Pragmatic — adjective, dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
One thing I love about cats (and most animals) is that they are pragmatic. I have two cats who only have one eye. One cat doesn’t seem to know it. The other one knows it but functions fine with limited sight. Neither one do pity parties for themselves or play the pathetic soul. There is no sense of entitlement (not any more than any other cat). No blame. It just is and they go on with life. If only people were like that.
I’ve always considered myself pragmatic. Mostly. I can have an occasional pity party but I usually switch to problem solving early on. There are other people like me but we largely go unnoticed. We are not theatrical. Little drama. Not very entertaining.
Because of the corona virus we are in “lockdown.” It’s a time of staying home except for essential purposes. The government has closed all non-essential businesses (yep, that’s all the fun places — restaurants, bars, theaters, entertainment venues, museums, libraries, churches, etc.). Even for a pragmatist, it takes getting used to.
Our liquor stores were closed. People stormed them like they were the beaches at Normandy. With purpose. And full carts of booze. The shutdown is for two weeks. No large groups of people are to gather. How can you drink all that and stay alive? Add that to the toilet paper hoarding. (At the end of this there should be a study on what people think they need to survive an apocalypse.)
We have enough food for a few weeks and could go longer if we can continue to get fresh produce, milk and juice. If we can’t, we still won’t starve. I’ll just be cranky. My cats on the other hand, are wondering if another shipment of cat food from Chewy would be prudent. Just to be safe. Maybe throw in some catnip too.
Wherever you are, stay safe. Stop worrying. It does no good.
Great attitude, Kate. I would agree with you about how we should emulate cats, if mine were not in the bathtub right now, spinning in circles and trying to catch his tail.
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on nip again is he? Got to get rid of excess energy!
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I don’t know if I am pragmatic or not. To tell the truth, my life is not much different than it was before the pandemic except that I wash my hands more. The news is definitely different. (My son says I watch too much TV.) I try to have a project for each day, such as cleaning the shelves in the garage, but I’m running out of things for the “to do” list. Is that possible?
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Each day there are minor changes. Stores I got to close or change hours. No haircut. I’ve had to adjust my exercise routine since both the gym and that mall (my walking spot) are closed so there are changes. Also I’m starting to notice that TV stinks. All reruns.
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Stay safe and well. And don’t worry, we kitties are here to save the day if we need to.
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At this house too!
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No worrying here. Lots of dancing in front of the TV (since my gym/dance and yoga studio are closed). Singing out loud and driving my guy crazy. Now THAT’S something to worry about.
May we all stay safe and healthy. And as sanguine as a cat. xo
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I’m doing indoor (and some outdoor when it’s nice) walking. They cats no longer think it’s strange to see me marching around. I stay away from the news and that helps a lot.
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People here have lost their damn minds. Why not embrace the ‘forced’ vacay, stop buying up all the paper products and alcohol around, wash our hands (it is still cold and flu season) and observe social distancing (which is different than social isolation-we have that already–it’s called people spending too much time looking down at a screen). Yup, dogs and cats live in the moment, and still manage to function quite nicely. We should endeavor to be more like our pets. Stay safe and keep smiling.
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People be crazy. Cats (and dogs) be sensible. Hugs to your household! (and wishing you lots of toilet paper).
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👍🏻
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Good advice – stay safe, stay sane!
On another note, I read that about the state stores being closed and wondered how apocalyptic the fuss was before they shut the doors 🙂
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People have weird priorities but then again, maybe some wine will help them chill out.
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My Auto-ship with Chewy is scheduled to ship the 20th. I called to add some cat treats and more litter! Yes, these are essentials. The fact that I have only 1 egg…no big deal…but to run out of kitty treats. Well, it would not be pretty. I think the social distancing will work..question is how long will it take. I am hoping we see some good soon, So, I can no longer enjoy my pity party for not being able to go anywhere…no one can!
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That was a wise decision. If my delivery was scheduled soon, I would add to it too. I’m curious how long people will do it. They don’t normally follow orders so we’ll see.
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Isn’t it so true that we must learn to live with what we are dealt? I just hope things calm down before too many lives are lost. I am tired of loss and have more energy to keep myself occupied at home than I do to mourn death.
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I have enough stuff to keep me very busy as long as I don’t get distracted.
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Not much drama in this household either. It’s certainly unnerving with so much that is unknown but what can we do other than prepare for a period of time hunkered down? I’m pretty sure these “just for two weeks” shutdowns will be extended. This isn’t going away anytime soon. Stay healthy, Kate. We should all learn to zen like your kitties.
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I’m hoping it’s not a long time. People in general don’t do well cooped up. I see that gun sales are already going up. Wonder if homicides will too.
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As long as I have the ingredients to make pizza, I’ll be happy. Stay well!
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I feel that way about spaghetti. I could make a lot of dishes out of eggs too.
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Absolutely
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Hi, Kate – I agree – pragmatic, practical and prepared. Those three P’s work for me!
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They work for me too!
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Practical and pragmatic works … facts and figures are overwhelming and change by the hour. It is better in Wuhan today, so we’ll gain hope from those stats as we muddle through our own outbreak here.
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That’s the good news. China is on the mend!
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Yep, trying to keep it in perspective Kate. I do wish they’d quit referring to 60 years old as in the “group” because that would raise this almost-64-year-old’s comfort level a tad.
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🙂
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We are good with supplies. Fortunately, I was a bit of a hoarder before all of this. If anyone need jigsaw puzzles, let me know! We have at least 60 we haven’t worked, so no worry of germs. 🙂 I’ll be going downtown to my office on Friday. I haven’t been there since Monday. I’m sure it will be a ghost town. If you find yourself short on cat food, I’ll keep my eyes peeled here.
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I have cat food for 3 weeks. I’m hoping the hoarding thing is over by then.
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Let’s hope so!
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It’s in my genes to worry. I tend to panic at the beginning of an issue, then regroup and work out a plan. My mom is in the high risk category so I’ve been concerned about her. She uses oxygen daily. We worked out a plan for her, but she doesn’t want to do it. So, we pray.
Glad to hear you’re staying calm amongst the storm.
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My brothers are older and high risk. We’ll see how long it goes. The isolation gets to older people too.
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I’m so glad this didn’t happen, say, in the middle of a normal January, where we would be stuck inside non-stop and the days would be dark and grey. At least the weather most days has been decent, and the dogs are enjoying the walks, and I’m getting my steps in most days. (Yesterday I didn’t even put the watch on since it was a “dealing with sick foster kitty” day. Who needs extra pressure?)
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I am so grateful for that too. Being cooped up in the middle of a cold dreary winter wouldn’t be fun at all. We are blessed at least in a little way.
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We’re all in this together and we have to take it day by day. I worry about my cat more than myself with food. I bought an extra case the other day from the vets, just to be on the safe side.
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I wasn’t really worried about cat food until I started hearing that shortages. Gracie will only eat one brand, one flavor wet food. She can be stubborn. She would eat the dry but I prefer she eat at least some wet.
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Teddy has to eat urinary s/o from the vets, it’s the only food that agrees with him.
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Poor baby!
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We’re trying to use common sense every day, taking each day as it comes. We are still walking the dog and acknowledge other dog walkers as either they or us cross the street to keep distance between us. We are practical and trying to think ahead or anticipate what the next panic buy will be. Although not in the lockdown phase here, we have an elderly population, however, stores are still stripped. Keep safe too Kate.
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I haven’t done a lot of shopping but today the bread was mostly gone. The meat deli (for sliced lunch meat) is closed and all self-serve buffets are closed in grocery stores. We did get a fresh made hot corned beef sandwich that was excellent. We have enough food. Now I’m second guessing the cat food although we have enough for about 3 weeks. Trying not to be a panic buyer.
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We’re being sensible and buying what we need plus a couple of extra tins if we see them. It’s gone mad here today, fights over baked beans, and interrogation at the tills because someone bought 2 cartons of milk for her invalid mother as well as 2 for herself.
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People get crazy especially when they think someone else is getting away with something.
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I know. Mad.
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HA! Loving the visual of storming the liquor store! I believe ours are still open but with limited hours. The government has their priorities. There are worse things to worry about and I find the older I get the less I worry. I’m finding people are going to extremes, some not taking it seriously at all and some panicking. But spring is on the way, we can sit outside and read our books and garden soon and walk.
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We will have a very warm Friday. I’m hoping to work on my pond. It could use a little love.
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I put in a Chewy order yesterday. They sent a follow up email that said delivery could take 5-8 days.
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I got an email from them saying shipping is taking longer. I got my normal monthly order last week so I’m good for now but I’ll probably reorder a little early to give it the extra shipping time. Thanks for the heads up.
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During the last hurricane down here, I was struck by the amount of beer our next door neighbors bought to ride it out. I saw at least four cases, which I thought was so over the top that it was hilarious. People were stocking up and cases and cases of water, but they were hoarding beer it would seem. This time around, I admit to picking up a couple extra bottles of red and white wine, but that was it. Our liquor cabinet is as full as it always is, and I think in the rear of the fridge are three cans of beer. That’s more than enough for G-d sakes. But priorities are subjective, I suppose. – Marty
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Alcohol wasn’t at the top of my list but we have a few of the individual containers of margaritas around. I’m always more worried about the fresh product and fruit.
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Oh, well, if you’re going to be healthy, fine! 😉
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I should have also added that the beloved husband has at least a case, maybe two of his favorite beer! Perhaps I should rethink my chocolate stash!
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Fantastic post Kate. You’ve really put it in perspective. I have always tried to live by, “It is, what it is” and just work with it.
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There is no point in doing anything else. After all the foot stomping you have to work with it anyway.
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Taking it day by day and doing a lot of walking and biking… well, a lot for me 🙂
Maybe those endorphins/serotonin will push me through!
It was sunny and cool this morning, maybe a bit too much pollen.
Total Wine has not closed… fingers crossed!
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Our state stores closed but you can get it at some grocery stores too which are considered essential businesses. Not sure what the panic buying was about but someone said it’s a way for people to feel in control.
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I can’t believe how quickly our stores emptied of food. The local supermarkets are introducing an early shopping hour for the oldies so I think we will be able to get bread milk and eggs. I can’t get my head around cancelling things like Glastonbury and the television soap operas.
On the plus side people seem friendlier and everyone seems to be saying good morning . I had to pick up some tablets from the pharmacy and every body had to stand behind a green line. I hope normality returns soon.
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We picked up a few things today and most of the bread was gone. There were a lot of fruits and vegetables except for tomatoes and cucumbers (which is what I was looking for).
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We have a Facebook group where members leave messages when the corner shops get tomatoes
Most of ours normally come from Italy at this time of year. Strangely the shops still seem to be full of chocolate. I really miss pasta. We get most of that from Italy as well.
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We get a lot of our out of season produce from Mexico although we’ll slowly start getting it from Florida soon.
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Our library cancelled programming, but was still open for people to check out books, puzzles, etc. Of course that was yesterday. Things could have changed overnight while I slept.
I am staying in the moment. I have everything I need right now, so I have everything I need. Fingers crossed that continues to be the case, but I am not worrying about it.
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Our libraries are closed. You can download books but can’t walk inside and get one. We are too and healthy (most important). I keep getting emails from different docs and medical places saying don’t come in unless it’s urgent. Hopefully we won’t have anything urgent.
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My little house was always too small for my child. Now that he’s home 24-7, it’s really too small!
At least we are in Southern California, where the rain will stop eventually. And the dog is really happy to follow the boy all around the house. (The cat is less happy that the boy follows her around the house.)
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My cats would love your son’s attention. Ship him here.
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His attention involves much carrying of the cat and trying to build forts around her.
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The grays may enjoy that. They like forts! 🙂
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I’m always in favor of pragmatism. Things get done by pragmatists. Things get talked about and then done ineffectively by idealists and nothing gets done by pessimists.
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I like that! So true! Those who run around and flap their arms never get things done.
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I haven’t ventured out in a few days, but I suppose I’d better go to the grocery to get whatever I can. [No pun intended about the can.] The planning ahead part of this situation is tiring for me, more so than the staying home part. Like I’ve said for years, people be weird– and this is not bringing out the best in many of those weird people.
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You can say that again!
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Strange times to be sure………the hoarding thing bothers me because people are resorting to violence to get the last available roll (!) but my husband and I have been retired way too long to begin being panic-driven about ANYTHING. We just won’t waste our time with panic. We are careful but not insanely consumed. Some people actually ARE and that’s sad. We’re following guidelines and believe they work but are praying like everyone else that “this too shall pass” and we will allow the world to spin again at NORMAL pace. We just have to wait it out – carefully.
Hugs, Pam and my CALM cat Teddy
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Ahh, a spot of common sense! So rare these days!
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We are in the same boat Kate. The first few days were difficult to get my head around… and to find a routine! Now I am recording yoga classes on Vimeo and will be live streaming for the two studios I work for. Yesterday I went for a walk in the woods. Nature does restore the soul! May you be well! Is Starbucks still open for drive through? I hope so for your sake ❣️
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Drive-through and pick up only. Yes, I have my mocha here with me! Nature and especially sunshine works wonders. Also staying away from the news. That is key!
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Agreed!
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