My niece has dubbed coronavirus “Rona”, and I sort of like that. Especially its syllabic efficiency. And especially when you want to blame it for something. It seems a little more personal than coronavirus or Covid-19, like it’s a real entity you can blame. And I’m sure I’m not alone in blaming Rona for all sorts of things!
So, how is everyone doing during this scary and frustrating time? Way back in March, I thought this might not last too long. Certainly not through the end of summer, and that by Thanksgiving we would have been given an “all clear” and be back to normal. Naivete? Innocence? Stupidity? Whatever it was, my hope did not come to pass. We are still trying to #StayHomeStayHealthy and #BeStrongSeattle!
As someone who has always liked being home and has plenty to do at home, I was fine. That is until I wanted to run to the grocery, or longed for the serendipity of browsing in an interesting shop. Even going to the beach was not possible for a while. And I missed seeing people’s faces – their full faces!
But I’ve adapted. I’m not quite so anxious when I’m at the grocery store, I don’t disinfect my groceries any more and I’m okay going on “mission-oriented” forays into stores. I have met friends for socially-distanced-outdoor-takeout-lunches, and walks-in-the-woods-with-masks. I am taking an informal French class on Zoom, and attend an Instagram Live art class. And, of course, I catch up with friends via phone.
Wearing a mask has become comfortable, and I have extras just in case. Now that it’s colder out, and I’m grabbing a hat and gloves, I have occasionally forgotten to also grab a mask, and so have had to turn around and come home. Luckily, I’ve not been too far away, but keeping a couple extras in the car seems like a good plan. I still struggle with foggy glasses, and foggy brain – there seems to be some correlation between putting a mask on and the subsequent slowness of my brain – or mouth – or both! Or maybe it just comes from being in the now unique position to talk to others that is overtaxing me!
It’s definitely a different world we find ourselves in, and every decision we make has the additional layer of considering everyone’s health and safety. The holidays will look and be a lot different for most of us this year! For me, this experience has put a spotlight on health – my own, my friends’ and family’s, and the whole community’s. Having been blessed with good health, I may have taken my responsibility for granted, but not anymore! I am happy to be vigilant for the duration. I am trying to think creatively about adapting, staying in touch, maintaining relationships. But I am also remaining ever so hopeful that one day, sooner preferable to later, we will be able to say “So long, Rona!”.