“Hi, I’m Your Neighbor”
In these times of physical (and social) isolation, Glendale Library, Arts & Culture is still creating community for all of us that live, work or play in the Jewel City.
“Hi, I’m Your Neighbor” is an opportunity to connect with the Glendale community during this isolated time. We will share more news and new opportunities to meet your neighbors soon, so please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get updates, see photos, and learn more about experiences of the COVID-19 era in Glendale. Get to know four community members below.
You can also find the first four submissions here.
“Hi, I’m your neighbor! My name is Caley and I’ve discovered that telecommuting is much more difficult than I realized! Everything seems to take twice as long as it would if I was working in my office. I appreciated not having to drive on the freeway everyday for my commute to work, but I do miss my co-workers, having face-to-face conversations and a normal routine. Also, face masks are very uncomfortable.
I have been taking time for gratitude, meditation and exercise everyday. Being grateful for the small things has helped me cope with feelings of anxiety and overwhelm during these uncertain times. Exercise and meditation help me focus on the present moment and things I can control in my daily life, even in moments where there is a lot of uncertainty.”
“The photo I submitted is of my dog Izzy. She has been my loyal "office manager" while I've been working from home. I appreciate all the extra time I got to spend with her the past couple of months.”
Caley recommends:
“Mystery books by Agatha Christie. The TV shows and movies based on her books are good too. Murder on the Orient Express (1974 version) is one of my favorites. Find Agatha Christie books and DVDs in our catalog: https://bit.ly/2A2ozs7
“Hi, I’m your neighbor! My name is Isis and I’m a Makerspace Librarian at the Central Library. During the Safer at Home Order I have learned that I am totally okay with staying home on my own and I am thankful I can do so. Regular video calls with my family has helped me get through this.”
Isis recommends:
”The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams – “a great and funny science fiction book”. Download it: https://bit.ly/2ZlzkAg
”The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz – “a great nonfiction book, it helped me get through the current situation”. Download it: https://bit.ly/2Xa0C9S
“Hi, I’m your neighbor! My name is Raffy and I’m a Library Assistant at the Central Library. I've been working at the library for 20 years and I got caught up in the work routine. Now that there's more time to be alone and to think, I've learned that I still have a lot to learn or work on. Seeing all the available free online classes has motivated me to start learning again. I'm also starting to find time to learn the instruments I have that are collecting dust.Being active and finding things to do at home has helped me get through this. I also try to stick to our work schedule. I close the door to my room and turn off the TV so there are no distractions. I do listen to some music while working. Once we are off, I totally disconnect and do the other things that are not related to work.”
Raffy recommends:
“So far, I've finished Kobe's book, “Mamba Mentality”. In the beginning, I was thinking it's just another sports picture book. It turned out to be a good read. There's lessons to learn like hard work and dedication for your craft. He also mentions how we should not stop learning and always strive to get better.” Download it: https://bit.ly/38G2yfy
“Hi, my name is Sherry, and I’m your neighbor! It feels good to ease back into a running routine. I was 6 weeks into my second half marathon training plan when local restrictions were put in place. Even though we were still allowed to go out to exercise, I found it increasingly mentally difficult to venture out.
My usual running routes were closed, I didn't know where to go to complete the training plan's long runs, and there just seemed to be SO MANY people outside! So I regretfully paused the plan and stopped running almost entirely for 8 weeks. During that period, my sleeping habits completely regressed, and I found myself restless and awake past 3 am every day.
At one point I didn't leave the house at all for two whole weeks. Last week, I finally decided to end the half-marathon plan and start a 10K plan instead. The first few days were embarrassingly rough, but I'm a week in, sleeping earlier, waking up at 5:30 am every day, and things are finally looking up.”