What spreads faster than a virus? Misinformation. Your newspaper, social media feed and texts have probably been filled with scary and confusing messages during this uncertain time. While it’s okay to be unsure, and even a little frightened, know that your community and your District have your back. We are here to spread positivity, information and encouragement.

Making the Best of It

“I’ve tried to think of it as a stay-cation, a chance to take some time to slow down.” -Bee, Rancho Cordova

“I’m actually getting more exercise by walking the dogs more often. Plus, I’m able to stay organized and clean more often. I think I’ll have all the drawers and closest in the house done before this is all over.” -Laura, Rancho Cordova

“Saving money on having meals and coffee from home! Have definitely been cleaning more, which helps keep focused work time.” -Justin, Fair Oaks

“Learning to appreciate the little things. Found a few species of birds in my backyard that I didn’t know existed.” -Tammy, Davis

“My dogs have never been so happy! All my breaks are training them.” -Leena, Sacramento

“When else in my career am I going to get to use work breaks to play piano and guitar? I love being able to play my instruments more frequently. Plus, we’ve been saving so much money cooking at home. My credit card is quite thankful.” -David, Sacramento

“Rather than resisting the change, choose to see it as a much needed opportunity to slow down reflect and put focus on things that don’t often get attention; such as house projects, exploring history and art, reading, spirituality & healing and gardening.” -Otto, Roseville

Time with Loved Ones

“My husband and I are cooking together more and having evening time together, which I never had before because of my long commute. We are taking walks together and are laughing, talking and planning more. We have even found joy in online church and concerts lately.” -Danielle, Dixon

“Spending all this time with my wife has been the ultimate best. This time with her makes me feel spoiled despite the uncertainty that is going on around the world.” -Drey, El Dorado Hills

“We are doing some of the things we always mean to do but never have time to, like cooking at home, making coffee at home and gardening.” -Cristina, Folsom

“I’ve enjoyed the conversations with my girlfriend and the humor we’ve sustained throughout this unprecedented event. We keep one another’s’ spirits up, which is vital right now. I’ve also enjoyed catching up on much-neglected reading, playing with my pets and long walks (practicing social distancing!) outside.” -Chase, Rancho Cordova

“I have gotten to spend way more time with my daughter who is almost 18 months. As a working mom, I try to spend all my non-working time with her, and this is just an added bonus to see her throughout the day. The moment I went back to work from maternity leave, I feel like I am missing everything. Now I get to watch her mischievously wonderful personality grow.” -Susie, Rancho Cordova

“Exercising as a family by walking to the American River (while physical distancing from others). We are also into old school Dance, Dance Revolution on my daughters Nintendo Switch. So fun. Plus, I now get time to watch movies and play games with my teens since they are distance learning.” -Patrick, Fair Oaks

“Commutes cause unnecessary stress, and without one we’ve just been fully enjoying time together. I get to see my husband more (who still physically goes into work) because I have no commute and with the gyms are closed, he does home workouts in the garage where my kids can play and partake in that time too. It’s fun to watch.” -Kasey, Roseville

Learning Every Day

“I found a Harry Potter escape room online! What is better than that!” -Shelly, Sacramento

“I have found that you can do almost anything through video conferencing. I held a happy hour for my sister’s birthday with seven other family members. We chatted and laughed for over two hours. CRPD’s Zumba instructor Gerardo is offering virtual Zumba classes and online learning platforms seem endless. My kids’ schools are making the most of these and getting really creative about learning.” -Maria, Rancho Cordova

“Learned about many museums offering virtual tours. So great for learning and cultural immersion.” -Tammy, Davis

“Though it is an adjustment, you can do almost anything from home. I watched the iHeart Radio Living Room Concert for America last night online and it was great. Also, I now meet virtually for my college class, which has changed the layout of our assignments, but it is doable!” -Jennifer, Fair Oaks

“This is the first time we’ve used Virtual Backgrounds on Zoom and I’m really enjoying tuning in for morning meetings from Tatooine.” -Luis, Sacramento

“We’ve spent hours just watching the live cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo. A lot of the local businesses have started offering online classes for adults as well, I’ve been taking advantage of the morning yoga and meditation classes.” -Jenny, Elk Grove

“There is a ton of options and resources out there. Hands free pizza delivery!! Can we do this all the time?” -Nina, Folsom

Be Amazed

“The overwhelming kindness and sense of community around the world. The appreciation shown for first responders, those on the front line. People staying connected and showing love in small and lavish ways.” -Bee, Rancho Cordova

“Even though we are a technologically advanced society, the world (economy, work, social lives, education, mental health) still revolves around and is most successful when people come together physically. I thought that humans were slowly distancing themselves via tech and that the human connection had been lost. But now I realize, now that it has been taken away, how much of that is untrue and how much each of us still hold value in that human connection.” -Shelly, Sacramento

“Watching the world come together has been amazing. I love the videos of neighborhoods singing with one another or hosting fitness classes. Watching community members support our seniors and immune compromised, neighbors providing entertainment in windows and driveways and etc., on Nextdoor and Facebook.” -Brandi, Sacramento

“The old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” has never been truer. People are sewing surgical masks, distilleries are making hand sanitizer, neighbors are delivering food and supplies to elderly neighbors, educators are sending kids encouraging videos, churches are holding virtual services, restaurants are getting creative about food/drink specials, people are staying home so others can live. It’s incredible how most of us have come together for the greater good.” -Maria, Rancho Cordova

“People seem to be nicer and I have seen a lot more kids playing outside, walking, etc. It’s nice to see people enjoying time not attached to a screen with how much that has taken over our lives.” -Crystal, Sacramento

“I am amazed by all the healthcare workers ability to step up to the plate with such strength. Plus, so many people are coming together to make masks, donate supplies and help each other.” -Heather, Auburn

Gratitude Wins

“I have been keeping a short daily journal to remember this time so that I can look back and be grateful for how we moved through it.” -Danielle, Dixon

“Our community has been very understanding and flexible through this time of uncertainty. I really appreciate being able to live and work within our community.” -Justin, Fair Oaks

“I am grateful for my ability to still work, my health and that I have family that has been able to help us while my kid is out of school.” -Gary, Sacramento

“It’s a good time to appreciate and nurture the things we take for granted, like our health, our families, small businesses. Support local and small businesses!” -Laura, Sacramento

“Definitely miss restaurants and sitting outside on a patio with a cocktail and friends. I am thoroughly more grateful for those simple times now.” -Luis, Sacramento

“I am so thankful for grocery store workers. These people are working tirelessly day and night to keep the store shelves stocked with necessities. Already a thankless job under normal conditions, these workers are now also dealing with limited supplies and panicked shoppers while putting themselves at risk. I hope they know we sincerely appreciate them.” -Jenny, Elk Grove