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
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.
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***
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Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
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244 responses to “Life in the COVID19 Epicenter: NYC”
Looks like you have a six month supply of banana bread if you want it.
Stay safe, Triple B
Haha you’re right about that! Thanks friend. Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Yikes on that cockroach!!
Haha I KNOWWWW. I WAS A WRECK!! hahah stay well! Hugs and love xox
XOXOXO to you too
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I doubt it’s much comfort, but the suffering we have to deal with is like the refinement process:
Hebrews 12:11: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
If we never suffer trials, how will we ever learn to trust God?
Phillipians 4:11-13, 19 : Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me… But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
And that (to me at least) is comforting.
You’re so right about that Matt. This will come to pass and we will have grown from it, God willing. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Take care of yourself!
Ditto Matt!
Love reading your updates on NYC. Glad your well and staying safe, thanks for your continued reports, hopefully a corner is turned soon so we can all begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel that’s NOT a train!
Thank you Robert! It’s the wild Wild West out here! I pray that too! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Stay safe!
Thank you Michael. You as well! Hugs and love xox
Stay safe & healthy!
Thank you friend! You too! Hugs and love xox
Cockroaches! I lived in a roach-infested building for two and a half years while in grad school in downtown Detroit. I became a roach expert along with the rest of the actors and staff at the Hilberry Rep Co. One thing I avoided doing when coming home from the theater at night was leave the lights off. I didn’t want to see them running for the dark when the lights came on. Fortunately, they pretty well stayed in the kitchen; not my bedroom or bath.
By the way, there was no appreciable running water in the tub, so I went to Sears and bought a portable shower kit, attached it to the wall over the tub, and ran a garden hose from the kitchen about 15 feet away. I always made sure the water was running good and hot, because getting out all soapy if the water goes cold, well, not a pleasant option. Just to give you an idea of the quality building I lived in.
I found my first roach in…a loaf of bread I had just bought at the grocery and hadn’t even opened yet. Talk about going bat guano crazy… I sprayed bug killer in there and everything, cursing up a storm the whole time.
Roaches are hard to hit, because they have a sensor on their ventral side which can feel the increasing air pressure from an approaching swat. You really have to be quick! And they leave a scent trail everywhere they go, so they know where safety is if the lights go on. Your manic cleaning is very good SOP for a roach situation! I agree about the bananas!
I’m not so much scared of the virus at this point as much as I am of people’s hoarding and general stupidity. Hoarding on one end of the scale and Spring Break on the other. After that I’m concerned at how much society will break down if 30% unemployment becomes a reality. Will there be pillaging in the grocery parking lots? At homes? As you rightly pointed out, rely on God and practice common sense. “Be still, and know that I am God” from a psalm.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my roach info. At least you weren’t thinking about the virus for a minute!
Oh my Gosh that is TERRIFYING. I’m praying it was just the one. Oh wow sounds like quite the place. Haha very grateful for the roach education. My eagle eye is out. And hey at least it’s giving a distraction! Haha although at this point i don’t know which is worse?!?!! Stay well Jeff! Thanks as always for stopping by! Hugs to you and yours xox
Yeah, we are hunkered down in upstate, like waaayy upstate NY. It is snowin’ and blowin’ off Tug Hill. But we are safe and healthy. Everyone be smart and healthy. Maybe some more of Zoe’s Playlist! -Jeff
Oh wow! Stay well Jeff!! Let it snow!! Hugs and love xox
It’s good to hear how you’re doing, even if things are going bananas (literally). I’m in NYC too (in Queens), and it’s just…surreal. Also, those words from 2007 are so poignant.
thank you Brendan. Stay well, friend. it’s a jungle out there! us New Yorkers will hunker down and survive! Hugs and love xox
Prayed for you little sister.
It is difficult to be isolated. In time it will pass. Just don’t go bananas 🙂 sorry couldn’t resist a pun
Aw i so appreciate your prayers!! thank oyu so much!! you’re right – the isolation is the hardest part. hahah love it. stay well. Hugs and love xox
I found this video on youtube 🙂
https://youtu.be/_hF05ik5TFQ
Awesome thank you! Can’t wait to watch it
Hope it gives you a laugh 🙂
🥰🥰🥰 laughs are greatly appreciated these days!
I know it’s sucks what’s happening in New York. I appreciate you sharing how it’s going. I’m here in Canada and I can say the same about people acting different. We are all on edge. I’m home with 3 kids and a puppy. It’s like a slow trickle of events here. I suspect we will get worse though.
thank you friend, hope you and your little ones stay well! hopefully this can be a time of bonding!! Hugs and love xox
Be careful. Prayers for you all.
thank you Paul – you as well! i’ll join you in those prayers! hugs to you xox
funny about the bananas, you’ll have to come up with a good bread recipe
hahha you’re right, Alice! that and a boatload of smoothies! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Glad to hear you are coping and doing as well as can be expected, cockroaches excluded. Living in Connecticut I have read from afar how bad it is, and it was good to get the perspective of someone in the thick of it. I know what you mean about the growing fear. You can feel it.
Be smart, stay safe and the worst will eventually be over. What everything looks like when it does is anyone’s guess. Take care!
thank you so much Steve, i really appreciate your kind words! yeah it’s the wild west out here! stay well my friend!! yes! Hugs and love xox
Thank you Caralyn for your prayers and verses to encourage me and others during this challenging time. During this social isolation, I’ve been watching the series Chef’s Table in Netflix about chefs going from challenging times to triumphs, and reinventing themselves during job dissatisfaction and losses, and a during a HALT stage in their lives. If you haven’t discovered this series, take a look Asap . It might speak to you just as it has me! ❤️
aw thank you. Yeah prayer is getting us through this! oooh i’ve been wanting to watch that! but i’m afraid it will make me too hungry! hahhaah but that sounds like an amazing convcept – i’ll have to check it out 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox
LOL. It’s really more about making art from food, about family, traditions, etc. and making lemons into lemonade-live changing. It won’t make you hungry but more creative yes! Btw, thank you for book recommendation. I’ll check it out right from your link. 😉 Bye for now!
I so agree!! 🙂 sending love x
You could peel and freeze some bananas. They work so well in smoothies and nice cream 🙂 I really hate roaches too. We moved to Hawaii this past summer and thankfully keeping the windows closed and using AC has worked. I saw some dead ones when we were cleaning out our backhouse and they make my skin crawl. I am so glad that the chickens eat them.
It is tricky to get rid of them if you live in a multi-unit structure. Hang in there my friend! *Hugs*
<3 Alana
Yes!! Thank you, that’s such a great idea Alana!! Ick – yeah bugs of any kind are a no go for me! Hope you’re staying welll friend! Hugs and love xox
Oh gosh me too! I love gardening, but do not love the bugs… Unless they are butterflies, lady bugs, and honey bees. Thank you <3
Same! Fireflies are okay too!
Oh yes! I love fireflies. Thanks for reminding me <3
🙂 they’re such a little joy!
I saw them for the very 1st time the summer before I turned 30. We were driving across the country and stopped at a beautiful rest stop in Tennessee right before sunset and it was so enchanting to see the whole place glowing with fireflies. Definitely one of my favorite memories and stops during the whole trip. Isn’t it funny how the best things in life are free?
Sending love, hugs, and joy your way, my dear friend.
<3 Alana
Thanks awesome! So true! Hugs to you Alana!!
Hahaha! OK, no disrespect Caralyn but you had me freaking laughing my butt off here with your cockroach episode! He, he ,he, he, I could only think of a character like Lucy in the old “I Love Lucy Show” which I like to watch now and then, how she would be making all those funny faces and screeching, while jumping up on the couch to escape the path of the roach! Such funny stuff I have to say! But, putting this in perspective, I hope this helps and doesn’t sound crass. At least this isn’t the day after 9/11 or even say God forbid the “Day After,” the old movie when radioactive fallout is raining down all over everything, which could even happen if neutron or high altitude thermonuclear weapons were ever detonated, or if way down rage strikes occurred and the winds aloft would steer all that bad stuff all over the planet. Or how back long ago the Bombing of Dresden in World War II when 3,900 tons of high-explosive bombs and incendiary devices were dropped on the city in four raids between 13 and 15 February 1945, 722 heavy bombers of the British Royal Air Force and 527 of the United States Army Air Force, which completely obliterated the city and imagine what that must have been like for the people trying to hide in holes in order to save their lives as the huge explosions and fires raged! God is being helpful right now even though lots of bad is going on it; could be much worse and you know it!
I’m just trying to say don’t get so frustrated with this situation because this is a cake walk in comparison to past wars and historic calamities or nothing compared to what could come if people on this planet keep being so stupid and pushing to destroy each other. Hang tight, or hang 10 as the surfer lingo goes which I recall from back in my heyday; and I did see you surf! You will again, one nice sunny day so think about the promise of good days to come kido! Hardy, ha ha! Thanks for that belly laugh I just had! 🤣😂 😂 😂 👏 🤣 🙏 🙏
Haha good glad it could give you a smile. Hope you’re staying healthy Lawrence! Hugs and love xox
Thank you very much Caralyn! Yes, you had me in stitches, the good kind of course and laughter is good medicine! I just had on an old movie starring Steve McQueen, Nevada Smith on a cable channel, and as I was typing he was in a scene with the young Indian woman “Neesa” Janet Margolin, and they were talking about good medicine or how to cure what was ailing Max-right after I typed laughter is good medicine. I told you once before you were funny, with the detective scene, so now and then send out the laughs I’m always ready and in need of a good belly laugh, it does help a lot even if it don’t cure!
Bear Hugs!
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Thank you for updating us my dear on what it’s like in NYC. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending passage. It’s amazing the strength and resilience you receive when you reach out for God’s hand. The love and acceptance. Your will to move forward and heal is important to read about, especially now with all the fear circulating us all. Stat safe and be well. Loads of love to you my friend❤🤗
I would have had a heart attack over the roach. They scare the hell out of me 😳😳😳. Aside from that, I’m glad you are safe. The uncertainty is bad enough in the US, much less in the epicenter of it all. Prayers & hugs to you my friend 💗🙏🏻
Oh Lisa, i nearly did! i screamed so loud!!! haha thank you friend – praying for you as well! stay safe! Hugs and love xox
Cockroaches uggh. I lived in Texas for 3 years and despite spraying etc. They still sprang out at me when I was least expecting it. Love your faith and that you share it.
ugh they are the literal WORST! thank oyu friend – stay well! praying for oyu! Hugs and love xox
It is nice to hear that you are doing fine in spite of that cockroach that wanted to get a feel of your beautiful feel only to suffer the consequences. During World War II, there were strict rules as well. Not too many were around back then, but with two enemies on our shores, strict guidelines had to be put in place. It did not last forever then, and it will not last forever at this moment. We will survive. You being in NYC, I pray that you get through. Many are counting on you.
Thanks John – haha yeah it was a ruthless roach! Thank you for your prayers. Praying for you as well. Hugs and love xox
You are very graciously welcome your Caralynness. That ruthless roach could admire your beautiful feet by looking and not touching.
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🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂It is fun to see you having fun. Keep being that shining light just like that lady who just happens to be living in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Lol yes!
Yes yes yes.
I’m in Manhattan too … midtown, and it’s soooo weird! As you say, just like a ghost town… barely anyone out. The park had people in on Saturday but by yesterday it was super quiet. Looking down at the streets below it’s totally silent …. and what about the snow this afternoon! Sorry about the cockroach!! Hope you’ve recovered! Katie
Hi Katie! I hope you’re doing okay! I know it is SO EERIE. haha yeah – the cockroaches unfortunately are something all New Yorkers know all too well 😝 Stay safe my friend!! Big hugs xox
Ps … the spa and laser centre you mention … would you recommend it? I’m looking for a dermatologist who can help me with some old scarring if you happen to know one?? Thanks… Katie
Yes! I absolutely would! They’re just a short train from penn station, and then the office is right there. and Dr. Soni is so incredibly kind!
Oh thank you so much! Much appreciated! Katie
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Glad to hear you are okay, Caralyn! Glad you got that cockroach before he scurried away too!😂 Praying for everyone! God bless!
Thank you so much Ryan!! hahah yeah it was quite an eventful afternoon! praying for you too!! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I made a connection between how I’m feeling now with COVID and how I felt being in treatment. After I realized the feelings were so similar, it made so much more sense. God came out on top then, and it makes me realize that he will come out on top now. And the cockroach! I lived in Nicaragua for 4 years. I should write about the time we came back from a vacation and had 76 dead cockroaches in our bathroom. That wasn’t a fun crunch under my flip flops in the dark until I flipped the light switch. 🙂
Thank you for sharing that Rhonda – yeah there is a very similar through line. oh gosh — i would have literally ran away with 76 roaches!! holy cow. glad you lived to tell the tale! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
So interesting to see this through your eyes. Here in Arizona our hiking trails are overwhelmed with new foot traffic and might have to be closed. It will be interesting to see how people are affected in two and three weeks of this carrys on. Stay safe and indoors. See you on the other side.
THank you so much Alison! wow — yeah i’ve never appreciate the fresh air and nature more than now!! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Oh my gosh! You do such a good job on keeping your place clean!
A confession: I feel embarrass right now, because I don’t do such a good job! 😛
aw thank you 🙂 haha that’s okay Eri! we’re all just doing the best we can!! haha stay well! Hugs and love xox
So the streets of NYC are empty eh! Now if you lived in Atlanta l’d say the streets looked like a scene from the walking dead without the zombies😂. The UK has just went into lockdown this evening for at least 3 weeks
Yeah it is wild! Haha you’re right about that. Oh gosh – stay well and stay sane friend! Hugs and love xox
The news about, for example, how your subways look, now that the change has gone on, we’re feeling heartbroken over, among all the other coverage. Tell those cockroaches they don’t know who they’re dealing with. I understand, from what I’ve heard my mom say about it, that even my godparents’ digs in NYC have been subject to cockroach life.
Here the administration put together a pest inspection, to try to keep the houses clean, but, salt over my shoulder, the very worst I’ve seen is a few friendly ants, signalling me to keep clean.
It will feel devastating if you won’t keep steering clear of the virus. I’m sure visitors to your blog would be enthusiastic about praying for you to receive an extra supply of hand sanitizer. You’re essential to it, naturally.
You can help others as long as you’re helping yourself, so keep up your awareness. It’s lonely enough here that I almost wish those ants were back. Good luck and God bless, BBB.
Thank friend. Haha yeah cockroaches sadly come with the territory in nyc. Stay healthy and well friend. Hugs and love xox
Wild times. I’ve been following the NY numbers and they have been unreal. I just wish you all the best in all things. This is a trying time to all. Blessings always.
Thanks Jack – yeah the numbers are alarming. Granted, they’re testing here far and away more than anywhere else, which shows in the numbers, but still. scary. stay well my friend Hugs and love xox
I’m a clean freak too so it looks like I’m in good company.:)
oh yes — it’s a good thing to be these days. thanks for stopping by!Hugs and love xox atay healthy!
The cockroach story was the BEST!! It made me laugh so hard! I didn’t know there were coackroaches in cold climates. I live in upstate NY, and have never seen one. Loved the beautiful prayer at the end; and I’m glad that you’re doing well. God bless you!
Haha thanks glad it could bring your some non-covid entertainment! Yes! Praying for you friend. Stay well! 🥰 Hugs and love xox
Thank you!
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[…] A haunting look into the epicenter of COVID19 in America: NYC. The Coronavirus has turned New York City into a ghost town. One New Yorker’s first hand experience of Corona times in Manhattan, and how #faith is getting her through. #catholic — Read on beautybeyondbones.com/2020/03/23/life-in-the-covid19-epicenter-nyc/ […]
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I’m from Midwood Brooklyn originally… aka “JEWVILLE.”🕎 PRAYING FOR YOU🙏🏻
Aw thank you friend, I appreciate your prayers! Know that you’re in mine to! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Praying for all🗽 New Yorkers, 😥🤒getting bad out there! ☝🏼GOD IS WITH YOU AND SO ARE OUR PRAYERS🙏🏼
Thank you! So appreciated!! Hugs and love xox
They do say “every cloud has a silver lining”. Reading your blog through this has been a bit of a silver lining. As for cockroaches… Bugs are fun aren’t they? Glad you’ve kept your sense of humour. I went looking for a cockroach joke to cheer you up.
Question:How many cockroaches does it take to change a lightbulb?
Answer: Nobody knows, as when the light comes on, they all scatter.
You’re right about that! Aw thanks you so much, what a kind thing to say!! Yeah – the lights have been on all day!! Haha stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
You have just reminded me of this post:https://familytreeourstory.com/2019/10/30/ubud-bali-may-1992/
thanks – i can’t wait to check it out! Hugs and love xox
Here in KS & MO we’ve been practicing social distancing and not gathering in groups of more than 10, but tomorrow starts a larger Stay at Home directive. My prayer is that people follow so we can stop the spread and save the lives of those most vulnerable. It’s getting more frightening each day, and I’m terrified for when we will reach the point of where the current epicenters (NY, CA, WA) are now. But I’m working on leaning on God to calm my anxiety and praying for those close to me and around the world.
Praying for you during this frightening and uncertain time. May God bring you peace and relief as you continue in quarantine. ❤️
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!! Yes. Praying for you too Abbey! Yes! Lean close to Him!! Hugs and love xox
Sorry This is the main post I meant to share. It should give you a laugh.🤣😂
hah no worries 🙂
‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.’ 1 Peter 5:7
This is it =)
yes!!! isn’t it such comfort? thanks for stoppin gby! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much. Take care always 🙂
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xooxoxo 🙂
Thank you so much =) Take care always. We will still see each other soon! =)
🙂 xox
Haha… The cockroach incident was such a fun story. Brought back hilarious memories from my mom freaking out over stuff; a flying cockroach, trying to swat it with my baby sister to gecko in the kitchen cupboard to rats in the garden…
Thanks for that..
If you think you screamed loudly for a cockroach, trust me, if my brother was there, Kansas would have heard him. He terribly frightened over creepy crawlies. I could take or leave them to be honest. The only things that make me scared are snakes and sharks.
Anyways… over here, we haven’t gone into complete quarantine yet. But I could say that it is getting there. Soon I believe there will be some kind of curfew.
But we have been told to attempt to self quarantine ourselves and limit our movements.
All in all, again and again, the promise of Psalm 91 pops up in my head – a clear reminder that there is a loving God protecting us. Literally the words are coming to pass right in front of us; testing our faith.
This is the assurance we have – our faith, our belief that there is a loving God to protect us. We cannot let fear rule us. Fear is the opposite of faith. God will protect me. Now that does not mean should book the first flight to an infected country and say, “I’m a Christian, you cannot touch me.”
That would be idiotic, but we need to know that even if we should meet our fate with illness, we still win. Death for a Christian only gives way to victory and eternity in Heaven.
Of course for most people right now, it is not about the fear. It is about being quarantined for 2 – 3 weeks in the same space. Yeah, I look at it as a sort of training for mankind for a life in space. I mean this is the kind of training astronauts go through.
We should count ourselves blessed that this happened now. What a time it is we live in where technology allows us to share our experiences, talk about our lives, our struggles, see and communicate with loved ones literally on the other side of the globe, etc.
We have never met Care, but in some sort of way, your blog has allowed me to get to know you in a way I would be honored to call you my friend.
Right now I am watching videos about Bigfoot, the Lochness monster, etc. Yeah.. I like watching about stuff like that.
a flying cockroach! oh my gosh. == that would have been it for me!! glad it brought you a laugh! 🙂 oh my gosh — i am so touched by that, thank you 🙂 I am blessed by your friendship too!! praying for you friend! i may have to check out those videos too — you just piqued my interest! haha stya well my dear friend! Hugs and love xox
Dear Caralyn,
Be safe and take care, my friend.
I am also isolated now, here in Finland – we all need now much patience in our isolation as this condition is likely to last many months.
Best wishes to you and your family
Love and light
Didi
thank you so much Didi!! oh gosh, i hope it goes by quickly. yeah, praying for you dear friend! Hugs and love xox stay healthy!
Thank, you my friend 🙂 God bless you and your family !
Hugs and love
Didi
xoxoxo 🙂
Thanks for this and we pray for all from across the miles! We are just as bad and worse in Europe! As they say when life hands you lemons 🍋 then make lemonade ! So, when they give you so many bananas make muffins or banana bread and store it even in the freezer !
thank you so much Barbara!! praying for you my friend! yes! i hope this is some sweet tropical mango lemonade!! big hugs to you xox
Cockroach!!! 😅
i know – i nearly lost it there for a few hours. .it was touch and go! hahah stay well, thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
This was so accurately hilarious!! 😂 I once entered the bathroom and behold, a cockroach was relaxing on my TOOTHBRUSH! Yuck I still gag about that haha!
Maybe make some banana bread once the bananas turn brown enough? I’ve gotten myself into the baking groove these days lol.
Stay safe!! ☺️☺️
hahah aw thank you so much! glad it could give you a laugh! and OH MY GOSH ON YOUR TOOTHBRUSH!?!?!?! i don’t know what i would have done — i think i would have tried to flush myself down the loo! hahahhahah oh my word, cringing. stay well friend!! Hugs and love xox
Sending you lots of love girl! I am in Midtown and I only see few people but now I have the little one at home to teach. Thank God I used to teach so I am all good in that department but I have no breathing space now 😂. Hope you don’t see any more cockroaches!!! And hopefully no mice either! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻
thank you s much!! oh gosh — yeah NYC is surreal right now. hang in there!! local grocers i’m finding are the best for delivery!! oh that’s good! and some bonding time for sure. haha thanks! oh gosh – a mouse and i’d start walking home to ohio! hahha stay safe! Hugs and love xox
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything
by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving,
let your requests
be made known to God;
and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
I tried it. It works. Don’t worry about about anything. The peace of God guard your heart & mind in Christ Jesus!
oh gosh i love that verse. so much comfort. thanks for the encouragmenet! stay well! Hugs and love xox
🙂😏😎
🥰
Stay safe, Caralyn, and trust that God will help us weather this storm. My sister-in-law lives in Westchester (NY) and we are almost certain she has COVID-19. However, she can’t get tested (not a priority) and even if she did and was positive she would still be at home to fight it off. Crazy times but also time to reflect on life and what is really important. Ted
thank you so much Ted! you’re right about that – it is a powerful time to reflect on what really matters. oh gosh — i will be praying for your sister in law. please keep me posted. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
You are the strong one. Show us what you are made of!
The best to you.
thank you so much 🙂 what a kind thing to say. praying for you and your community! stay welL! Hugs and love xox
You are welcome.
xoxoo 🙂
Hello Beaut~iful, I just finished my third and last quarantine 😀 You’ll be alright!
Love from China!
oh wow — that’s wild. I’m glad you’re okay!! any tips? Stay well, Marcus! Hugs and love xox
Stay safe and keep well.
thank you Diana!! same to you my friend! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing your honest and personal feelings. Remember Psalm 46:1. Everything will be okay.
oh yes – i love that verse. thanks for reminding me! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
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.
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
🥰🥰🥰🥰
🙂 xoxo
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
thank you Chuck! yeah these are wild times. you’re so right – God is bigger! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
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! 🙏🙏🙏
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
We have just gone into lockdown in Scotland over the last week. I recognise the feeling of fear you talked about. I had it when my daughter got anorexia. She is now much better. Have written a post about going into lockdown https://scotinprogress.com/2020/03/24/when-what-you-know-as-normal-comes-to-a-halt/
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
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.
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
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!
Haha thanks JP! Stay healthy! Hugs and love xox
Hi! Hugs.
hugs to you too Amanda! hang in there friend! xoxo
NYC Strong!
you’re darn right about that, Jim! thanks for stopping by! stay well! Hugs and love xox
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.
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
Roaches like sugars and starches. Syrup-y the better. You really can’t, leave? Ohio is, better.
If you’re staying because of a dude. He’ll, hell take him with you.
hahahahah oh my, Kenzie
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.
Gotcha
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
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.
Scary
Remember the movie, Michael? Some battle, it’s where their supposed to be.
👍🏼
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.
yeah they’re worried
They’re good parents. On a lighter note I tried cauliflower rice and didn’t die. 😂👍🏻 Baby steps. 🐢
They best 🙂 hahah oh good!! Way to step out!
There’s an Amtrak from NY to Cinci for $180. Sorry. Sorry. No pressure. 😂
Thanks
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.
lol
One of the benefits of disaster relief. I averaged 107 mph twice across the country like that. Lots of good coffee and muscle memory.
Oh wow
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.
thats awesome
Ha! I wish, women thought that. Our generation is out of our mind with things. Not, about helping out.
yup
You’re okay, though. Kinda far. But, who knows.
👍🏼
You probably, just say that to all the guys that help out. 😂
Lol
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.
👍🏼
So. You long to find, jerks? 😂 That can’t be right.
Lol
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.
👍🏼
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
Thanks so much Katie — you’re right! it wears on ya quick!! thanks, you too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
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)
Thanks friend – haha glad it could make you laugh! Stay healthy, stay positive, stay sane!! sending love and prayers! Hugs x
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!
Hi Hannah! You’re so right about that. Stay safe and healthy my friend! Praying for you and your community! Hugs and love xox
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.
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
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.
thank you so much! oh gosh, yeah praying for you and your community! Hugs and love xox
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.
oh gosh, sending prayers and healthy hugs!! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I know NYC is hit pretty hard with the virus; hang in there
yeah, definitely hit hard. praying! stay safe friend! Hugs and love xox
🙏
Thank you 🥰
🙂
Okay the bananas are ridiculous and hilarious 😆 stay well!!!
Hahaha thanks girl. Glad it made you smile! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing! It’s comforting to hear you work through your anxiety and fall at the feet of Jesus.
thank you friend 🙂 God is good! Hugs and love xox
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.
Amen to that. Oh my gosh I would have screamed and ran straight outta there!! Haha stay well! Hugs and love xox
Hello. Funny story about the bananas. Happened that I came across this youtube vid on keeping bananas fresher, here if interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12R_3aUxl7s. Anyway, I got the same exact feeling walking through the grocery store yesterday and at home depot. Eerie feeling.
oh wow thank you so much! i’ll have to check out that video 🙂 yeah – eerie for sure. stay well. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your beautiful writing! Stay safe and healthy…and cockroach free! ❤️
Thank you so much Alex, I appreciate that! Haha right?? No critters are welcome here! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
[…] Life in The Covid-19 Epicentre, New York City. […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
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.
thank you so much my friend. i truly appreciate that! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Blessings from Australia 🌸🙏
Thank you Merryl! Stay safe! Hugs and love xox
Stay strong, protected and well. This shall pass.
He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6, Heb. 13:5). You are loved.
Thank you so much. Amen to that! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
🙂
I am also in NYC! Stay safe !!
Thank you Gabriela! Stay well my friend!! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful encouragement!!! amazing as always!!!! keep at it!
Thank you again!! 🥰🥰🥰
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!
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
Hello I have nominated you for a Real neat blogging award. Details can be found at: https://wordpress.com/home/hope2018exchangingdisappointmentforhope.wordpress.com
I really enjoy your blog
Hope X
oh gosh thank you so much!! what an honor! Hugs and love xox
[…] York City: former mecca of culture, arts, business and food. Most recently the epicenter of the Covid pandemic. And now, is decaying and rotting in the sun, just like the piles of garbage […]
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
[…] York City: former mecca of culture, arts, business and food. Most recently the epicenter of the Covid pandemic. And now, is decaying and rotting in the sun, just like the piles of garbage […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
[…] other words, we are back to the dark days of Covid panic, and I am smack dab in the middle of it, whether I like it or […]