us out there- you are not alone.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

33. Holy Moly, your post is the 1st thing I saw this AM after sitting down from loading the dishwasher.

You made me realize that there are lots of people out there like us. Your post was therapeutic to read. The stress is getting to a lot of us. Your post helped me realize "it's not just me" but a normal reaction to a madman running this country.

I share your sentiments about Biden. I want him to take the lead. I want him to start healing this country. I want him to name his VP pick. A lot of these "wants" of mine is an impatience, and fear of what more damage Bunker Boy might inflict on our nation.

Thanks for your expressing your feelings. It helped me quite a bit.

[hamsterjill]

76. Hmmm...maybe you and I should stop doing the dishes!

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. You expressed the pain so well. I agree totally as go Biden. His time is NOW!!!

[AnotherMother4Peace]

94. LOL - yes, that's it. It's the stupid dishwasher! OK - now to find some else to load it. nt

[McKim]

131. Biden Should Name Cabinet and Creati a Government in Exile

Biden should name his cabinet and create a government in internal exile. He should start talking presidential and lay out his response to COVID -19. He should have his Secretary of. Health and Human Services say what she/he intends. Same with Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation and all. People need to see what they are missing from our present government.

[denem]

35. One thing that works for me.

Try breathing from the lower part of your lungs, allowing your tummy to mover in and out. I battle anxiety and panic at times. I find this helps me.

[hamsterjill]

77. I agree

I used to have panic attacks years ago when I was in a job that was unhealthy. I learned some breathing techniques that definitely help. Thank you.

[cwydro]

36. It's a scary time. Don't be hard on yourself.

I'm in NC where we have a mask mandate, but I stay at home as much as possible. I used to love going to the grocery store - now it's like a trip into terror.

I'm lucky because I'm a natural hermit. I have a nice fenced yard, a large garden, my dogs, good neighbors, and the ability to stay home.

But I feel what you feel. It seems unending. My entire family lives in the British Isles, and I've had to change all my travel plans. Two aunts with whom I'm very close are in their 80s. Even if I could magically transport, how could I visit them not knowing if I might be asymptomatic? It's very isolating.

[hamsterjill]

78. I can't imagine wanting to see your family and not knowing when you could.

I know there are many incarnations if that - some who are hospitalized and can’t see family, some who cannot travel, etc.

We have a basic need to connect with others and it’s hard when that is not possible. I hope you are able to visit with your family electronically. It’s not the same, but at least it’s something.

[Scruffy1]

38. If it wasn't for my old house and 2 cats I would probably be stark raving mad.

When I moved IU've boyucotted television news ed years oldn andI lived there fornearly thirty years. i adopted a new kitten last fall and spend a lot of my time talking to cats. I'm pretty self contained and have no close friends here so that helps. I feel sorry for the rest of the old people in my neighborhood because they can't get out and socialize. They are nearly all Mexican Americans and some of the most social people on the planet. Wastching the daily horror show on the internet is depressing. Remember, this idiot couldn't have got elected dog catcher without the complicity of the MSM. Never trust them.

[hamsterjill]

79. Good for you for giving one a home.

I’m involved in rescue and I am always happy when one in need finds a good home. I’ll add this to my grateful list.

[SheltieLover]

39. It is beyond disheartening

To see our democracy being destroyed by a known Russia asset & everything that goes along with that dynamic, including climate change. It makes me very sad that our country's founders did not foresee a traitor in the WH & a compromised senate. Boggles my mind.

Perhaps becoming involved in voter registration &/or phone banking for the candidates of your choice might help. You would at least feel as if you are doing something to bring about a positive change.

Another great resource is Yale's free "The Science of Well Being" course here:

https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_content=09-ScienceofWellBeing-US&campaignid=9728548210&adgroupid=99699672436&device=m&keyword=science%20of%20well%20being%20yale&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=428321686708&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo6D4BRDgARIsAA6uN1_05QgYLNYp_5C7YcyugMadQPsPMQUBx1LiFr0RhoHRD8VM3fAlaJ0aAhk_EALw_wcB

I hope this is helpful!

[hamsterjill]

82. Thank you. I'll check out the link.

[SheltieLover]

138. You are most welcome!

I have posted the link a couple of times & those who have tried it said they felt much better after just the 1st video! 😁👍

Please let us know what you think of it.

[murielm99]

40. I am sorry you feel this way.

But you are not alone!

I am grateful that I still have my husband of forty-two years. Sometimes I can't believe it has been that long.

Mostly, we help each other.

A newly appointed precinct committeeman is coming to my house this evening to pick up a voter's list. We are going to split the town. Now I will be covering two precincts instead of four. I am very grateful for his help.

My husband and this new volunteer and things to be grateful for.

We will get through this. Stay safe.

[hamsterjill]

83. Thank you for your help to get Dems elected!

You stay safe as well! Good luck with the canvassing.

[CaptainTruth]

41. Take care of yourself. Do things to recharge your soul & find peace.

Maybe read something entertaining, listen to music, sit outside in the fresh air, whatever you enjoy.

[hamsterjill]

84. I try. My attention span is pretty short these days.

As I mentioned up thread, I’m watching reruns of “Hot In Cleveland”, total slapstick with no thinking required.

Stay safe.

[Vinca]

47. It happens. Just remember - the months left of the Trump nightmare are in the single digits.

I don't see how this character gets enough votes for a second term. Getting rid of him won't immediately get rid of all our problems, but it sure as heck will shorten them. "It is going to end" is a great mantra these days.

[hamsterjill]

86. That's a good way to look at it.

The rest of July. August, September and October. I’ll welcome the fall!

[Evolve Dammit]

48. That definately resonates here. The uncertainty and NO PLAN is incredibly frustrating, angering and

demoralizing. We expect more and we got deflection and lies. Thanks for reaching out.

[hamsterjill]

87. Yes. I'm a planner and I like to know what the options are.

There’s no plan and no options until the election. Damn frustrating!

Take care of yourself!

[marieo1]

49. Joe Biden's running mate

I would love to know who Joe Biden's running mate will be but I also think he probably already has picked one but if he makes it public, the RW will just try to dig up all kinds of lies and garbage against her to ruin his chances of winning our Presidency. We need Joe Biden!!! I wish the election were next week!!!

[hamsterjill]

88. Me, too. The election can't get here fast enough!

I don’t care who he picks, the right will invent lies and smears. We have to be prepared for that. They will lie, cheat and steal to win.

[hibbing]

50. Feeling the same n/t

[hamsterjill]

89. Hang in there!

n/t

[onecaliberal]

52. I am right there with you. I've been watching mindless shows on tv

I can’t listen to any news about the virus right now. I’m riddled with anxiety already. At least we can all come here and talk about it.

[hamsterjill]

90. I think it helps to admit that it's affecting us

It does for me, at least. It’s gone on longer than I had prepared for. That sounds stupid because who knew what the time frame would be. But I figured things would look differently after three months, and they do. It’s just that things look worse now...with no end in sight.

We keep going...

[onecaliberal]

126. That is exactly what has me on edge. Steadily getting worse. Even in my blue state with my blue

governor. I don’t see an end in sight. And the anger I have over the fact that other countries handled it while we are still in this place with a shithole for leadership doing nothing. On top of everything else. It does help to talk about it.

[McKim]

132. I Stopped Watching Cable News

I stopped watching cable news now for five days. Instead I watch endless girl foo-foo Utube videos on how to dress like French women and Oh la la! It is stupid but I am happy and I sleep well now, just like I used to. I stay home mostly, only go out for masked walks in empty neighborhoods. I do projects for friends like making desserts and taking them around the city to friends, making Lavender sachets and giving them away and gardening. I had a Covid negative test recently so I am a safe pastry chef for them. These are mindless but loving activities that cheer up others. I have Zoom dinner dates with friends far and near. It is time for a break for me and let the politicians solve this, that’s what they are getting paid for! I contribute to campaigns and charities to help the world.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

53. I think my conservative sister is having panic attacks.

She says she cant breathe with the mask on and yet would never think about how George Floyd died because he was strangled by a cop. It's as though we are all in the military suffering PTSD. This nightmare headed by an enabling bunch of ne'erdo-wells in the media and DC need to admit they are causing lasting harm to all of us.

So sorry that his cruelty has actually reached into a red state like Texas. I fear his psychosis is sadly going to be emulated for decades to come.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

62. My hairdresser kept pulling down her mask & saying "I can't breathe".

I had my n95 mask on & skipped the shampoo - cut only. I cancelled this month's haircut & mailed her a card & payment.

I was reluctant to go last month but wanted to be supportive. BUT she belongs/attends a mega church, a "pro-lifer", and probably a trumpster (we don't talk politics). Anyway I spent about 2 weeks after my last haircut wondering if I'd get sick (I'm in a vulnerable category). I think she may be thinking this whole thing is a hoax, and thereby not taking precautions.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

97. maybe your hairdresser is my sister...

She actually has a client who is a social worker in a hospital and told my sis that she doesnt wear her mask in the hospital unless near Covid patients!!

[onecaliberal]

127. I can't go to the salon here, no way. Trying to figure out what I'm going to do.

I don’t need cut. I need color.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

134. I'm sure you look wonderful - but I sure know how you feel.

I've been wearing one of those cute little hair wraps. I always had a short swimmer's cut, because I used to swim everyday - I miss both.

[hamsterjill]

92. I'm sick of the conservatives.

Have some in my family, too. I’m beyond the point of even giving them the courtesy of listening. They’ve gone off the deep end with all of the conspiracy theories. I just can’t...

[SleeplessinSoCal]

100. I get angry for a time and then try to be helpful.

I recommended contact lens instead of glasses that fog up. And sent her a link to masks with breathing vents. 8f she it's to remain angry at Covid and "liberals", then our future is going to be a mine field.

[kpete]

54. hamsterjill

I totally connected with your words

stressed, sad & angry.
kpete

[hamsterjill]

93. kpete, thank you.

I hope you’re staying safe. I always love your very insightful posts!

[tavernier]

55. Do something creative.

Paint a picture, write a story, build a book shelf, make up a new recipe and cook or bake it... etc. very rewarding.

[hamsterjill]

96. Yes, it's important to have distractions.

I’m involved in cat rescue. It’s been my salvation.

[SallyHemmings]

56. Hugs!

We are living in a very stressful time.

Be sure to be patient with yourself.

[SammyWinstonJack]

57. My youngest son is in San Antonio. He works at the Applebees near North Star Mall and rides

Public transportation. I worry everyday about him.

[hamsterjill]

98. Oh! I don't blame you.

I will say a prayer for his safety. I’ve done a lot of curbside take out. I’m not in that area of town, but I am grateful for those people who are doing this work.

[SammyWinstonJack]

117. Thank you! I am trying to get him to come here where I am in TN.

I live in a motorhome in an Rv park. I have offered to buy him an RV and rent a space here for him until I can find some land to buy. He doesn't like change but it's coming.

[hamsterjill]

120. He should do that!

If I had the means, I would get out of Texas.

[lark]

58. Thank you from another stressed out person!

You have inspired me to get out my yoga tape and do that again. I can find out what our fucking asshole governor Mini-Me DeSantanus is doing later, watching him was making me crazy mad.

[hamsterjill]

99. My nephew does yoga and gets a lot from it.

Hey, would you take Greg Abbott? He’s the governor killing my beloved Texas.

Seriously, stay safe and take care of yourself.

[lark]

152. I think right now he's closer to sanity than DeSatanus, who is totally living in the land of denial.

There IS not problem at all in FL, 11,000 a day new cases - no problem at all. It's all just testing and asymtomatic - and if the hospitals are at capacity, well he doesn't care about that either. Right now, he's among the worst of the worst if not leading the pack. Abbott seems to be close to the land of reality, DeSantanus is far far away.

[macwriter]

59. I feel your pain

I just recently realized that I am suffering from mild depression. I was beating myself up because my life has not been rocked like others I read about. My husband and I are retired and live in deep blue Northeast. My one child, a grown single daughter has an apartment within walking distance of us, but she packed up and temporarily left it to move back in with us. She's a sweetheart, The blessing is that we all get along and even though she was recently furloughed, she expects to be back at work -- which she do remotely in the fall. We have everything delivered and I am cooking more than I have in years. And money isn't a major issue for any of us. Yet, I wake each morning with a heavy heart and feeling full of dread. What a wimp I am, I think. The feeling of dread is familiar. When have I felt this way before? And then I remember. Taking care of my mother in the last year of her life in my home as she courageously battled colon cancer. It was overwhelming. I knew it would end badly, but we all journeyed on. Keeping track of her medications, doctor appointments, chem sessions, and seeing her slip away bit by bit. Then I tell myself this is different, this will end in time. Life will begin again. And although things will change, we can come out of this better and stronger. Remember this: we've been left on our own. I like to say we are like the head chef, captain, cruise director and ship doctor on a cruise ship that's stuck in the midddle of the ocean. We have to make sure we keep the cupboards from running too low, steer our ship in a new direction, keep our spirits up and take care of our health. When it all collides, it can feel crushing.

My advice is be kind to yourself. Give yourself a break. Set aside a few minutes a day to talk to a friend, put up a new post, give yourself a facial -- you get the idea. Chocolate always seems to help me. LOL

Know that this site understands and supports you.

[hamsterjill]

102. What a beautiful post.

I’m sorry about your mom.

Yes, it hits me every morning as I’m waking up. Maybe I’ll read a headline that says they’ve found a treatment or a cure. Then no headline.

Your approach is sound. Thanks for sharing.

[czarjak]

60. Dannie Scott Goeb fixed us ALL up! Thanks, Republicans.

[hamsterjill]

103. Crazy Evangelicals!

People like him make my physically ill. He pretends to be a Christian. I don’t think so.

[peasant one]

61. take it easy

Thanks for your post. Most of us have been there. Sometimes it is worse than others but you have a good strategy to fight the feelings of despair that this administration is causing. After the election, I wanted to move out of the country (couldn't afford to but even those thoughts eased my pain somewhat). Know that you are not in the minority but many, many others feel as you do. Keep you head up and do something fun and know that many of us are with you in hoping to see a better world just around the corner: Medicare for all, taxes on the rich, racial and gender equality, the end of policing, the end of for profit prisons, the end of corporate tax breaks, cap on executive pay, improved teacher pay, smaller classrooms, guaranteed minimum income, the green new deal, the end of the death penalty (except for traitors), the end of representative government and the beginning of participatory government, the end of vulture capitalism, housing for anyone who wants, and civil service jobs that provide meaningful work for the betterment of society.

[hamsterjill]

104. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Goodness, how I would wish.

Thanks for your kind response! Your ideas are beautiful and possible if we all demand them. Let’s do this!!!

[gademocrat7]

63. I feel the same way.

The anxiety is difficult.

[hamsterjill]

106. It's the "no end in sight" part for me.

I need to know that something is being done. We need leadership and there is none.

[lastlib]

64. Rambling, perhaps, but eloquent!

--- ---

We are all stressed by the constant crisis the Cockwomble has burdened us with. You put into words what many feel, and I FERVENTLY hope there is relief coming! For you and for all of us! Meanwhile, cling together, support one another, and give care where we can. It is BADLY needed! ---

[hamsterjill]

108. Thank you.

I hope we all get some relief - the sooner the better.

Stay safe!

[lillypaddle]

65. I feel the same

[hamsterjill]

109. Hugs right back!

Stay safe!

[bdamomma]

66. Take care of yourself

and adhere by Dr. Fauci rules, not the jerk in the WH. We will get through this.

[Marthe48]

67. I have accepted that my life is changed

I was stressed wondering about what would happen next. When I accepted that I will probably wear a mask the rest of my life, and probably won't do things I used to do, even the hard realization I might never again see some of my loved ones face-to-face, I calmed down. I too pray every night. I hope I am enhancing positive energy.

I set goals: short-term, live to vote. Long-term, see my grand kids graduate from high-school.

I am limiting my access to news, and I am beyond grateful to be a member of D.U. for companionship, advice, opinion. Hang in there

[hamsterjill]

110. You hang in there, too.

I don’t think there is any denying that life will never be the same again. It IS important to acknowledge and accept that.

I just wonder what it will be like. Will we ever be able to feel reasonably safe again. And no one at this point in time has an answer.

Stay safe!

[cp]

68. We're with you, you're with us

Everyone I know feels stressed. We are all living through intense uncertainty in a time of deadly pandemic and failed leadership.
Everyone's character is being tested. Thinking of all the books I've read about the home front in WW2, and how so many found their own strength and fortitude. They knew we are in this together. We know that now, too. We can do this, day by day. Seemingly small acts like being kind and wearing a mask are actually gigantic.
Please be kind to yourself, hamsterjill, as it sounds like you are doing. Breathe. Take a rest.
We have been knocked down. We are going to get up.

[hamsterjill]

111. Thanks, CP

We will get up by reaching down to help one another get off the ground.

Stay safe!

[Baclava]

69. Backyard birdfeeders can be relaxing

[hamsterjill]

112. I have a hummingbird feeder

I marvel at those tiny creatures! And we have squirrels that provide aerobatic entertainment.

[forgotmylogin]

70. I hear you. We need to take care of ourselves for now.

I'm pretending it's still quarantine. Avoid unnecessary trips into public buildings or crowds. Social distance. Keep the mask on outside.

We may not be able to avoid getting sick but the best we can hope for is to delay it until we have new leadership and hopefully some medical technology for treatment or a vaccine.

My mom lives with me and is an elderly COPD patient on oxygen. Her O2 levels have dipped into low 90s so much and under normal circumstances I would have gotten her to the ER before now. Right now that seems like the last thing I want to do because I feel I'd be sending her there to die or contract COVID and they may not even let me stay there with her. So it's like... Do I prefer to take care of her myself and possibly have her die at home with me, or potentially get her medical help but risk having her alone in a pandemic ward where she could also die? She keeps telling me no when I say I can call an ambulance. She knows what's up.

[hamsterjill]

114. I'm so sorry about your mom

I understand your dilemma. I think you are right to respect her wishes. I’m saying a prayer for you both.

I wish I had more to offer you. I think that’s part of why we are all so downtrodden and sad. Some things, we simply can’t do anything about.

[forgotmylogin]

136. Thanks! Everything is good, it's up and down.

She's better today - she somehow went four days without using her COPD inhaler it turns out. It's an adventure every day!

[Cicada]

71. This helped me

I’m an old guy who likes gritty suspenseful tv and movies. I don’t watch my wife’s chick flick stuff with her, usually. But I added babysitters club to my netflix watchlist. It is about nice teen age girls in an idyllic town growing up. It helps me calm down.

[Initech]

74. I'm sick and tired of being miserable.

And I have been this way ever since Orange Douche got elected, and it's been amplified about 100x since COVID showed up. I just want it to end. I'm tired of being miserable. I want things to get better.

[Upthevibe]

81. hamsterjill....

I hope you're feeling better... I feel the same way . The first thought I have every morning when I wake up: "is this really happening?"

[hamsterjill]

119. I know.

It’s that moment right before you’re fully awake, and then you remember all that is going on.

I hope one day, we can wake up and know that we are safe.

[handmade34]

85. we need to take care of one another!

I'm really feeling it... mine surfaces as anger... we all have our different ways of trying to understand, deal with this... I am anxious, angry, troubled.... there are things happening that are so out of the norm, so bizarre, so wrong...

please take care of yourself and do what you must to be healthy and well

[hamsterjill]

121. Yes, it really is different for everyone.

I hope you will (also) take good care of yourself.

[LuckyCharms]

91. You're not alone.

There are tens of millions of people like us right now.

In my case, I burst into tears during random moments. Picture that...a big bearded burly guy starts crying for no apparent reason.

I have in-laws in San Antonio, so I know of which you speak.

Don't be afraid of your emotions. Don't judge yourself. You are doing the best you can, and that is all any of us can do.

Stand up to stupidity, but never put yourself in danger. Pick your battles.

Help those who need it.

Voice your opinion with confidence.

Understand that this will be a long haul. Understand that your intelligence will get you through this.

Understand that when we all come through the other side of this, you will have gone through a battle and you will have become a stronger person for doing so.

You will be alright. This situation will go through many changes before it resolves, but just continue to be smart. Protect yourself at all times.

Drink a lot of water.

Concentrate on good memories.

Move your body as much as you are able.

Trim your bills of anything that is not absolutely necessary.

We are going to make it.

[hamsterjill]

122. Are your in-laws affected?

Case numbers are soaring down here. We all must be vigilant.

Thanks for your advice. It is well received - especially the paying bills part. I thankfully live very simply.

[LuckyCharms]

149. No, they are not affected yet...

but they are not being as careful as they should be, either.

[marlakay]

105. Day at a time, maybe a hour at a time

That's what I tell myself. My anxiety is worse, and I do everything I can to calm down.

My younger daughter lives in San Antonio and she has been very sick last few days and got a test on base this morning. I don't think she has covid but it will make her feel better to see that. Husband in military and they live off base.

She has been homeschooling her middle school boys since March and buying food curbside.

One of her military friends died a few days ago from childbirth and she has been grieving and crying and I think she ended up with sinus infection, I bet her immune system and allergies got to her. Thats what I am hoping.

But all the symptoms are close to covid.

I think she is nervous living there and wishes she was in area with less cases.

Let's just say her and hubby had turned conservative before Trump leaning more and more that way. Now they are all in for Joe and democrats.

So one good thing about Trump people leaning right have changed their minds.

Take care. Hope you feel better!

[hamsterjill]

123. I remember. They are the couple in Alamo Heights right?

Allergies have been horrible here. The dust, the pollen, the humidity. I’m sorry about her friend.

One of my daughter’s friends committed suicide recently and my daughter has been inconsolable. The young lady had fought a valiant and public battle with depression. It was just so sad.

[marlakay]

125. It is sad and hard to watch our kids in emotional pain

Yes they are in a small house across the street from a mansion in Alamo Heights.

My daughter met her when they were stationed in Korea living on base. I guess this was a 4th child, first with new husband and she had complications with c-section and they thought she was better so sent her home and she hemorrhaged and died, very sad. 4 kids missing mommy.

[Skittles]

107. I don't feel like I am struggling anywhere near what others are going through

but I seemed to be inordinately ecstatic on July 1 when I realized half this fucked-up year was over

[hamsterjill]

116. Skittles, you are amazing!

I always love your attitude! And yes, we are all watching the calendar! Here’s hoping 2021 will be amazing.

[Skittles]

135. back at ya, babe

we will get through this TOGETHER and we will be STRONGER; yes INDEED

[seta1950]

113. Hi

We all here to hear each other’s ramblings that’s what decent people do, take care of yourself

[hamsterjill]

124. You take care, too.

We get through this together! We help one another where possible.

[niyad]

115. I am so sorry for the stress and worry you are going through. Please be very gentle with

yourself.

Do you have a garden? Sometimes,
I find that just seeing a new blog helps.

I am grateful for all of you amazing people here at DU every single day.

[hamsterjill]

130. I'm grateful for DU, too.

Lots of caring people. Thanks for your response. Please stay safe.

[MomInTheCrowd]

118. Tears for 1st time this week

Been through a lot over the past few years. Not all of it was stained by this monster, but was tough stuff. I basically held it together. For the first, though, this week I sat down and unexpectedly started to weep.

[hamsterjill]

140. Maybe it was time.

Tears can be cathartic. I’m sorry. We’ve all individually been affected by the Trump crap, and that magnifies anything else happening in our lives.

I hope you can have some peace. Sending hugs...

[Nitram]

128. YES!

[MLAA]

129. 💕💕💕💖💖💖💕💕💕💕

[warmfeet]

137. "Let's continue to take care of one another, okay?"

Absolutely. We are all we have - life.

[hamsterjill]

141. Exactly.

Sending hugs...

[peacebuzzard]

139. anxiety and binge eating comfort fatty foods

makes the nervous system worse. That is what I am doing,.

I keep on finding new excuses to do nothing every day. Except eat and worry.

I hope I can break this circle this weekend. I am trying to study some subjects that interest me. I seem to have a short attention span lately, however. I attribute it to anxiety and gaining weight. I really need to get it together.

[NBachers]

142. I've got a song for you, hamsterjill, and for all our DU brothers, sisters, whomevers . . . Please

listen and take the lyrics to heart.

[dixiegrrrrl]

144. Last half hour I have been screaming inside re: Stone commutation

The stress from the virus in the country and the one inside the WH is overwhelming.
I know we are SO not alone in dire need of relief.
It's worse for those who have to take care of family members' stress as well as our own.

And we do not know what is coming at us day in and out.

I'm forcing myself to take down time from the news every day. Livdonating in a red state that has created massive numbers of virus victims makes it harder than just ignoring DC shit.

Couple hours ago I donated to one of the candidates that our DU member Omaha Steve was raising $$ for, it helped a bit.
Being involved in the good fight to some degree is a way of pushing back.

Thank god for all of DU, eh?

[oasis]

145. Hang in. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting wider and wider.

[Snackshack]

147. I hear you...

I completely understand and am right there also. I am so tired, at the end of my rope. Everyday it is just more and more and more and more and more and more of DT & GOP’s dismantling/destruction of America, its citizens, its laws, its institutions, its economy, its standing and it’s respect. All the while the Dems do absolutely nothing.

Yesterday was a little bright spot with the SCOTUS ruling but only a little it did not change anything in the near term and any uplift that did bring got quashed with the Stone news today. It seems like they just keep doing whatever they want and no one is doing or can do anything to stop them. It’s so very frustrating.

So like you I am limiting the news I see and staying for the most part off social media just trying to take a mental break from the constant barrage of DT the GOP and their Supporters BS and hope someday soon there is a change (Nov) followed by justice for what has been done.

[MustLoveBeagles]

151. Hugs to you hamsterjill

We'll get through this.