On being pragmatic

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Morgan is not worrying.

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.

 

75 thoughts on “On being pragmatic”

  2. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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    • 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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  20. 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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    • 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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  23. 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 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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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