Hi all. I feel very fortunate, especially during the last couple weeks, to be a Crossref staff member. I’m able to work from home during the global health crisis related to coronavirus and COVID-19, which, as you’ll read, has been an adjustment. But, I’m working (albeit less efficiently than previous weeks). And, as of this writing, none of my friends, family, or neighbors have contracted the virus. I know I’m lucky; not everyone can say that. And, I know things will change, but I wanted to share what the last week has been like for me.
I’m part of a supportive and understanding team here at Crossref, who I am grateful for and continue to be connected to from afar (thanks, y’all!). Having others to share trusted resources, family stories, my fears and anxieties, and the best memes with has kept me grounded. As I have been reflecting on this week, I thought I’d post something here, in our community forum, so others in the Crossref community could have the invitation to connect as well. Please add your favorite trusted resources, stories, feelings, and memes below. Or, if you just feel like reading, know that, while it may feel otherwise during this time of uncertainty, you are not alone.
I don’t normally work every day from my home. Yes, I’m the only Crossref employee in Oklahoma, and one of only two in the central time zone (Hi, Joel!), so not having physical contact with my co-workers for long periods of time is the norm. That’s why I typically work from a co-working space here in Tulsa. It’s a way for me to stay connected and have an excuse to shower and brush my hair. But, the last week, which feels more like months, has been anything but normal. I’ve moved my equipment into my family’s spare room to make a home office. We’re all practicing social distancing.
My two young daughters are out of school for at least the next few weeks; I’m hoping that will soon be extended to the remainder of the school year. My wife, daughters, and I have left the house only a handful of times since Sunday, mostly to exercise during breaks in the week’s heavy rains. We’re all here. We eat together, talk about coronavirus, call our loved ones, exercise, and frantically predict what the hours ahead might look like. Then I’ll read an article about some new research that contradicts our previous understanding of the virus; or, I’ll see a headline on the latest from Italy; or, a friend will share a meme that reminds me I’m not alone (and that there are a lot of funny people in the world) and I am pulled back into that cycle of endlessly analyzing and forecasting. Sometimes those distractions are nice; other times they’re overwhelming.
Frankly, it’s just really difficult to focus on anything for long periods of time. Everything is changing so rapidly. And, in my experience, the best tool for coping with confusion, anxiety, sadness, and fear is a hug. But, that’s gone. Fist bumps seem too risky and waving at somebody from six to eight feet feels awkward.
Here are some of thoughts/conversations/news I’ve noted from the last five days:
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My brother just called to say that the state where he lives has closed all of the healthcare centers that he typically works from. What will that mean for him?
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Wash. Your. Hands.
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“Can you give me a second please?” “What is it, sweetheart? Oh yeah, I do love your painting. Will you show that to me after I am done with this meeting? I’m on a call right now. Give me another five minutes, little lady…” “Sorry about that.”
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Oh, there’s a White House taskforce press conference scheduled for later today. I wonder what that means?
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“Hey [talking to my wife] have you seen these memes of people pretending to ride the subway from their bathrooms? You know, to continue their daily routines. Ha!”
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“What? The grocery store is out of peanut butter? Like, all of it or just that kind….”
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Cool! Our members can now flag their content FREE TO READ to make COVID-19 research freely available to all: https://0-www-crossref-org.library.alliant.edu/documentation/flagging_free_to_read/
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Glad the sun came out. Chatted in the driveway with my neighbors. They don’t know how all of this will affect their business, but they have a fully stocked cupboard at the moment. That’s good.
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California residents now ordered to stay at home.
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“Did you say that the new research suggests it can live three hours in the air? The air?”
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Oh no, Brazil!
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“Oh, I completely forgot I was supposed to do that. I’m sorry. I’ll get that to you ASAP.”
I’d love to close with something hopeful or reassuring, but I’m not sure what exactly I can say that is equal parts optimistic and honest. I’ve never experienced a week like this one. I’ll probably say the same next Friday. But, knowing that others are getting through this right now does help me; my hope is that on the other side I can give you a hug or at least a fist bump.
. Missing you all lots!
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