A COVID-19 shout out

In the midst of these discussions of what HOA boards can't/can/should/shouldn't do, can we take a moment to say thank you to all the delivery people, first responders, doctors, nurses and other folks who are still on the job working hard (and literally putting their lives in danger) to make our lives a little easier during this pandemic?

Too many of us go on and on and ON about CCRs, exterior change requests, proxies, and all that stuff, but every once in a while we need to stop and consider what's really important. I'm not suggesting the other stuff isn't, but if you have your health, a family who loves you, a job that enables you to pay your bills in full and on time, and a house to live in, you have far more than at least 80% of the rest of the planet.

We are beginning to see who people really are during this crisis - some folks are doing extraordinary things, while others are even more selfish. When you look in the mirror, what do you see and are you happy with it?

I don't know how long this pandemic will last, but when it ends (and it WILL end), let's all resolve to be better people towards our families, neighbors, co-workers and total strangers. On the HOA front, let's think of ways WE can make our part of the community a better place instead of stepping back and expect the board, property manager - and the state legislature - do all the work. You can start small - introduce yourself to your neighbor, go to a board member and thank him/her for the service (often they're doing the best they can) and offer to HELP with a project or doing some research.

I have not self quarantined myself but I am hibernating. I do takeout food occasionally. I will go to the grocery store but only when needed. I go during off hours (Mon and Tue at about 2:30) and still avoid contact with others. I am saving money as I do not go out to dinner, golf, dates with girlfriend, to the bar, etc. The no dates is not a social separation but ironically we broke up about 6 weeks ago. Great timing.

Though spending less overall, my AMEX bill is high as I am ordering things online I would normally go out for such as books, light bulbs, food stuff, pet supplies, etc. I am sleeping late, eating two meals a day, watching a lot of Netflix and Amazon Prime, and being sure I do not drink to much. Every few days I will get in my car and take a ride around just to be out and about. I do not get out of the car but it is better than being cooped up all the time.

As there is only me, it is easy to schedule as I do what I want, when I want......LOL

As the Britic=sh said in WII....Be Calm and Carry On.

Blood drives have been cancelled. The shortage is enormous. I donated blood.

Giving blood or plasma is a good thing right now. Don't think I can because too much exposure to Covid-19 right now.

PS--this idea came to us from our president's wife, a retired pediatrician.

Zoom isn't very safe. There are many incidents reported of it being hacked readily.

That s true - the CHI is now I investigating zoom trolls backing into meetings with racist statements and even pornography. The zoom website has information on how to reduce the risk.

I often disagree with MelissaP1, but in this case I agree with her 100%.

You're exposing yourself to risks when you use Zoom. As for holding a meeting through Zoom, if you don't care about who's listening or watching then it might be useful to you. Just imagine, though, that whatever is being shown and heard is potentially being shown and heard by the entire world (or at least the Chinese).

Almost daily there are stories about how bad Zoom's "security" is. Here's one from today at the Intercept:
Zoom's Flawed Encryption Not Suited for Secrets.

"Among those who should be concerned about Zoom’s security issues, according to Citizen Lab, are governments worried about espionage and businesses concerned about cybercrime and industrial espionage."

I think it's safe to say no HOA or Condo needs to be overly concerned about the risks. But I wouldn't go crazy reasuring everyone that it's completely safe and secure.