avatarMike Cohen

Summary

The website content is a personal "Quarantine Diary, week 7" detailing the author's experiences and observations during the seventh week of a shelter-in-place order due to the pandemic.

Abstract

The author begins by noting the extension of the shelter-in-place order through May. They received their unemployment payment and continued personal development by taking a coding challenge. The following days were uneventful, with the author focusing on daily exercise by walking around the neighborhood. A conversation with someone revealed that their office would remain closed until September, indicating the long-term impact of the pandemic on work life. A trip to the grocery store was positive, with the store being well-stocked and the author finding a more comfortable face mask, albeit with concerns about its single-layer protection. The author had a technical phone interview, expressing hope for a positive outcome, and dealt with an energetic pet cat causing household chaos. Over the weekend, the author observed encouraging community messages and the inconsistent use of face coverings in public spaces. They also noted the ongoing closure of shops on Haight street and enjoyed a long-awaited Nigerian meal from Eko Kitchen.

Opinions

  • The author seems to have mixed feelings about the extension of the shelter-in-place order, acknowledging the necessity but perhaps lamenting the continued disruption to normal life.
  • They express relief and perhaps a sense of security upon receiving unemployment benefits during this uncertain time.
  • The author's proactive approach to learning, as evidenced by taking coding challenges, suggests a positive attitude towards personal growth amidst the pandemic.
  • Concerns about the effectiveness of their chosen face mask indicate the author's awareness of health guidelines and a desire to balance comfort with protection.
  • The author's observation of people's behavior in public spaces, such as the lack of face coverings and inconsiderate social distancing, reveals a critical view of community adherence to safety measures.
  • The author's excitement about the technical phone interview and the subsequent nervous anticipation reflects their desire to secure employment during these challenging times.
  • The author's interactions with their pet and the foster kittens in the neighborhood show a fondness for animals and

Quarantine Diary, week 7

Monday, Apr. 27

As expected, the shelter in place order was extended through the end of May.

I finally got my unemployment payment, and I took another coding challenge today.

Tuesday, Apr. 28 — Wednesday, Apr. 29

The days have been pretty uneventful. I’ve been trying to go for a walk around the neighborhood to get some exercise every day.

I spoke to someone who told me their office will remain closed until September.

Thursday, Apr. 30

This morning I went to the grocery store and found that it wasn’t too crowded and it was well stocked with most items.

I found a tube-type face mask I like that’s much more comfortable and breathable than the other ones and it doesn’t steam up my glasses as much. I worry that it doesn’t provide as much protection since it’s only one layer of material, but they told me it’s acceptable when I went to the grocery store.

Friday, May 1

I had another technical phone interview this morning. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Desi is acting a lot more crazy than usual. Last night as I was getting into bed, she attempted to jump from my bed to the dresser, lost her footing, knocked down a lamp, and landed on my foot with her claws out. I screamed so loud she ran away.

Saturday, May 2

I mostly stayed home and went for a walk around the neighborhood. I saw a lot of thankful & encouraging chalk messages on the sidewalk. I still see a lot of people not wearing face coverings.

One really annoying thing I see very often is two people standing 6 feet apart on opposite sides of the sidewalk talking to each other, but there isn’t 6 feet of space for anyone to pass between them.

Sunday, May 3

I went for a walk to Haight street and around the neighborhood. Most shops are still closed and boarded up. There was a long line at the dispensary that looked a lot like a typical pre-pandemic brunh line. Back in Cole Valley, I saw Desi’s former foster mom, who now has 3 new foster kittens.

The face covering I ordered from Love On Haight a few days ago was too tight, so the owner dropped off a replacement.

I had a delicious Nigerian dinner of chicken & Jollof rice from Eko Kitchen, delivered by Uber Eats. They’re only open for delivery for a short time on Sundays and I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to order and missing the time for several weeks.

Read part 6

Read part 8

San Francisco
Cole Valley
Haight Ashbury
Covid-19
Quarantine
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