What adjectives would you use to describe life now? In a week that has gone from bad to worse, in a year when calamitous seems to be the theme it is easy to get distracted, confused and forgetful, all symptoms of an overloaded life. There is so much going on. Easy to miss things. But it is essential that some things don’t get lost and overlooked.
Here is a little reminder.
Census
Make sure you have completed your census. Communities and governments are dependent on the funds that this generates. It is private and confidential, takes 10 minutes. Make sure you and your family are counted. The drop dead date is October 5, 2020. Update – the government has clarified it will be October 31. STOPPED OCTOBER 13 SCOTUS has blocked a lower court decision to allow it to continue, so it has now been stopped.
Full information on the census – Census.gov
The census form – mycensus.gov
Voting
There is an election coming – in 32 days. With issues that have been circulating about the election it is essential that voters ensure that they are registered and that all details are correct – including your signature. If your signature on record is 10 years old it may not be similar to your present day one.
Check.
You need to know if you can vote by mail, where to vote, where to drop off ballots. New York and New Jersey are different.
Vote.org is a one stop location for all things voting. You can register here, check your registration, get alerts and much more.
The New York Times has a great guide to step you through the process depending on where you live. (It may be behind a paywall, but take a look). Plan to Vote? Here’s What You’ll Want to Know
COVID19
The numbers are on the increase. The state of New York reported they were watching several communities that were experiencing spikes. Rockland county was one where spikes are reported ranging from 14% – 17% or 25% – 30% depending on the source. Police are now monitoring shopping locations and others. In New Jersey is also experiencing serious spikes in Lakewood. Again, this is serious, and this disease can affect everyone. It is up to all to do their bit, but clearly some aren’t helping. So wear a mask and keep a good distance. You have nothing to lose – and everything to gain.
Taxes
If you filed for a tax extension of your taxes in April the IRS wants to reminding people you have until October 15 to file. Of course you aren’t really go to forget that, but just in case.
Mental Health
We are in very strange times. There is a lot of uncertainty and the barrage of news daily has a cumulative effect. Working from home, remote learning, no opportunities for socializing takes a toll. Mental health is a concern. Make sure you take time to recharge and renew. Turn off. Go outside. Or take some minutes to watch some of the many calming videos on youtube that will take you somewhere else. Or the funny ones. And breathe.