Tag: low gas prices

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TAKE A MOTHER’S DAY BREAK FROM COVID-19

It’s been almost two months since we’ve been in this pandemic.  We’re worn out, and depressed.  But just for today, why not take a Mother’s Day Break from Covid-19.  Give yourself a time out from from your worries , and focus on the good things that are happening. 

Here are 9  things to celebrate today:

Gas prices are low.   I’ve not filled my gas tank since March 15.  And when I do, it’s going to be a pleasant surprise when I see the final bill.

No school shootings.  Since schools are closed, we don’t have to see or hear about kids killing kids.

No new middle eastern conflicts.  Worldwide virus outbreaks have incapacitated most of our enemies.

Reconnecting with families.  Kids and parents are getting to spend more time together.  Getting to know each other. Playing games. Cooking.  Bicycling. Going to parks.

Spring weather. Yes, we had a cold blast.  But the trees are leafing out, there’s greenery everywhere. If you have a garden, you can start putting out annuals.

Kindness of strangers.  When you walk in the park, everyone you encounter smiles and waves.  That didn’t used to happen.  And look at the food banks all over the country.  People reaching out to help families in need.

Take a Mother's Day Break. Be grateful for the kindness of strangers.
TAKE A MOTHER’S DAY BREAK FROM COVID-19. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS.

Low credit card bills.  We were shocked to receive our Visa statement this month.  It was less than half what it normally is.  That’s what happens when you don’t go anywhere, eat out, or shop in malls.

Stimulus money and unemployment checks.  Lots of folks actually are enjoying more income than they had when they were working.

Wellness.  99% of Americans do not have Covid-19.  So if you’re healthy and well, celebrate that today.  You’ve done a good job of hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing.

Things to avoid:

Watching or listening to the news .  Take a break from alarmist news reporters who like to get you worked up and scared about what’s going on in our country.

Negative thoughts.  When something unpleasant enters your mind, don’t dwell on it.  As an example, what if you get the virus?  As long as you’re following CDC guidelines, that’s all you can do.  If you do get sick, it won’t be because you were careless.  Don’t spend today worrying about it.  Take a few deep breaths. Listen to some music. Take a walk.  Call a loved one.

Just for today, take a break from Covid-19.  Happy Mother’s Day!.

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8 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF OUTBREAK

So far, the Coronavirus scare has brought about some positive changes for Americans.   Good things sometimes happen in bad times. If you’re a senior on a fixed income, or someone with a steady job, these are 8 surprising benefits of the coronavirus outbreak. 

  1.  Low gas prices. If you’re still driving to work or running errands, the cost of filling your gas tank is going to come as a nice surprise.

2. Teleworking from home.   What a luxury.  Wearing pajamas all day.  Relaxing, using your own clean  bathroom, saving lunch money.  No commuting time means  much less stress.  It’s almost like a vacation.

One good thing about staying home during the crisis: more family meals together
One of the 8 surprising benefits of the outbreak is that families will eat more meals together at home,

3. Saving a pile of money if you social distance, and stay away from restaurants.   Have you ever figured out how much you spend on meals away from home?  The entrée  price may be low, but then,  there’s  the sneaky way  beverages add to the total bill.  A couple glasses of wine may cost more than the meal itself.  And the added taxes and the obligatory tip may increase your tab by 30%.   Now, you don’t have to feel like a cheapskate if you stop taking the family out to dinner.

4. Get reacquainted with family members.  Play scrabble or gin rummy.   You might even have meals  together.

5. Better health habits.  You’ll probably wash your hands more often, even when the crisis is over. Which means you will be less apt to get colds, flu, and other infectious diseases in the future..

6. Buy a new house.  Low interest rates means more people can afford a mortgage.

7. Cut down on  wasteful spending.  You don’t need a closet stuffed with clothes, a houseful of computers and TVs, and  a garage filled with extra  cars, boats and  motorcycles.

8,  Stop relying on paper goods. Cloth diapers and dishtowels could make a comeback. Anyone remember cloth napkins? We washed them once a week, and fastened them with clothespins bearing our names.

The good thing about being over 80 is that we learned  how to “make do” in hard times.  I hope you won’t come down with the coronavirus.  But whether  you do or don’t, you may find some comfort with these 8 surprising benefits.