If we were playing that drinking game, “Never did I ever…” and now someone were to say “live in a time of a global pandemic” we’d all have to drink.
Despite having an extreme attraction to dystopian novels and movies, living in one is decidedly less fun. Schools have closed, all group gatherings are prohibited, you should only go out for essential needs, and you must maintain 6ft distance from anyone that is not in your immediate household. Stay away from your aging parents because you could kill them. Oh and the fear of catching a virus (that might have come from bats attacking chickens in some outdoor market in Wuhan, China) that could kill you by destroying your respiratory system. Great.
I mean, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid. The regular idea of suffocating or drowning already makes me panic and stay away from water sports.
But another thing I’m really good at is compartmentalizing things. Let me put that fear over there, in a box and close the lid. I’ll just do my shelter in place (SIP), figure out what my new routines are (now with compulsive hand-washing), and keep going on while trying to find everyday joys in this new normal.
The Joys
Monday
Kicked off with talking to people on the phone. Other people suggested this and I don’t think I’ve talked to anyone on the phone for just a social call in a long time. Honestly in this day and age, I always just text people and the only people I talk to regularly on the phone are my family, but this inspired me to make more calls.
Thursday
Cindy and I decided to do a FaceTime dinner, and make two versions of deconstructed California rolls.
Friday
Laurie FaceTime called me with baby Cyrus on screen from a tent set up in their living room.
Then Christina and I chatted and we learned how to use the additional silly features in FaceTime, like stickers and Animoji heads.
Saturday
Still from bed, Chiawen regaled me in the tale of acquiring a dog in Ireland before SIP was set in place in London. Plains, trains, ferries, trying to pretend to be someone he isn’t, and dog pee. I laughed at the ridiculousness of it all, but it was a wonderful way to start my day.
There are moments I hope to remember after this is all over. Feeling close to people I really like talking to and figuring out together new ways to connect and show that we care.
Disclaimer: Obviously I’ve talked to far more people than just the above via various methods and I appreciate you all, it’s just the above seemed very much out of the ordinary from my pre-rona lifestyle.
