Day 16 of rollback-California Covid 19 spike-Governor shuts us down

At last…paint cans unloaded!!!

7/28/20. Tuesday.

Class enrollment holding steady at 14…

7:30 - 9:30 - The dog pooped near the front door and starts barking. This time, I open several windows and light a candle. We go outside so she can go potty and I give her cheese afterwards. I grab my coffee and return to bed. As I try to establish a retirement routine, I find it works best for me if I slowly get acclimated to the day…drinking my coffee while listening to news or reading helps. I listen to The Daily, ABC World News Tonight, andThe New Yorker - Politics and More.

L. leaves to pick up clothes that her cousin left behind when she moved out of her Mom and Dad’s house; unfortunately, the home is located in Antelope Acres, near the poppy fields, so it’s quite far. L.’s hours were mysteriously cut at the Art Studio after she asked for a raise - Hmmm, I wonder why? - and she is on the hunt for more money. L.’s a bit of a hustler and is currently selling a few of her clothes on a web platform hosted by her friend (she doesn’t have to give her friend a percentage to advertise the clothes). L.’s cousin doesn’t want the clothes she left behind so the hope is that her cousin left some good items that L. can either sell on the platform or through a consignment shop in our community.

9:30-11:00 - I continue packing - basic toiletries, clothes, my bathing suit, etc. - and try to drink water. I read a few websites regarding how to travel during Covid-19 so, in my separate beach bag, I pack my pillow, paper towels, and Clorox wipes. L. and I always travel with plenty of hand sanitizer. I bring extra masks, just in case, but plan on wearing my state-issued N95 for this trip. I pack several, small portable fans for the pool cabana because when L. and I went on the website, it said nothing about fans being included. I listen to Airtalk and Today Explained. I finish packing.

11:00-1:00 - I shower and wash my hair. Then, I braid it - it takes forever. Dressed and no make-up. I listen to Best of Both Worlds, What a Day, and Pop Culture Happy Hour. I eat chicken and carrots for lunch/breakfast and read Sometimes I Lie.

L. returns with 12 questionable items and a Dooney and Bourke purse (a bit of a score) that I promptly confiscate.

1:30 - L. leaves for work. I start a load of laundry for the clothes she brought home, then I go to Dunn Edwards. I don’t call first because I’m “dunn” with that as it has yielded ZERO results. I’m going to see what happens if I arrive at their store with half-empty paint cans in tow.

2:30 - Success!!! After months of trying to accomplish this task, Dunn Edwards takes the cans.

3:00 - 4:00: The requisite 10 days is over and I pick up my Hellcat from Turners. I time it right and virtually nobody is in the store - there are just two numbers ahead of me. I’m finally called and Part II of the transaction goes without a hitch. I walk out with a brand new firearm and two magazines. Christmas!!

4:00-5:00 - Things are going so well for me today that I decide to park and call ARAG in yet another attempt to get L. on the family legal plan. I’m on hold for several minutes, then a long discussion ensues…and the employee knows just what to do! I can add L. to the family plan the day after I officially separate from the state (9/2/20). She emails me the appropriate form to complete. Success again!!! I’m unstoppable.

5:00-5:30 - Home to drop off my gun. Then, I leave for Nektar because I have a coupon for 25% off that is due to expire. I order an almond butter fruit bowl to go.

5:30-7:00 - I eat my fruit bowl in the backyard, at my patio table, and read Sometimes I Lie.

7:00-9:00 - I check email from College No. 1 and see that J. contacted V. who arranged for me to attend a virtual anti-racism seminar on Saturday at 11:00. Regular attendees have to pay $75 to attend, but I’m an instructor and exempt. I’m not sure what to expect but hope this will somehow drum up business/interest in my Racial Politics class so I complete the form and register.

I catch up on my blog posts.

9:00-11:00 - I go through the refrigerator to see what needs to be salvaged as I’ll be gone for the next three days. The strawberries are about to turn so I slice and freeze them. The retirement cake is sooo good that I slice it and store it in the freezer. I also freeze the chicken and carrots. I eat the last of my chicken soup - with one of my avocados - while I work and listen to True Crime Garage. I make two salads for tomorrow, to take with me to Vegas, then I wipe down the fridge, do the dishes, and clean the kitchen.

11:00-12:30 - L. and I watch Love After Lock up and scream at the TV. We have 4 episodes left.

12:30 - 1:30 - Nighttime routine. Bed.