April 15th: What’s Next?
Headlines:
“President Trump threatened to use his executive power to force both chambers of Congress to adjourn if the Senate did not confirm his nominees for vacancies across the administration.”
Cuomo orders New Yorkers to cover their faces in public.
"Business Leaders Call for More Testing to Reopen U.S." They feel more tracking is needed to determine who was infected and who might have immunity before employees can return to work.
CA Governor Newsom, along with nonprofits, pledge $125 million for undocumented immigrants facing hardships during the outbreak.
The WWE was declared an essential service in Florida. Love a Governor who has his priorities in order.
Some Good News with John Krasinski: Episode 3 “Baseball is Back.” This will lift your spirits.
GOOD NEWS: Stimulus checks are going out via direct deposit. To get stimulus money faster, go to the IRS site and enter in your direct deposit info.
As seen en route to Safeway. I dig your style, neighbor.
Around 11am, I threw open my front door to let some air into the joint. Approximately 3.5 seconds later I heard “Hey, Danielle!” from Neighbor Brenda, who’s directly across from me downstairs.
She asked if I was going anywhere cause she needed a few things at the store. Naturally I jumped at the chance. I’ve been on this “shopping for neighbors” list since February and have seen no action! Miss Brenda fully admitted that she was just waiting for me to emerge and apologized for yelling up at me. Told her she can yell at me anytime. Oh, Brenda!
She only needed three things and I was due for a grocery run. Everyone wins! I donned by new favorite “Best Aunt Ever” t-shirt, which I was happy for an excuse to wear. Really excited that some company obviously started making these just last year. Since I’ve been an Aunt for 17 years, this is clearly a new invention since I just got it for Christmas. (Thanks, Bailey!)
Took a bus (3 passengers total), then walked the remaining few blocks to our local Safeway. There was no line but they are NOT messing around with the “no bringing your own bags” rule. Had to tell the woman I didn’t have a car to throw my backpack in and promised not to remove from my back. I upheld this solemn vow.
I scored more baking supplies! I’m all set to my Grandma’s caramel cake and that will impress the hell out of the neighbors. They have no idea. I’m doing them as cupcakes for easier distribution and promised one to David at the coffee shop.
I tried to check out via a self checkout and per usual, it didn’t work. It wouldn’t take Brenda’s card and I wanted to punch it in the face. I thought it would be good to limit exposure for these poor hardworking cashiers, but it was not to be.
I am an intelligent person. I finished college. I have taken subways and busses in countries where I don’t speak the language and found my way, despite my complete and utter lack of direction. But I can RARELY work a self scanner at any store without assistance. I would like to formally announce that I give up. I prefer interaction with actual humans anyway. Anytime there is a cashier opportunity, I WILL TAKE IT.
After this lovely woman rung me up, I thanked her for being there and keeping us fed. She thanked ME for keeping her in a job. She started briefly singing “Circle of Life” and we had a little laugh, along with one of her co-workers. I told her it was too bad she didn’t have a baby tiger to hold over her head and we laughed more. I would not have had that laugh with a self-scanner.
Left to right: My view of Brenda’s place (door with wreath), suited up for the grocery, a completely empty AC transit bus and an infamous “Berkeley Turkey.” They run wild here. It’s a thing.