Never Let Go

There are facts within the figures built by lies
The hidden ones that form our second lives
There is no equal person to ourselves
Though there are so many objects we could sell
Remove what you have had so many years
Allow the ones who force you into tears
To take what you have needed all this time
To keep you from the reason for your rhymes
Your hope, your faith and all that's in between
Become your own illusion, so it seems
I know what I must have but, then I don't
The men so high above don't wish for hope
They never knew what consequence it brought
Only disapproval of what's saught
It's true that we are not the sum of things
Of clothing or of objects, they don't sing
Just understand that demons still have wings
For they cause such terrible deformities
All that I have now is what is known
The devils taking sides and what was sewn
So many, many years ago, it's known
God grant me the serenity to accept being my own clone
What they can never take away, what will always stay
Is so very many years of every day

COVID-19 Tips

We may feel the temptation of giving into stress over COVID-19. The virus will act just like any other. During cold and flu seasons, you should take appropriate steps to shield yourself from exposure.

Avoid unnecessary public appearances and giving into overactive fears. When people react aggressively, they can act without thinking. This is something we need to avoid in order to slow down any socially transmitted virus.

All we can actually rely on at this point is our ability to wash up and count on our immune systems. Stay with a handful of trusted friends to keep yourselves busy and happy. Cheer yourselves up and be sure to avoid crowds.

Don't isolate completely and if you are alone, stay busy and cheerful. Paraphrasing Yoda... Loneliness leads to sadness, sadness leads to discomfort, discomfort leads to anxiety, anxiety leads to fear, fear leads to ... well, not hate or the Dark Side... but it does lead to people acting against common sense.

If you have a question or a thought you can't clarify, don't necessarily count on the internet. If you do, check at least 3 sources. Talk to your friends and think pragmatically. Wash your hands often and try to buy less expensive food in case this lasts longer than you may expect.

You may want to think about downsizing your meals if you are on a budget or have lost work. In fact, if you expect the possibility, you should consider it as well. These are all basic, but important things to think about

If you do lose work, try to find another source of income from home or another place that's still open. If you must, look into filing for unemployment. It may seem a little severe, but every little thing can help, especially when you have a family. Just be sure to cancel when the situation is resolved.

In all honesty, your two best defenses in this situation are a positive attitude and keeping yourself and your environment clean. Be nice to the people you meet and keep your distance at the checkout when buying groceries.

To help keep you calm and happy, give yourselves a movie night more often than usual. If you never do, now is a wonderful time to start. Keep them cheerful unless you're like me... I'm a bit odd, but I always end with a comedy special or something of the like.

If you're playing video games at a friend's house, bring some hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes and maybe your own controllers. I'm not telling anyone to hunker down just yet but take appropriate precautions.

Change the filters in your HVAC systems... the heating and air conditioning units in your house. Dust off your air purifiers, grab fresh filters for those and put away your humidifiers. Viruses like to chill in humid environments.

If you absolutely need to go out, while pumping gas, wipe the pump handle with alcohol, or simply grab a good bag or backpack and walk or ride a bicycle.

CDC Tips on Coronavirus prevention

These are just a few steps we can take. Above all stay calm. We'll get through this.

Be Love
~Bryan