coronavirus Archives

Staying Focused at the End of Pandemic Year One

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

February is already here, and COVID-19 is still running rampant. I can’t believe it’s almost been a year of this craziness, and that’s just counting the pandemic. I’m tired of staying inside, but I don’t care. I’d rather stay inside than run the risk of getting sick and infecting people.

Since I work remotely, I’m fortunate to be able to stay home, but it’s become a balancing act, so I don’t feel like I’m turning into an agoraphobiac.

I’ve been focusing on revising my novel this month while reading a slew of books, including Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Salem’s Lot by Stephen King.

Politics

I have mixed hopes about Biden and Kamala. All I care about is they do what they say they’re going to do. With Democrats having control in the House and Senate, this time shouldn’t be squandered. And I’m sure if republicans win back control or if

I’m beyond relieved Trump is out of the office and a bonus, no more tweets, no more misinformation, and no more support from the most influential social media platforms.

The Capitol Riot is quickly being twisted or forgotten entirely by the GOP and most republicans (which was expected). But I really hope people don’t forget.

What’s frustrating are the conversations already happening about the Riot. People complained that we need to move on, and it wasn’t as bad as it’s being made out. Ridiculous. We’re still not over 9/11. Why the hell should we sweep an attempted coup, a domestic terrorist event, under the rug and pretend everything’s all right?
This is a problem: sweeping things under the rug.

Another problem? (a tiny rant)

People get sick of the pandemic and decide they’re done being safe and taking responsibility for their actions. Or worse, the ones who’ve refused to wear masks or follow safety precautions since day one.

Almost 13% of the population has been vaccinated with a first dose. For the U.S. to go back to normal, we have to have a minimum of 75% of the population vaccinated for herd immunity to work.

I’m so sick of anti-maskers. I’m so sick of people being selfish. It’s not about a single person being comfortable and doing what they want. It’s about being responsible and thinking of others.

What’s hilarious is the argument that somehow masks requirements and safety precautions are the government controlling you. Really? The government knows where you live, what you do, how much money you have, and where you travel. Wearing a mask and getting vaccinated crosses the line? Give me a break.

Oh, and by the way, the government doesn’t need to chip people when we’re all assigned a social security number at birth. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere on land you don’t own, are self-employed, pay only in cash, and don’t pay taxes. Chances are you’re leaving a digital trail of your entire life that the government has access to.

I’m sick of the selfishness. I’m sick of the greed. People are starving, losing their homes, and some have been unemployed for months. Children need help; families need help. And the politicians just squabble over bills that will affect their cash flow.

Staying Focused

But despite the distress, it’s all about endurance. I’m doing my small part by staying home and practicing social distancing. It’s the least I can do.

Focusing on my writing and reading helps me stay balanced during all of this. I’m thinking about a few art projects, and I have a few song ideas floating around in my head. (I’m dying to record a few tracks solely using my Theremini.)

Stuff to Check Out

Watching Movies to celebrate Black History Month

More Info about Black History Month

Chinese New Year 2021

Get Some Rest

For anyone losing their minds inside, I strongly suggest cultivating those newfound Pandemic hobbies or finding something you haven’t done yet. Remember to allot time just for yourself and make sure you’re getting enough rest. I think one of the biggest issues I’ve been having during this whole thing is unwinding at the end of my day and making sure I get plenty of sleep.

What are your new Pandemic hobbies? Have you had to deal with sleep-loss, anxiety or depression during this time? Do you have any suggestions? Leave a comment below and start a conversation.

Stay safe and stay strong out there!

Best,
Alina

Life During COVID-19: Reflecting on the Murder of Robert Fuller, Trump and a Personal Update

Life during COVID-19 Personal Update: Saturday, March 21st, 2020

Lack of Motivation, R.I.P. John Lewis and BLM

July 22, 2020August 15, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

Life During COVID-19 Series July 22nd, 2020

DISCLAIMER: This blog post is a reflection of personal experiences and opinions. My blog is personal, so is my writing, my poetry, all of it. I’ll cut to the chase to save you some time. I support BLM, and I wear a mask. I’ll state that now, since it seems like everyone only cares about knowing what side you’re on?

Motivation? Where?

I feel like a train slowing down on the tracks, out of steam, out of energy. Tired. For the past week, I’ve been asking myself, “Where’s my motivation?”

R.I.P. John Lewis

Reading about John Lewis has been inspiring. His death has reverberated through the country, and he will be sorely missed. Losing Lewis now during the movement is a blow, but his work, his life continues to influence many. Myself included. Rest in peace John Lewis.

I wrote a poem inspired by John Lewis It is Time to Get in Good Trouble

How can John Lewis be an inspiration for me? A white woman?

The fight for racial justice lasts a life-time and every day I must make progress by setting an example for others through my speech and actions.

grayscale photo of persons fist — Photo by Jumana Dakkur on Pexels.com

What I’m watching

Watchmen (TV Mini-Series 2019)

I just started watching this a couple of days ago. Amazing. I’m a huge fan of the Watchmen comic, it played an important part of my teen years, and the movie that came out (over a decade ago now?!) was pretty cool. I highly recommend this series if you’re in the mood for something serious and dark. It’s relevant to present times.

Sick of being inside, but I’m staying indoors.

Four months I’ve been inside, staying home, rarely going out. And when I leave the apartment, I’m only going to places I have to go to: the store, post office, and gas station. And the occasional social distancing visit with a family member. In total, I’ve probably been out maybe fifteen times.

Whenever I go to a public place, I wear my mask. It’s just common courtesy, but I guess it’s too much of an inconvenience to save lives for some people?

Guess what there’s a great little group of anti-maskers in Utah calling themselves “Defending Utah” that have been flash mobbing retail stores—protesting by swarming places, putting Utahns at risk, and putting their own lives at risk.

I did a bit of research, and it turns out that there were also anti-maskers during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. Big surprise.

health workers wearing face mask — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Back to my loss of motivation

I’m worn out. It seems to me that every single thing is being politicized. Every action taken is scrutinized with social media as the tool. I’m not saying I’m innocent, and I haven’t been doing this, I have, but even I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of people starting up arguments. It’s a waste of time because they’re not interested in having a conversation; they only want to yell their opinions. I am not interested in seeking out people that I disagree with and attacking them with belittling comments and derogatory remarks that are not my style.

I love to have conversations with people. I don’t care if you believe in god or not. I don’t care if you call yourself a republican or democrat, I am open to talking with anyone. The country is divided (always has been) it’s disheartening to see the division grow.

white smartphone — Photo by Cristian Dina on Pexels.com

Of course, there will probably be some troll out there that will take that as an invitation to start attacking via “let’s have a conversation.”

What I’m not open to is opening up a conversation with someone only interested in tooting their own horn and proceeding to attack me and my beliefs.

Everyone is so busy fighting with each other, we’re getting distracted. People are questioning everyone’s motives; people are questioning scientific studies and facts. People are skewing the truth to fit their narrative (they’re not protestors, they are anarchists).

This will go on for the rest of the year, possibly next year too, but that’s just my opinion. I think it’s very likely things are not going to “die down.” The tension is only going to get worse the closer we get to the Election.

What I’ve been up to

I’m focusing on remote work, freelancing, and writing. But lately, I feel burnt out, exhausted, and struggling to keep my motivation up. I want to help, do my part, and show my support for Black Lives Matter.

Does that mean being a full-time social media BLM protestor? Sharing news and events, signing petitions, and making donations with whatever extra money I have? Yes.

To combat feeling burned out, I have been cutting down how many hours I work each day (usually around nine or ten). I also take micro-breaks from social media, turning off my notifications for twenty-four to forty-eight hours and focus on something else.

woman standing beside window looking out — Photo by Rafael Serafim on Pexels.com

What perplexes me

Why are people questioning science? Doctors? Health officials with background and experience in their respective fields? Why are people ready to fight against wearing a mask?

Where the hell did the rumor that masks are harmful to wear come from?

The first I heard of it was last Monday when I watched Governor Herbert’s COVID Briefing LIVE on K.S.L.

Bizarre.

What’s even crazier to me, reading in The Salt Lake Tribune that Cache County has asked it’s residents to have a “day of prayer“? This state is bizarre. I’ve said it before for years and years now, and I’ll repeat it IN UTAH THERE IS NO SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. Don’t get me started on Utah County, and I don’t want to get into that today.

Staying Positive

The movement is still going.

But I admit it’s hard to stay positive when…

…I read about Portland protestors being assaulted and detained by unidentifiable (no badge, no I.D. number) Feds.

…I read Trump’s Remarks on Phase Four Negotiations, and he equates protestors with anarchists and says he’s going to deploy Feds to cities “run by liberal Democrats.“

…My Property Manager tells me I have to take down my BLM sign in my window because one of their properties had a window smashed displaying a sign. Interpret that however you like.

people protesting and holding signs — Photo by Life Matters on Pexels.com

What keeps me going?

Despite my lack of motivation, I am inspired now more than ever to take action and donate more, sign more petitions, and do my tiny part in keeping the movement going.

Last week I made two donations. The first to @localpropagandists, a group run by Taylar Jackson that makes signs for protestors the old school way, screenprinting. $50 equates to 500 signs.

I also made a donation to Justice for Bernardo. The outcome of the trial regarding Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal’s death is another blow and to some a perfect example of police in Utah getting away with murder.

I’ve made more donations besides these including Black Lives Matter organizations, George Floyd’s family, and others, but I can do more. I can be better and do better.

I’ll end with this; I hope you are doing well. I hope you are safe and healthy.

Stay strong,

Alina

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Life During COVID-19 Personal Update: March 28th, 2020

Life During COVID-19 (5/30/2020): Reflection on George Floyd, Protests Turned Riots and Growing Tensions in the U.S.

May 30, 2020August 15, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet2 Comments

This is My Personal Reflection on Events in the U.S. This Week.

The Murder of George Floyd, Protests turned Riots combined with the spread of COVID-19 and Record-Breaking Unemployment all combine with the growing tensions in the U.S. with an increase in possible societal combustion across the country.

This week has been crazy. And I’ve been trying to moderate my intake of news. But this is too much.

The murder of George Floyd, the protests, now riots, and this morning The New York Times Breaking News that Military police units are preparing for possible deployment,

“The move does not mean that the units will be activated, but it is a first step toward doing so, officials said. Deploying military police units — likely from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Drum in New York — would represent an escalation in the government response to the unfolding events, in an echo of past uprisings over racial tensions in America. Military police units were used in 1992 during the aftermath to the Rodney King verdict in California.”

Source: “George Floyd Protests Latest Updates” – The New York Times 5/30/2020

Justice for George Floyd is necessary. And I can’t help thinking about how this week has brought more attention to the issue of systemic racism in the U.S.

I wrote about racist rhetoric, white-supremacy, and systemic racism as an undergrad:

Racist and Anti-Diversity Posters on Utah College Campuses: White Supremacist Rhetoric Analyzed with Selected Writings of Nietzsche, Foucault, Butler, and Ranciere

There was an increase of racist posters, graffiti, and rhetoric at The University of Utah and other nearby college campuses. I gathered reports of these events, and argued in my essay, that this was growing evidence that there is an organized white-supremacists presence with an agenda.

OPINION: Since the election of Trump in 2016, I believe there is an increase in the activity of white-supremacist organizations and the distribution of their rhetoric across the nation. This is a serious concern of mine. And the events of Charlottesville are still fresh in mind.

Increase in unemployment, loss of jobs, the rise of poverty, and now the protests and riots resulting from the murder of George Floyd; these are all elements when combined, can combust in violence and death. I fear that people will die as a result.

I can’t help it, I’m trying to stay positive, I’m trying not to stress, but I can’t ignore these signs that I feel are so blatant right now. Something is happening, something is going to happen, I just hope that it’s not military intervention, violence, and death.

Please stay safe out there.

-Alina

What I have my eye on:

Voting this year, the 2020 Presidential Election

What I’m Reading:

“The devastating effects of COVID-19 on democracy – but what if there is a silver lining?”

If you liked this blog post, check out these:

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Life During COVID-19: Reflecting on the Murder of Robert Fuller, Trump and a Personal Update

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Life During COVID-19 (5/28/2020): Writing to Stay Sane

May 28, 2020August 15, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

I’m struggling. To stay positive, to keep it together.

I’m checking the news only twice a day now. Once, while I have breakfast and right before I go to bed. I think this practice has helped, and I’ve read about it frequently when it comes to managing stress levels about COVID-19.

But I don’t necessarily feel stressed out about COVID-19. Yes, I am concerned. I wear a mask when I go to public places like the grocery store, the only public place I’ve gone to besides Target since Mid-March. I am more worried about the next six months, the next year. I am concerned about how my life’s going to be by May 2021.

Every time I feel like I’m drowning in worry, in doubt, I have to stop and take a moment. I have to reaffirm to myself that I have to keep going, I’m not one to throw in the towel and give up. And I’m definitely not going to wallow in despair. My coping mechanism is to take action: do something. I have to. But right now, I don’t think I’m doing enough. And coming to terms that the illusion of control creates a false sense of security is my biggest problem. I am more aware now than ever that I have no control over anything, and the smartest thing I can do is keep going.

What does all this gibbering lead to? Writing

It’s all I have. It’s all I’m doing right now to stay sane. I have to write. I need to write. Writing is my anchor, keeping me right where I need to be, somewhere between my usual, level-headed, rational self and creative combustible artist.

I have regularly completed my daily goal of writing a minimum of 1,000 words a day. I recently took a crack at editing My First Novel, my first attempt over three months. I’ve been overwhelmed, let down by myself, putting my novel on the back burner. But now I have a renewed drive to finish my recent revision.

I am currently doing line-by-line edits. Revising to the structural core of my novel. Something I’ve found daunting the last year. I have tried to keep track, but I think this revision is number 6 or 7.

Completing my daily writing goal, writing half-baked poems here and there every day, and working on my novel has kept me grounded. And I’m tightly hanging on to my writing practices, the only thing that I find therapeutic and comforting during this strange time.

I don’t know what the future holds. I can’t waste time speculating. I have to take it one day at a time.

And every day, I am grateful. I think about how lucky I am to have a roof over my head, food in the kitchen, and my health. I am thankful that no one I know has died from the virus, chances are small, but it can still happen.

All I Can Do is Keep Writing

What have you been doing regularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic to keep you sane and grounded? Have you just started a new practice or hobby? I wanna know.

Besides writing, I’ve been baking like crazy, just like everyone else. I’ve revamped my Patreon page with content only patrons have access to. I’ve created a Facebook business page for my blog, started a Literary Internship for DLG Publishing Partners, and tried to make art and create music.

I want to know what you recommend. What you’ve found to be helpful. And I’d love to start a conversation with you. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

Stay safe and stay healthy, and to other writer’s out there, keep writing!

Cheers!
Alina

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I’m struggling. To stay positive, to keep it together.

What does all this gibbering lead to? Writing

I don’t know what the future holds. I can’t waste time speculating. I have to take it one day at a time.

All I Can Do is Keep Writing

What have you been doing regularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic to keep you sane and grounded? Have you just started a new practice or hobby? I wanna know.

I want to know what you recommend. What you’ve found to be helpful. And I’d love to start a conversation with you. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

Stay safe and stay healthy, and to other writer’s out there, keep writing!

Cheers!
Alina

Want to become one of my Patrons? Go to my page here and join a tier. All patrons regardless of Tier have access to all of my patron-only content right now! Tiers start at $3/month! I will also send you via snailmail a handwritten personalized Poem + Thank you card for becoming a patron.

Become a Subscriber! Get notified when new posts are published plus once a week I will send content just for you: poem, personal update, reading list, writing tips and more!

Life During COVID-19 (5/21/2020): Novel Writing, My Birthday and Opinions

May 21, 2020May 5, 2022 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

For the past couple of days, I have been working on my Novel. The one I have been telling my followers about for over a year now. This week I am focusing on doing developmental edits, something I have been doing for Freelance Clients and my Literary Internship.

Recently, I’ve found myself obsessed with the structure of stories: plot, characters, dialogue. Even when I am reading, I find myself picking content apart, analyzing it from different viewpoints, and rereading. I never thought I’d become so obsessed.

The advantages of my obsession: I am more aware now than ever before when writing is working and when it’s not regardless of its form. Cons? At this point, I can’t just read. I analyze every piece of written content that comes across my path.

Check out my blog posts about Writing My First Novel.

My Birthday

This Sunday is my birthday, I will be 27, not that old but definitely not young. I keep forgetting about it. Since the entire world feels like it’s going through this surreal time with the COVID-19 Pandemic. For most of Utah, except for specific areas including Salt Lake City, we have phased to “Yellow/Low Risk”. It is bizarre to think that we’re already practically in June; half the year is gone. I’ve spent two months unemployed, applying to jobs, and staying home.

When it comes to celebrating, My BF is planning a special dinner for me, and we might go for a quick drive to get out of the city. I am excited to relax this weekend, I need a break from it all, it’s been so stressful, and it’s been so long since life was the way it used to be. I don’t think things will ever be the same. If there is something we can do to celebrate my birthday like we’ve done in the past, to bring some kind of familiarity back into our lives, it will help.

COVID-19 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is still in the “Orange/Moderate Risk” phase, with select restrictions, rules, and procedures in place to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our death count as of today is 90.

What I’ve got my eye on, the Navajo Nation. Their death count is at 140. They are need of supplies, food, and testing. Donations have been set up to help. In my opinion, there is very little news coverage, or just barely some attention being given to the Navajo Nation during the Pandemic. This is unacceptable. One example, in my opinion, of how particular people’s stories are not being given the attention they deserve to spread the word that they need help and resources.

Opinion: Trump and Voting in the 2020 Election

Another concern of mine: voting. Trump continues to try to hinder multiple states move to the mail-in ballot voting system. Luckily, Utah is one of the few states that have already been doing this for years. In my opinion, Trump’s obvious efforts to stop any kind of progress in making voting safer during this Pandemic, accessible, and easy for all is evidence that he is well aware he could lose by a landslide if more people can vote.

There has always been obstacles in place to prevent people from voting. From having voting centers only open specific hours and days, when many full-time working people can’t take time off to go vote. Now, Trump pushes for more rules and regulations. His argument that mail-in ballots allow for fraud, and people voting multiple times, again like his other claims, are not backed up by any facts, data, or substantial evidence.

Unemployed: Searching and Applying for Jobs

I’m still looking for full-time work. But I have become increasingly open to having two part-time jobs. I think that this may be more likely since I am finding more part-time job postings for copywriting, content writers, and freelance writers online. Yesterday, I applied to ten jobs. This week I’ve done two interviews but have still to hear back from anyone.

Freelancing

I have been doing more Freelance Writing the past two weeks. This has been fun but my friends think that I am employed because of this. It’s contract; on a case-by-case basis, and I’ve had to seek out clients. It’s not full-time regular, dependable employment or pay. Starting in March, I have been pitching story ideas to various online journals that pay. It is a laborious and grueling process, you have to stick with it. I am hoping to get the OK-Go on a couple articles from Editors soon.

Staying Positive, Staying Strong and Not Giving Up

It has become increasingly hard for me to stay positive. Spending the last two months searching and applying to jobs with what feels like no progress is devastating. I am constantly reminded by my BF that these are weird times and it can take longer for me to find a job or two because of the Pandemic. The unemployment rate for the U.S. is skyrocketing still. An estimated 14.7% of the U.S. is unemployed. I can’t give up. I have to be persistent. There is no other choice. And I feel, now more than ever, that returning to work in a restaurant would be unwise.

I’ve taken stock of what’s important to me, in my life, how I want to spend my time, and the growing awareness that all of us don’t know how much time we really have to live. No more BS, or messing around, I have to make changes in my life.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read about my life during COVID-19. My goal is to document my life, at least once a week, during this Pandemic. It is vital to archive what we’re going through during strange events like this one, so we need as much documentation as possible about our individual lives. I believe that this information will be crucial for future generations when they find themselves in similar situations. My message to you, to them; don’t give up, no matter what, DON’T. GIVE. UP.

XOXO,

Alina

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