March 15, 2020 - According to coronavirus experts, that's the day Jer and I were informed that we are officially "elderly". So with that being said, March 15th is also the day we started on this lonely adventure called "self isolation". Yep! Just 1.72 months ago, 7+ weeks ago, 51 days ago, 1224 hours ago, 73,345 minutes ago, or ------ whatever! I think you get it! It's been a long time!
So, let me ask you. How has your social distancing, self isolating, and/or quarantining going? I'm guessing it's been interesting, just like this unprecedented time has been. Schools have closed, retail stores and restaurants have closed (some are slowly reopening now), we've been told to stay 6 feet away from each other, people are purchasing their groceries curbside, social groups larger than ten are now considered illegal, and the latest fashion accessories have become covid masks and latex gloves. Wow! Could it be we're just reliving a 1960's episode of the "Twilight Zone"? This is so crazy!
So, I tell myself, "Diane, there's a silver lining in everything. Search for it." So, just like the amazing, young mothers out there who are forced into homeschooling their own children, I gave myself an assignment. My assignment is to write an essay on what I have learned during this covid isolation. And remember Diane, try, try, TRY to keep it positive. So here goes:
Things I've Learned During My Covid Isolation
1) I DO know how to cook! It's amazing but my go-to recipes have expanded from 4 to 14! And when I don't have all the necessary ingredients, I've learned to substitute. Wow! I'm starting to feel like my grandma living during the depression! Where's my washboard?
2) However; when 5 o'clock rolls around, don't substitute flavored water for wine. It's just not the same! Duh!
3) If you let your car sit unused long enough, the battery will go dead. How fascinating! That's never happened before.
4) Your piercings will go shut if you don't regularly insert the earring/stud/whatever. I won't tell ya which piercing. Figure that out for yourself!
5) Those little weird habits that never bothered you before, will bother you now! Even after 42+ years of marriage! (Love ya honey!)
6) One word can set me off. Today the word was "when". When. When? WHEN! How the heck do I know!! Does anyone know? Don't ask again!
7) I want my food served on something other than Styrofoam! And plastic silverware? Useless!
8) I don't bounce back as fast as I used to. After two little/not so little spills in the last 10 days, I've realized that falling hurts! Really hurts! And no, I don't feel like fishing the day after!
9) I miss my friends. I really miss my kids. And I really, really, really miss my grandkids. Facetime just isn't the same, and there's nothing better than an in-person hug!
10) However-
The grass is greener.
The birds sing louder.
The sun is warmer.
The flowers smell sweeter.
And my heart is fuller.
I've come to realize - the best things in life are free. So savor your surroundings my friends, and do your best to stay well. I pray we are together soon! We can do this!!
