Life in the COVID19 Epicenter: NYC

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Remember the good ol’ days when the only thing New Yorkers had to worry about were cockroaches and bed bugs?

You guys. I am living my nightmare.

Yesterday – (Quarantine Day 12) – I was minding my own business in my apartment…trying to learn a Tic Tok dance (as one does)…when all of a sudden, I felt something scurry across my bare foot.

I instantly look down, and sure enough, it was a cockroach.

A COCKROACH! I scream (obviously) – and grab the nearest object…it was a candle…and I smash the living daylights out of the little devil.

I’m pacing the floor, shaking, breathless, sobbing — this is my personal hell: literally quarantined in a tiny room WITH A COCKROACH.

Don’t worry, I mopped the whole place, drenched every square inch in Lysol, and literally inspected every nook and cranny for any other little friends that might be hiding out. *And allow me to just interject…I am a clean freak 24/7. My place is spic and span always. I change my sheets weekly, vacuum daily, and deep clean the bathroom 3x week. I blame the roach situation on the six bunches of ripe bananas I had sitting on my counter due to stocking up for Corona.

Anywho – that’s how my day went yesterday 🙂

(And to follow along with more real-time updates like this doosey of an episode, follow me on Instagram. It’s a hoot-and-a-half…especially right now when all there is to do is scroll social media!)

But all jokes aside, I wanted to just take today to give you a glimpse into what life is like right now in New York City, given the Coronavirus situation.

I’ve been blown away by the number of messages and emails from sweet readers, checking in, and praying for me during this unnerving and frightening time. So thank you for that.

New York City right now is unrecognizable. I live in the center of the hustle and bustle in Greenwich Village, and to say that it is a ghost town is quite an understatement. The restaurants, shops, bars, schools, museums — are all boarded up and dark. The buses are running empty. Taxis vacant. Sidewalks deserted.

The only people out are the delivery men — all wearing masks — and your occasional person walking their dog — and the look on their faces (if not covered by a mask) is that of impending doom. Like they’re walking through a minefield, half-expecting to step on an explosive at any given minute.

People are on edge.

And for good reason. The cases here are exploding. Over 20,000 cases, and over 150 deaths in New York. Granted, this number reflects all the testing being done here, but still – the number is daunting.

The hospitals are critically low on protective gear. They’re converting four places – including the Javits Convention Center – into makeshift, temporary hospitals.

We’re under a “Pause” quarantine — meaning only workers deemed “essential” are allowed outside.

And the mass of New Yorkers that fled to the Hamptons, are all coming back in droves, because conditions are even worse out there.

There are currently two people in my apartment building who have confirmed COVID19 cases, as well as one of my friends. All mild. All doing well, praise God.

I am feeling fine…a strong case of cabin fever, but other than that -and of course, my cockroach episode- I am holding up well.

I’ve been FaceTiming friends and loved ones every day. And, apart from not being able to go into my co-working space, my writing job has not really been interrupted. My acting job, on the other hand, has come to a screeching halt, as the industry is at a standstill with productions canceling, and projects put on hold until this outbreak passes.

But I think the biggest thing right now is that there’s a lot of fear circulating. I went to the grocery store on Monday (I have since started only getting delivery) – and it was as though everyone was suspicious of each other. It was such an unsettling feeling. People staying six feet away from one another, and eyeing you with that — don’t-you-dare-come-closer — look of desperation and hostility. I’ve never felt so many eyes of suspicion on me ever.

But for me, the most frightening thing is seeing people in face masks. I’ve been going for an afternoon jog, and in the past 48 hours, more and more people are wearing masks. It’s an ominous sight to say the least. And it makes me catch my breath.

But to be honest, that feeling is not foreign to me. And in fact, it brings me back to that very first day at inpatient. I had to go to an inpatient treatment facility for three months for my anorexia back in high school. And walking in that first day, seeing those skeletal girls with feeding tubes coming out of their noses, it was that same feeling of foreboding fear. Looking at their gaunt faces, I felt as though I was walking through a morgue. It was absolutely terrifying — that same feeling I’ve been experiencing walking around Manhattan these past several days.

And so, when I got home from my jog – (after I washed my hands and showered, of course) – I pulled out my book, Bloom, which closely follows the journal I kept while at inpatient, and flipped to those very first entries where I was dealing with that paralyzing fear.

It’s funny how reading those words from that day, resonated so poignantly today. They were a real encouragement for me. And so I decided to close tonight’s post with those words from 2007. Because, maybe…if like me, you’re feeling scared or anxious, they will resonate with you, too.

“Lord, I need to feel Your arms around me. I need You to whisper soft encouraging words in my ears. Draw me close to You, Lord. I am so scared and feel so vulnerable. Reassure me Lord, and protect me from all fear and doubt.

‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.’ 1 Peter 5:7

We need to say we need help. Our cry impacts the heart of God. God sees us, hears us, has a plan to get us out, and is concerned for us.

I don’t pretend to understand why God allows suffering, but I do know that He cares. That He is going through it right along with us. And that He wants to comfort us.

God will protect me from anything that scares me. We’re not always going to have mountain top experiences with God. Our faith will be tested. In the midst of the storm, fear blinds us. Fear blinds us from seeing the whole picture. It blinds us to the fact that God is always with us, because He so dearly loves us.

Throw down your fears at the feet of Jesus. Just throw them down. Give Him everything. Scream. Kick. Sob. Just let Him have it all. Stop carrying them around with you. He will take them, gladly. Because you know what? He already did.” — BeautyBeyondBones, Bloom

To watch this as a video…click here.


“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

TAKE ME TO THE B³ STORE!
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A big thank you to my foundational sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy. I cannot begin to express how beneficial therapy was for my recovery from anorexia.  Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

244 thoughts on “Life in the COVID19 Epicenter: NYC”

  1. Did you call a cockroach a little devil?

    That’s quite hilarious.

    My teaching job has also come to a screeching halt. Rather than complain and blame God for allowing COVID19 to hit our world, I choose to hear His next agenda for the world.

    God still rules and is sovereign in the affairs of men.

    About people with face masks, I’m darn scared of them.

    Saw one man today in a tricycle and I was like, “Huhh! Hope you aren’t infected.”

    Our safety belongs to God.

    Stay safe.

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    1. hahah oh it is quite the little devil. i call ’em like i see ’em! haha thanks for your encouraging words. stay safe my friend! Hugs and love xox

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  2. Hang in there! And thanks for the transparent look at what life is currently like in the big city. In our little corner of Central New York (Oswego County), there are only two confirmed cases. However, like you experienced, my wife and I felt the scared and wary eyes of our fellow grocery shoppers the other day. The fear is palpable.
    I thank God that He is bigger than all this and we will get through it. Please keep writing!
    Blessings,
    Pastor Chuck

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    1. thank you Chuck! yeah these are wild times. you’re so right – God is bigger! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox

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  3. This too shall pass. God is good and He is still in control. CA is not quite as ghosted but some places that you see were packed are empty and it could be concerning to see. But, that’s only when you keep your eyes on those things. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Read His Word and stay encouraged. You are not alone. God bless you and yours! Praying for NYC and you too! 🙏🙏🙏

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    1. you’re right about that — this too shall pass. Thank you so much for your prayers! they are greatly appreciated! yeah – staying in His Word is so important during times like that. thanks for stopping by! stay safe! Hugs and love xox

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    1. oh wow, i’m sorry you’re experiencing this right now too. I’m glad your daughter is better!! thank you so much for stopping by! praying for you and your community!!! stay safe! Hugs and love xox

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  5. I can’t help but wonder if your uninvited guest (critterman) wanted to keep you company. Or maybe he was running from covid-19 and knew your place was the most sanitary. LOL Thanks for sharing. We all need both the laughter and the encouragement to get past this season we are in.

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    1. hahah thanks Steve – yeah of ALL THE TIMES I could have seen a critter…WHY OH WHY does it have to be when I’m literally not allowed to leave the apartment!! glad it could make you smile! stay well friend! Hugs and love xox

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    2. My secret? Introversion to the rescue. I have secretly envied the “fun people” all my life, but suddenly find myself with a superpower. 🙂 It wouldn’t help with the roach, though. Stay safe!

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  8. Thanks for sharing. As for what you are experiencing – This too shall pass. Trust in the promises of Jesus, confess them as your own, and everything will turn out alright. As for roaches, you are blessed. Here in Florida we see them every day with multiple sightings. Blessings.

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    1. you’re so right – this too shall pass. thank you for the encouragement! oh gosh! yikes! no thank you!! haha stay well! Hugs and love xox

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      2. Just, stay on the 76 when you head back. That, slush is coming through the mountains. Worth the few bucks for the nicer toll plows.

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    2. Thanks Kenzie — yeah I’m going to reevaluate as soon as the 14 day quarantine is finished. It’s a 10 hour drive solo, and i haven’t driven in 7 or 8 years, substantially. So, I’m not thrilled about that. going to revisit the decision this weekend. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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      1. That’s good. This virus goes in cycles. Although, looking at it, the deaths and newly infected you wouldn’t think so. Our response, is inadequate to interrupt the viral cycles. So, we must do what we can to stay safe. Or, at least be happy. Emergency management, disasters, conflict, are kind of my thing. I don’t have those ties most people have to have a normal life but, I can appreciate it through past sacrifices of time, and friends.

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      5. I’m sure that’s also scary for your parents to think about. Maybe, you’re supposed to be in NYC. I’ve not, had “my best life.” It’s been, mostly helping others. I don’t, know if that’s enough for Heaven. It’s, been enough for me.

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      7. They’re good parents. On a lighter note I tried cauliflower rice and didn’t die. 😂👍🏻 Baby steps. 🐢

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      11. Oh. No. Scratch that. Too high of a risk. You’re right. Driving. 10 hours? I’ve done Phoenix to CT in a day by car. Well, it was kind of a fast car.

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      13. One of the benefits of disaster relief. I averaged 107 mph twice across the country like that. Lots of good coffee and muscle memory.

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      15. Now though, I’m pretty average. I help out where I can. My friend owns a food bank. Some Salvation Army stuff. I make sure small businesses stay in my community and aren’t forced out via gentrification. You know, the usual.

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      17. Ha! I wish, women thought that. Our generation is out of our mind with things. Not, about helping out.

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      23. Women, find the one they long to find. Meanwhile, men choose not real men find the place their meant to be.

        I’m too old for love. It’s why, I enjoy helping others that seem to have that fury for, dreams.

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      27. When someone doesn’t want you back. Believe them. It’s, what I do. I can spend whole days with great people or spend whole days with awful people. The day is spent the same the way. I can’t get the day back.

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  10. Ah I can relate to having a bit of cabin fever – we can only be in isolation for so long! Hope you are staying safe and healthy in the midst of this craziness 🙂

    • Katie

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    1. Thanks so much Katie — you’re right! it wears on ya quick!! thanks, you too! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  11. I do not like bugs at all, but that did make me laugh. Thanks for bringing some laughter to all of us during this time. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. (1 Peter 1:8)

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    1. Thanks friend – haha glad it could make you laugh! Stay healthy, stay positive, stay sane!! sending love and prayers! Hugs x

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  12. Hi from the Greater Seattle Area (aka the West Coast Epicenter). Thank you for your post – these times are bringing back a lot of anxieties that I thought I had conquered, but God is still on His throne and nothing can happen that is not under His control. Stay strong – we’ve got this!

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    1. Hi Hannah! You’re so right about that. Stay safe and healthy my friend! Praying for you and your community! Hugs and love xox

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  13. Where there’s one, there’s more…sadly. It’s not the extent of your cleaning, as you may know, but the fact that they are embedded in the walls, the woodwork and flooring. They came with the apartment. When I was a young girl, we lived in Naval housing. My mother was immaculate, yet we still had them. I remember walking down the hall on my heels and toes only, never flat footed. At night, I could hear and feel them scurrying away as I made my way to the bathroom. Caught unawares, I would scream. One time, I was there with my toddler daughter. Mom had this habit of sorting laundry on the floor before throwing them in the wash, well, she went to jump on one of the piles and spotted a cockroach. I never saw or heard anything like it. She screamed “Keeekah, Keeekah” and tried to run away, but the clothes kept slipping out from beneath her feet, so it was like she was running and getting no where. When, I finally got to her, her lips were blue, she was near scared to death and couldn’t catch her breath with fright. We never reacted that way again. I calmed her by saying, “bad keekah!” and squished it. From then on she just squished them.

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    1. ugh i know that fact is haunting me!! OH MY GOSH –THE WALLS!?!?!?!? oy vey. oh my gosh — i am never sleeping again. oh gosh i’m sorry about that! what a scary episode!!! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  14. Stay safe! Loved reading your article, with the nerves and scares and funnies. Were next door in CT and seeing spikes in our #s daily. Glad people near you are doing well.

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  15. I think here in Washington state we’ve been racking up the COVID-19 cases. Our gov had to lay down the law because people were still congregating. Sending health and Aloha.

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  19. May we continue to walk faithfully with our Lord, without fear.

    Your story about the cockroach reminds me of walking into my classroom years ago here in Columbus, OH. I turned on the lights, and then witnessed a trio of roaches scrambling in three different directions. I guess my arrival interrupted their overnight fun.

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    1. Amen to that. Oh my gosh I would have screamed and ran straight outta there!! Haha stay well! Hugs and love xox

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    1. oh wow thank you so much! i’ll have to check out that video 🙂 yeah – eerie for sure. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Alex, I appreciate that! Haha right?? No critters are welcome here! Stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  23. Every blessing as you walk this difficult journey with others at 6 foot separation. Thank you that you intentionally speak, with vulnerability, of that walk with God.

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  28. Focusing on only one thing you said like I often do with your posts (I’m a busy single Momma)-I recently had a huge bug in my place. We just moved to an apartment trying to start a better life after living with a relative after homelessness and there is nothing but never ending roaches. Our first week in the apartment, ten a day, at least they were small. No big deal. I mean me and my two kids were afraid, but we sprayed them, hit them with a shoe, no problem. Pest control comes. Someone gives me other poison. They seem gone but then one here and one there. Place is just old and run down, all a poor person can manage.

    Then, two days ago-huge monster roach, like three inches long. I was trying to get my kids to brush their teeth and such, and I saw something out of the corner of my eye run along the tub. Terrified I run for the Raid (I have four bottles in the apartment) and spray it to death and it dies inside the tub! Great. How are we going to bathe?

    For the next two hours, me and my two kids were crying asking God why he would bring that ugly thing into our home and we were planning to move back with our relative. We were terrified. We couldn’t sleep. I didn’t eat a thing the whole next day. We didn’t bathe. I couldn’t force myself to pick up that thing. I tried to vacuum it and it was too big to get sucked up! I have asked someone to come tomorrow to pick it up and toss it but probably that’s illegal because of the virus, but I hope they come anyway. My kids and I have sponge bathed the past two days to stay clean because we can’t even look at that thing and unfortunately US immigration forced my husband to his country because I couldn’t find a job earning $33000 a year, so it’s just me and the girls and we DO NOT LIKE those things. I am scared to look at it let alone to touch it.

    I am now seeing it as spiritual warfare or a God thing. I think God is teaching me not to be afraid or that the bug is representative of evil of something. Anyway, so I hope you are not seeing anymore! And I hope we don’t either. Nobody should have to live with these things in their dwelling place but apparently nobody knows how to build a place in this country that doesn’t develop cracks and holes where these things can come in.

    Blessings to you. Please pray we don’t see anymore of those bugs and I will do the same for you!

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    1. oh no!!! bugs give me the heebie jeebies! I’m so sorry to hear that your family is split up right now. I’ll be praying for you guys! hang in there my dear friend. sending so much love xox

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