Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of journal entries from members of our community as we adapt to stay at home orders during the COVID-19 outbreak. I’ve gone back and forth wondering if these entries will fit the “Good Things” focus of Live in Everett, but everything about relating, connecting and learning from our neighbors is a Good Thing. ~Linda

JOURNAL ENTRY: 8

Tom Norcott

Community Activist
Harborview Seahurst Glenhaven (HSG) Neighborhood

 April 22, 2020

During the last week I worked on domestic responsibilities like vacuuming, laundry, dishes, mowing the lawn (what I call "invisible work" except to me). Since being retired when I was 60 years old and for the last 10 years, I have accepted my place in life with gratitude. It took me a couple of years to reach that level of acceptance.

My typical day involves getting up when I feel like it, enjoying homemade coffee, reading the Everett Herald and listening to sport commentator talking heads (the subject matter very thin lately with no sports on television) Every day I plan for some form of exercise like yoga, walking, e-biking, and or stretching, I am fortunate to be married to a good natured active wife for the last 35 years. I have gotten active on Zoom in the last month and have regular fellowship, east coast and west coast social, city, climate change meetings. I went through a drought of what to do for the first few weeks of the virus outbreak. I really like Zoom.

After the virus outbreak. I will continue my proactive involvement with the city of Everett Council of Neighborhoods, Monte Cristo awards planning, HSG meetings and events, Board of Directors for Everett City Recreation and Parks and Milltown Credit Union, and Snohomish County Planning Commission. I try to stay focused on what I call the 4 legs of the stool : 1) eat healthy,  2) get adequate rest, 3) exercise body and mind, and 4) maintaining relationships with friends and family

My thoughts on the virus pandemic: I am grateful to have avoided getting sick during the last few months - am more aware of how important relationships are without face to face meetings - I can still be a productive member of society. The pandemic experience has given me access to movies I would not necessarily watch. I am an active participant of standing board games on our kitchen table like chess, scrabble, cribbage, and Rummikub. I don't feel a big difference between retirement and quarantine. It may sound odd but to me the main difference is the extra care to stay safe (reduced mobility), focusing more on the present, and using judgment for moderating too much media.

Live in Everett is your central hub for local delight. Restaurants, culture, events, and opportunities for civic engagement are just a few of our favorite things to share about. Learn more about us here, and join us as we proudly wave the Everett flag.