Ones and Zeros

1s and 0s! What's so special about these simple little digits? If you're a techie you already know what I'm talking about. If not, here's what I found online: 

Binary code uses the digits of 0 and 1 (binary numbers) to represent computer instructions or text. Each instruction or symbol gets a bit string assignment. The strings can correspond to instructions, letters, or symbols (unit.conversion.info) 

Simply put -- zeros and ones are the basis of all binary code. Those basic digits (0 and 1) arranged in mathematical strings make up the bits and bites of all digital computing. So, in other words, the basis of everything we see on our computers can be boiled down to 1s and 0s.

Today, I am grateful for 1s and 0s!

When I sat down to write this post I had just listened to Andrew Lloyd Webber pound out "All I Ask of You" from The Phantom of the Opera on Facebook. And for some reason, tears streamed down my face!

I have never seen Phantom of the Opera but I think the beautiful music just opened up the emotional flood gates to all the stress and anxiety I've been feeling. 

But, what popped up next on my video feed instantly brightened my mood!

It was Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman plunking out a a toe-tapping rendition of Never Coming Down -- as Keith introduced it, "bringing a little sunshine to your screen," from his page URBAN UNDERGROUND! This is PURE awesomeness!

The willingness of so many to share their talents made me feel incredibly grateful, not only for their music, but for the amazing technology that allows us all to connect digitally!

It inspired me to use technology to connect to other humans, too. 

A few days ago, I set up a Facebook Messenger video call with some of my oldest and dearest friends. We had a blast catching up and sharing our stories of coping with quarantine.

Yesterday, my book club held our monthly discussion in a whole new way using Zoom. Sure, I miss sitting in around in a circle in one of my girlfriend's living rooms noshing on chicken salad sandwiches and fruit to discuss our current read. But, it was so great to still be able to connect with these smart ladies and talk about a very important book -- Slave Stealers, by Timothy Ballard. 

Ballard runs a foundation called Operation Underground Railroad that rescues children who are victims of human trafficking. 

The book profiles important abolitionists. It also tells the stories of some lesser known, yet incredibly courageous individuals, who escaped slavery and went on to help others find freedom. The author also describes a riveting account of modern day heroes who are currently liberating children from the most deplorable and tragic situations you can imagine. 

Reading this book instantly put everything we're going through right now into proper perspective. Our confinement during this quarantine is NOTHING compared to the confinement and brutality so many have endured throughout history! The book, by the way, was downloaded digitally -- thanks again zeros and ones!

OTHER DIGITAL DISPENSATIONS

Just a quick scan of my current news feed brought to light so many other ways technology has been a blessing to me during this unprecedented time.

• Fun Workout ideas - My Jazzercise studio is using Facebook Live to broadcast workouts LIVE at 9am and 5:30pm! Seriously, these fun dance workouts are the best thing I do all day. 

• New Recipes -  Dozens of celebs like Jennifer Garner and other famous (and not so famous) chefs are heating up my news feed with amazing eats! One of my favorites is Darren McGrady (Eating Royally - Princess Diana's former personal chef) who is sharing the amazing meals he's whipping up every night with what he has on hand!

• Home School - My kids are "up and out" but what a blessing it is that school can continue for millions of kids via the Internet. I've seen a wealth of fabulous ideas from parents who are meeting this "new normal" with fun, creativity and enthusiasm.

I know this is tough on parents and many milestones like graduation activities, proms and sports tournaments are being missed, but hopefully this e-learning experience will help your children all avoid the dreaded "summer school". I know if I was a kid I'd be jumping at the chance to finish up online!

• Musical performances of all kinds - From professional musicians offering intimate living room performances or symphony orchestras playing concerts in perfect harmony on Zoom, to families lip syncing fun songs or inventing crazy lyrics, music is an incredibly healing force and a blessing to us all right now!

• Dancing - Whether it's a family dance off, neighbors disco-ing on their driveways, or the thousands of innovative Tik Tok videos out there, folks everywhere are shaking off their stress by "shaking their groove thang!" 

Dancing is just fun! I love this quote from a former news anchor friend of mine, Carolyn Clifford, emblazoned on her photo outside of Studio A at WXYZ-TV in Detroit:

 "There are shortcuts to happiness and one of them is dancing!"

• Gardening Ideas - Even though our world has been pretty much shrunk down to our own four walls right now we can still find a little "green" nearby. I have been so inspired by friends posting about what they're doing to spruce up their yards, decks or patios. 

Need a little inspiration? Go online and browse landscaping ideas on Pinterest or take a gander at the Gardening Tips Facebook page. Easier still, just scroll through your news feed. I just did and found  dozens of fun tips like how to make easy window sill terrariums, how to sprout plants from produce you have in the house and how to grow large sunflowers in pots.

Find what appeals to you then go outside and clean up, spruce up or plant something. Or, just sweep your front porch for heaven's sake! Go soak up some Vitamin D! You'll feel great afterwards!

• Hair Tips - No salons? No problem! Thank goodness there are plenty of posts about this! Some of my favorites -- how to color your hair at home and how to blow out perfect side swept bangs! What better time to peruse makeup tutorials on YouTube? Go crazy! Have fun experimenting with new colors! No one is going to see you anyway. 😉

Here's one piece of sage advice. Just let your bangs grow. Do not try to cut your own bangs unless you really know what you're doing. Been there, done that and the result was NOT pretty.

• People Serving Others - Nothing warms my heart more than seeing all the awesome ways people are helping one other online. Here are just a few ideas that inspired me and maybe they will inspire you to serve someone in your community: 

- Make face masks for yourself or for medical offices:

How to make a face mask out of a bandana

How to make a face mask out of fabric

- Write fun or inspirational messages on your neighborhood sidewalks with chalk

- Hold a car parade for children missing a birthday party or for a couple that just got married and can't hold a reception.

- Donate blood

- Set up a virtual food drive for a local food pantry or homeless shelter using social media. 

- Put together a fundraiser for your favorite charity

- Celebrate healthcare workers. There a wonderful posts showing how various communities are applauding the sacrifice of those on the front lines fighting COVID-19. 

Organize a cheering squad in your neighborhood for when those workers come home! Just a little thought and kindness will go a long way to support those who are sacrificing so much right now.


FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

Ultimately, what I am most grateful for is the technology that allows me to see and be with my family! 

Yes! They are all a little crazy especially when they start adding those digital filters (trying to make me laugh)! 

But, what a blessing it is to see my kids' faces -- whether they are snuggled up in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn or hunkered down in Michigan, Ft. Worth or Eugene, Oregon. My favorite moments from the past few weeks - seeing my grandsons execute an awesome "obstacle course" set up in the basement by their mother! Or this - my own tiny little storm trooper!

GOOD NEWS!

Sure, the interwebs are reeking of bad news but there is also a wealth of good going on. A talented former TV news colleague, Andy Choi, just posted an initiative he's working on to spread GOOD NEWS. >

Andy Choi invites you to share good news!

Got some good news to share? Send your post or photos to Andy here!

I want to end by thanking YOU all for sharing your thoughts, ideas and talents online! I am so incredibly grateful for this digital technology, all those 0s and 1s, keeping us all connected!

What are you grateful for today? I'd love to hear what you've learned, discovered online, or tried for the first time because of this quarantine?