Tag: coronavirus

What’s happening? A Reflection on Ukraine, COVID-19 and More

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

What’s happening? I’ve been trying to stay calm; I’ve been digesting everything going on in my personal life and the world for months now, a little in shock and a little overwhelmed. Where do I start? Well…

The Invasion of Ukraine and the Potential for World War III

Ukraine has settled into a permanent space in my brain. When I read the latest news, a thrum of anxiety pulses through me at different vibrations. The video, the photos, the reports of the destruction, the murder; these people’s lives are just torn apart because Putin wants to play old-world games that can no longer happen without the entire world watching. I’m so grateful we have the technology we do so the world can use its voice to speak out against Putin’s actions.

We might end up with a World War III, but I’m hoping not every day. I’m hoping they make it, that they can push Russia out, and the world won’t give up telling Putin he can stick it. But after the last six years of chaos, living during the tyranny years of Trump, COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter protests, the rise of white supremacist groups gaining support from the GOP, the corrupt actions of the Trump and his followers to overturn the election, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is next. Suppose the world ends up going to war. If we have to unite and fight for democracy and freedom, then so be it. Even as the last veterans and people who lived during World War II pass on and we fight Nazism here in the U.S., we can’t let the war crimes of Putin go unchecked. Unfortunately, my bruises haven’t healed, and they’re still tender to the touch. I’m trying to stay positive, but now I’m planning for the worst.

Check Out These Resources to Help Support Ukraine

The Come Back Alive Fund

Ukraine Armed Forces

Nova Ukraine

Razom

Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance Account

Moving on or Moving Forward with COVID-19?

Am I trying to move forward? It’s not gone, eradicated, not at all. So many have lost family and friends to the virus, and now there’s a disconnect between those still grieving and struggling to deal with what happened these last two years and those ready to live life pre-March 2020.

I’m trying to move forward, but I’m not going to forget how many died and continue to perish because of the virus. I admit I’m wearing my mask less in public spaces. One of the reasons we moved to SF in the first place is that it’s a city where most people take COVID-19 seriously. I feel safer in San Francisco with our extraordinarily high fully-vaxxed rates and the percentage of people who’ve received their boosters.

An Intermission: Where’s my Mind? In San Francisco and Beyond

It’s quiet tonight. I can hear the rhythmic buzzing of the cable car line moving on Powell Street. I gulp down lukewarm mango ginger tea and wonder if I’ll have time tomorrow to read more from The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories. There hasn’t been much time to sit and read. I attempted two days ago to sit on the rooftop patio of the apartment building and read bits of Tales of the City. I became distracted by an older couple, maybe Gen Xers, arguing and putting in my Bluetooth earbuds to blast ocean sounds on Spotify. Back in my apartment, the neighbor slams their door down the hall; the glasses in my kitchen rattle. Why does everyone in this building like to slam doors? There’s nothing wrong with peace, but this is a city, so the sound is as loud as the stench of piss in the streets. I’m used to it now, but sometimes it’s more noticeable when I’m thinking like this.

There’s a numbness that has settled into my routine. I’m trying to balance my daily life, absorbing world news, and managing my stress. What is there to be stressed out about? Too much, I guess. Maybe it’s the inflation. Perhaps it’s the consistency of hate crimes directed toward the AAPI and LGBTQIA+ community. My stomach flips as I read about Texas’ abortion law and how other red states are writing their own as fast as possible so they can reverse the rights women have fought for for generations. What the hell is going on here?

This is only the beginning. Expect to see a weekly post like this one where I dive deep into my reflections on what’s going on in the world and my life. I’m just a writer, a poet, juggling things as I go along. Want to chat? Leave a comment below or email me at alinahappyhansenwriter@gmail.com.

We all need to help each other survive these days to have safe places to live for years to come. Have resources you’d love to share to help support Ukraine, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ communities? Please share, and I will as well.

Liked this post? Feel free to check out “Life During COVID-19 in SF: Feeling Fall, A Month of Halloween Vibes and Writing More” or maybe something a little different? Try “Summer in San Francisco: A Writer’s Second Year” ?

A Writer in San Francisco: A New City, A New Life

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

It’s been a wild month. After a whirlwind of trips and apartment searching, I’ve moved to San Francisco. Now I’ll be a writer in San Francisco! At first, my boyfriend and I were planning on moving in 2022, but since rent prices were so low, we decided to move, and I’m so happy we did.

At the end of May, we took a week-long vacation to SF and visited all the tourist attractions. It was relaxing and indulging in our freedom after spending over a year inside during the Pandemic. We needed the break, and the change of scenery was an incredible relief. And as a writer, San Francisco is such an inspiring place full of the beautiful, ugly, and complicated.

golden gate bridge san francisco california
Photo by Tae Fuller on Pexels.com

When we went back to Salt Lake City, we were distraught, missing SF immediately. Thankfully, my boyfriend had been applying to jobs for a few weeks to see if he could snatch something up). And then, a few days after we got back into town, he got a job! We were stoked. I bought our plane tickets, and we flew back to search for an apartment. We were back in SF precisely a week since we left. During all this craziness, I wanted to flex being a new transplant, a writer, in San Francisco, but there was no time!

I’m also a Poet ? feel free to read one of my poems about San Francisco!

We moved into our new studio apartment a few days after that, and now we’re settling into our home. My boyfriend started his new job, and I can work wherever with my full-time remote job. Everything’s just effortlessly slipped into place, and I feel like the city has gently swallowed us up. I can’t believe that I’m a writer in San Francisco!

Compared to Salt Lake City, SF has more to offer us; it’s a better match for our lifestyles, interests, and the weather that we love (cool and overcast). Plus, for the first time, I’m finally living close to the ocean, something I’ve always dreamed about.

sky view of city during sun set
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Are you a writer too? Are you looking for a beta or alpha reader to review your work? Learn about my services HERE.

After Moving I’m Back to Writing

It’s been over a month since I last published a blog post. Between moving and wrapping up my Internship, I haven’t had time to write and read my books. I’m aching to get back into the groove. And I’ve decided to break the ice with this introductory post to starting our lives in a new city. I can’t think of a better way as a writer in San Francisco to talk about our move than to blog about it!

What am I planning? Putting together my Pandemic Poetry collection that I will publish in a limited edition digital and print Zine. I’ll be mailing these to everyone who bought a personalized poem last year while I was unemployed. After this, I will open up the Zine for free downloads to the public. This is a lot of work, but I’m enjoying the process of putting it all together.

Read my published eBook zine “A Collection of Pandemic Poems” FREE to download and share!

At the same time, I’m editing my novel and selecting poems for a reading at the Utah Arts Festival. I’m excited to share my work, see people in the flesh, and mingle with other poets.

three vehicles parked beside concrete building
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

San Francisco Re-opening After the Pandemic: A Writer’s Observation

We moved to SF right as its opening up. The city is busier than when we visited at the end of May, and the traffic is insane. People wear masks out of habit or preference, and some places still require masks and social distancing.

It’s comforting to be in a safer city since the Pandemic was taken seriously here; SF is one of the very few places in the U.S. to have achieved herd immunity. I feel safer and more relaxed here compared to Salt Lake City. Being fully vaccinated since early May, we can take advantage of SF and go without masks.

It’s weird to switch from being home all the time to going out and being around so many people. I missed going out; I missed meeting people in person and being out there instead of experiencing the world through the safety of screens.

There is so much change sometimes I feel like my head is spinning. But these are all welcome changes, and I’m ecstatic to explore my new home city, write, and meet other writers.

Liked this post? Feel free to read I Love Living in San Francisco: A Writer’s Reflection or What’s Happening? Reflecting on Self and Living in San Francisco Want to connect? Leave a comment below or ? me at alinahappyhansenwriter@gmail.com ?

Another Year of Death: Protests, the Pandemic and Mass Shootings

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

I’ve been taking a break from posting regularly, from writing and reading, to take in what’s happening. Until today, I even forgot this month is National Poetry Month. It seems so trivial compared to the events that are propelling us into another tumultuous year.

When the trial of Derek Chauvin began, tensions were starting to build. Then, on Sunday, Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a police officer less than a year since George Floyd’s killing and only miles away. Protests broke out the same day in multiple cities.

Dealing with the frustration and the sadness of this event while processing the trial’s updates is nerve-wracking. Hoping for true justice for George Floyd’s killing, and then only to have another Black man killed. These events are the kindling for a raging fire primed to spread across the nation.

To me, it feels like this is the start of another summer of protests. The same emotions and tensions are there, but now a compound interest of the events of the past year have the ability to birth events that will make last year appear tame in comparison (—add the growing frustration about the hate crimes directed toward the AAPI community. The nation will continue to ride these waves of unrest until real change happens. We cannot step back into the past; we have to move forward.

I feel a gnawing sadness mixed with irritation. This country is on the cusp of change, but it’s not safe to say if the change will be for the good of the people or reinforce the plague of systemic racism and economic oppression that have killed people for generations.

The poor are getting poorer while the rich are benefiting from the pandemic. The gaps are growing among social classes, which adds to the tension from the murdering of Black people by police, hate crimes, and the pandemic.

The pandemic is an infectious thread weaving it all together. With many places opening up, loosening restrictions, and ending mask mandates without the recommended minimum of 70-90% of the population fully vaccinated for herd immunity to work, there could very likely be another deadly wave like what we saw during winter.

We’ve already lost approximately 562,000 people. How many more will die? I think it is very likely with the low percentages of people either partially or fully vaccinated, this premature reopening could result in states shutting down again this year.

How will it be six months from now? Three months? Who knows, but this year isn’t going to be a quiet one from what I’ve observed.

I wrote this at the beginning of the week. Yesterday, there was another mass shooting, this time in Indianapolis. A 19-year-old man killed eight people, injured seven, and then killed himself. I wonder how many people have to die before we take responsibility for these killings, enact stricter gun laws, and provide more resources for those in need of help. We need to seriously consider why men are capable of these horrific acts of mass murder. How do these acts reflect on the condition of our society? Our country?

What do these killings say about us? It’s not just the actions of one person that resulted in the murder of innocent people, it’s our inability to take action to prevent this that resulted in their deaths. These deaths, from racism, hatred, pain, from the pandemic, these are on us. We have to take responsibility for what we’ve done.

Life During COVID-19: Reflecting on the Murder of Robert Fuller, Trump and a Personal Update
Lack of Motivation, R.I.P. John Lewis and BLM
Post-Independence Day Blues

I’m Sick of White Domestic Terrorists and Hate Crimes

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet2 Comments

We’re not even out of March, and there have been two mass shootings in the U.S. Places are opening up around the country, and it seems like that is an OK go signal for white domestic terrorists to start their killing sprees.

Eight Killed in Atlanta Massage Parlor Shooting

I’m so sick of the murder and death. Where are the consequences? Where is the action? How long does this country have to suffer from this infectious disease of hate?

Ten Killed in Colorado Grocery Store Shooting

It’s not enough to wait for someone with the power to take action. We have to speak up against these killings, these acts of terrorism in our country. If we can come together and put our lawmakers on the spot, we can make change happen. We need those in power to do what is right; we need more restrictions. We need to make our country a safe place for everyone.

These mass shootings take place in establishments people frequent every day. Our schools, our businesses, places we come together as a community. White domestic terrorists are killing us, and we need to act now to save lives.

I’m so disillusioned by this country. It’s no longer bittersweet, there is blood everywhere, and the majority of people still don’t seem to care.

Trump’s own corruption shed light on the rotten mess hidden in plain sight, a plague of crooks and thieves that abuse their power for their own gains as people die.

I’m not proud to be an American until there is accountability for the actions of murderers, white domestic terrorists, and every single crook in office. GOP, I’m looking at you.

Do we have the guts to ban assault rifles? Do we have the guts to enact strict gun control laws? Is this the year where we start to make the necessary changes to save lives?

My heart goes out to those family and friends who have lost someone in the mass shootings. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. The shock, the anger, and the despair. One morning your family is whole by the end of the day it’s in pieces.

I stand in solidarity with our Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. Since the start of the pandemic, hate crimes toward our most vulnerable communities have become more and more common, but they have always been happening. These hateful actions are unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

“…hate crimes against Asian Americans in major U.S. cities surged by nearly 150 percent in 2020…”

Words are powerful. Rhetoric can be weaponized to incite hate and even murder. Trump’s racist rhetoric, and constant finger-pointing on “who’s to blame for COVID-19” spurred a rise in hate crimes. We are still suffering from the damage that racist has done to our country. He should be rotting in jail for what he’s done to all of us.

How can we come together and take a stand? How can we unit and communicate with our lawmakers, with our President, to demand change? Is this going to be another summer of protests? Are we going to have to show the country what needs to be done by pounding pavement day after day? If that’s what it takes, then let’s go.

GoFundMe for Atlanta’s Shooting Victims

Support Families of King Soopers Massacre Boulder

One Year Anniversary of Life During The Pandemic

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

One year ago, on March 16th, I wrote my first “Coronavirus” blog post. Rereading it today, it is still wild to think how crazy last March was. This past year has been tumultuous worldwide, in the U.S., and in Salt Lake City. 2020 will be a year I’ll never forget, and it has shaped my life in ways I could never have thought possible.

Flashback to March 16th, 2020

I remember work being slow for a few weeks leading up to when we closed. I remember being tight on money since me and my boyfriend had just moved into a new apartment on March 1st. I was okay with being sent home; I could organize our new place and make money later. Then, the news began to spread Coronavirus was in the States, then suddenly someone had it in Utah, then I was being told everyone was going to be laid off in a matter of days.

On March 18th, a 5.7 earthquake struck Magna, Utah, less than 15 miles away from Salt Lake City. It shook our entire (and already crooked) 104-year-old apartment multiple times. Even weeks after, slight tremors and more minor earthquakes rippled through the valley, shaking our place and our lives. All I remember thinking with every additional quake was, “The building could collapse, and we’re going to be homeless.” Thankfully our place is still standing, although slightly more crooked than before. But I have never been more stressed out in my entire life than in March 2020, and it didn’t stop there.

Looking back on all of it, we are fortunate. During this last year, I had to cash out my retirement savings to get by and apply for unemployment. I wrote Poetry for $, creating little art/poem pieces for friends and family.

Without that money, we would’ve had to move out and figure out where to go. There was no way we could have survived on just my boyfriend’s income.

Every day I spent a minimum of eight hours applying to online jobs and searching for any way to make money. I was scrambling to find something to hold onto while working through the bizarre new reality we are living.

person holding black ceramic teapot
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

The New Reality

This is stuff out of a sci-fi novel; this is a dystopian futuristic story plot like no other. The events of last year felt like something right out of a South Park episode.

It didn’t help that we had Trump in office, that for months he downplayed COVID-19 and then dismantled resources to combat it. He spouted hateful rhetoric when the Black Lives Matter protests spread across the nation after the murder of George Floyd in May. Trump made it clear, to him and his followers, it became us vs. them, White vs. Black, rich vs. poor.

Over and over again, Trump poured fuel on the fire, working hard to divide the country. Then after the 2020 election results came in, it was all lies and accusations. Everyone besides Trump was lying about everything that negatively affected him and his presidency. 

All of it came to a climax when domestic terrorists comprised of Trump fanatics, QAnon conspiracy theorists, and white supremacists descended on the Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

The aftermath resulted in five people dead and hundreds arrested by the FBI. A national search continues for the remaining extremists that stormed the Capitol, planted explosives, defiled, and mocked our country.

I’m not quick to forget events like these. We were so close to losing it all, and many more could have died, throwing our entire nation into further chaos.

The future of the U.S. is uncertain, and I still feel it is ready to collapse at any moment without the proper action. I have only hope for the future, but I am cautious about fully trusting Biden and Harris. I hope they can help unite the country, remain active, and fight for everyone’s future in the U.S.

I’ve been impressed with the Biden administration’s action in combating the pandemic, hatred, and inequality both socially and economically in the nation. But they can’t go soft or let up for just a minute. It could all go to waste since the GOP is in chaos but vehemently against any new administration’s efforts to level the playing field for all Americans.

Republicans everywhere are working to pass stricter bills on voting. With every step forward, they keep trying to send us decades back into the past.

We can’t go back. We can only move forward, which means working for a future that benefits ALL, not just a selected few.

anonymous female freelancer working remotely on laptop on sofa
Photo by Sam Lion on Pexels.com

Finding Remote Work and Writing Like a Mad Woman

In May 2020, I applied to a remote Literary Internship for a private publishing house, and I got it! Since then, I learned how to expertly read slush piles, review galley edits, and hone my growing skills as a Developmental Editor. I work with authors and polish manuscripts at almost every stage, getting them ready for publication. I love this internship and have learned so much during all these months. The experience that I’ve gained from this internship is invaluable, and I know it will help my career.

The skills that I utilize in my Literary Internship inspired me to become a freelance Beta Reader on Fiverr. I know what my time is worth, and I work hard. I made some decent side money last year helping fellow writers hone their pieces.

Now I am more prone to thinking outside of the box when it comes to making money. I ask myself, what are some unique skills that I can utilize to help people? and more importantly, what is my time and my knowledge worth? I value my skills and time more than ever now, and I know that it’s wise to ask for decent compensation because my work is worth it.

Last summer, I did the unthinkable. After months and months of applying to remote jobs, I did it! I was hired as a Writer/Analyst by a startup company based in New York City that provides real-time reports on crime, police activity, fires, and events that affect public safety. This job is incredible, and I love the work that I do.

For the first time my B.A. English was necessary on an application. My writing and my passion for keeping people informed and safe were valued. Now I am doing something I love, and it’s incredible. It was a huge relief after I spent hundreds of hours searching for work and eventually applying to over 450 jobs.

clear glass jars with brown and white beans
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Planning For The Future

I am more driven than ever to write as much as possible. Besides surviving last year, working full-time, plus a part-time internship, and freelancing, I am still working on my Novel, poetry, and applying to literary journals and readings.

There is never enough time, so I feel like I have to make every second count and continue to work on my goals.

Since the pandemic, I learned how to stock up on food and plan for the future. I am now used to buying one extra whenever I go to the store and rationing. I’m all about good deals, so I diligently use coupons and cashback options whenever they’re applicable. I am also looking down the road 5-10 years to make sure I never find myself in such a hand-tied situation like I was last March.

couple carrying cardboard boxes in living room
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What’s Next?

We’re moving out of the state next Spring. We’re very excited, and it’s been a long time coming, but with my job and hard work, we’re finally able to make a significant step forward in our long-term plans of leaving Utah for good. We never wanted to live here for as long as we have, and I’ve been doing my best trying to move out of state since I was 18, so it seems fitting it’s all finally coming to fruition. For the first time, we have a solid plan with dates lined up and steps in place to get going.

After a year, so much has changed. My outlook on life (very positive), my goals (to make the world safer for everyone), my career (using my writing to help people), and taking care of myself and my family. I look forward to the future and I am hopeful it will get better.

What’s Normal Now

Since last March, we’ve worn masks whenever we go outside our apartment. We’ve stayed home and hoped we wouldn’t lose anyone to COVID-19. I know a handful of people that have lost family members to the virus and I know more people who have gotten it. Wearing a mask is normal for us and we have a huge selection to choose from. It’s natural for us to always put one on when we leave home.

We’ve been very careful and will continue to social distance and wear masks until it’s officially deemed safe enough that we won’t have to. I’m hoping we’ll be able to get vaccinated soon but we’re in no rush, other people should get the shot before us, since we don’t have any underlying health conditions. I have my fingers crossed my family and friends survive this and we all make it out alive.

What’s happened in your life the past year? Have you lost someone to COVID-19? Were you laid off or looking for work? Are you still struggling to survive?