Well-wishes in this Troubling Time

With the COVID-19 apocalypse upon us, I’ve had a little extra time on my hands as has everyone. While I still go to work every third day as a firefighter/paramedic, my jujitsu obsession (hobby) is pretty much stuck in the mud for now. Since I live in Ohio, the weather sucks, so going outside isn’t much fun. It’s raining right now. Today, I ran on the elliptical. Yikes. How could I lose so much cardio in only two weeks? Oh yeah, I’m almost 47 years old and watching movies all day doesn’t constitute cardio. Wouldn’t it be great if it did, though?
Anyway, I wanted to check in and see how you are all doing. I hope everyone is finding ways to endure your various (and I’m sure numerous) challenges right now. Whether you’re dealing with a terrible loss of income or lack of physical fitness, or if you’re mentally struggling with the isolation and lack of social gathering, I want you to know my family cares about you. (Well, not you, Bill. Fuck you.) Obligatory disclaimer: If you’re name is Bill that wasn’t directed at you and no one here (me) at Epertase mean any offense. Anyway, I hope you understand we are all in this together and, though we might not know each other personally, you’re in my thoughts. Yes, even you, Bill.
I realize I am fortunate to be an “essential employee” (whatever that means) and get to keep working. For what it’s worth, I think everyone who works in society is essential for many different reasons.
As a firefighter, I’m on the front lines and I’m seeing potential cases everyday. I assume I’ll eventually contract COVID-19, but I’m being as careful as I can. I only hope when/if I do get it, I can fight it without needing the assistance of our overloaded healthcare system, or by then the curve has become more manageable. Back in 2009 I got H1N1 (swine flu) and it was a pretty miserable few days quarantined to my bedroom.
Anyway, this blog was to simply check in with everyone and see how you’re doing. I know you’re strong and we’ll get through this together, but I also know it’ll be a tough sludge. Try and hold your head up and grind through the rocky road. I heard a quote today and now I’m going to butcher it for you. When you’re traveling through Hell, it’s best to keep moving.
Also, apparently this was my coming out party for the use of parentheses. (Now, you’re going back and looking at how many times I used them, aren’t you?)