No one can deny how scary times are right now. With the virus running rampant, all the media coverage, people debating how bad things really are, and of course, the toilet paper crisis of 2020 most people are on edge. I know I am. I don’t want to get sick. I especially don’t want to spread anything to those I love or people in my community. BUT…and here’s the big thing, I work in a tourist town. They aren’t shutting down and therefore, I am forced to work.
I own a cleaning business. I contract with a cabin company and clean their rentals. We stay busy. Even with all that’s going on, people are still coming. I feel as though I’m going into combat each time I step foot into one of these things. I wear the gloves, I wear the mask, hell I even spray Lysol as I walk over the threshold. I’m trying. I’m doing my best not to bring something home to my teenager, my mom or dad, or even my hubby and I. Fear is ruling me right now. Normally, I don’t let that happen. Lately, I’m really sucking at it. On Facebook and all social media I try to stay funny. I try to keep promoting my books and all that. On my personal profile, I keep my mouth shut. I can’t talk about being upset about places not closing down. Jobs are at stake. You talk those things and you won’t be working certain places when this ends. At home though, at home I wake up each morning and fight back tears because I’m afraid of what I might face out there. When I come home I’m spending another couple of hours basically disinfecting myself, burning my eyes out from all the bleach I clean the house in, then flopping in a chair exhausted for a few minutes before I start cooking.
Most days, I think it’s inevitable that I’ll come in contact with this thing. I’m like every other person in my area, living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about our economy and all that. Still, I would welcome that struggle to ensure my family doesn’t get sick. Does that make me a bad person? I don’t think so. It just means I know how run down I am, how weak my daughter’s immune system is, and how easily my husband’s asthma can be kicked in. But…to be able to provide for our family after this is over, me and Daniel keep going.
Now, when it comes to trying to unwind from all the stress and fear, the writing is a way out. I love it. I haven’t been able to do as much of it as I’d like lately. Ya know, the renters keep coming so I keep working, but it feels very therapeutic. Lately, I have been working on a book duo with the amazing Olivia Marie. The first in the series was named Virus. Kind of ironic I suppose. Book two is named Quarantine…haha. Almost like we knew all this was coming, huh? LOL! Of course, these books aren’t about Covid-19. Our virus doesn’t even have a name yet. It may never come to think of it, and it’s a flesh-eating, madness inducing monstrosity made from nightmares. I love it. I’m hoping readers trapped in quarantine will love it just as much. I guess these books show that I’m not letting all the fear change me. I still have my love for horror. I still have my goofy sense of humor. I’m still doing the best I can to protect my family. I guess you can say I’m keeping on. Ya know, there’s no rest for the wicked and all that.
So, to all those trapped in quarantine, good luck. I hope you keep yourself occupied, find a few great books to read (mine are easily found by checking out my Amazon or Facebook page…wink!) and keep yourself from going stir crazy. To those, like me, who aren’t part of a shut down and work for places who aren’t willing to close the doors even in the face of an apocalypse, protect yourselves. Carry the disinfectant, wash those hands, and make them stay six feet back. I’m rooting for us all!! I’d also like to say thank you to all the medical professionals, caregivers, truck drivers, and grocery workers out there risking exposure to keep all of us taken care of. My prayers are with everyone and hopefully things will get back to normal soon.
Lots of Love,
Rena
Oh, here’s the link where you can snatch Virus, mine and Olivia’s upcoming book. Come on, surely you aren’t afraid of what may happen…right?
Virus
Now On PreOrder for .99 cents!!
renamarin.com 