Most years, Pi(e) Day is a cutesy celebration for bakers, pie consumers, and math enthusiasts. On 3.14, we're reminded of middle school math formulas, and we find inspiration in baking and eating pi's sweeter homophone to mark the occasion.
This year, the all-consuming buzz of COVID-19 has dimmed the delights of Pi(e) Day.
The world has shifted significantly in the last 72 hours. Just one week ago, Justin and I were diligently decorating M's 3rd birthday cake with M&M's. Today, we're struggling to restock baby wipes because stores are cleaned out--along with toilet paper, macaroni and cheese, and canned vegetables.
The fear and uncertainty of COVID-19 is omnipresent.
At my work, all in-person gatherings have been suspended, and my team and I are working remotely for at least the next month. In one way, it was a tough decision, especially because building community--which relies on meeting in person--is one of our core values. At the same time, valuing community means supporting the public health, so we're adjusting our programming and operations over the next month--and potentially longer.
K-12 public schools in Oregon have closed, all gatherings with 250 or more people are prohibited, and it seems the majority of places are attempting to do their part to limit exposure and promote distancing. With 30-second hand washing, good hygiene, and Dracula coughing, we're trying to "flatten the curve."
There are so many layers to this pandemic, and its short- and long-term impacts are still unfolding. Not all workplaces have the ability to offer remote work options, and some don't offer paid sick leave. Employees are already being laid off and worrying how they'll make ends meet for however long this lasts. Businesses may close. People are getting sick and dying from COVID-19. It's serious stuff, and life is disrupting for all of us.
We are saturated with the anxiety of the unknown. It's exhausting, and it can accelerate fear and irrational behavior. In these uncertain times, we all need to focus on the things we can do, including finding moments to pause, take breaks, create, and feel joy.
While celebrating Pi(e) Day isn't urgent, baking a lemon meringue pie for my husband peppered us both with some love and connection after a troubling week. Baking was a welcome break for me, and Justin felt valued. We both enjoyed a delicious bite, too.
I know we will get through this pandemic, and we all need to do our part. Let's build and sustain our individual and collective energy, so we can get through this, together. #breakforjoy #breaktocreate
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