Covid Life…Extended Play
There’s an old colloquialism we use for when we’re reaching a deadline or time limit. We say, ‘I finished it at the 11th hour’, right? Well, here we are at the 11th week. Gah. Who knew? Not me. While things have ‘relaxed’ a bit here in Ontario, we are still shopping with masks on, physical distancing and isolating. I’m guessing that’s still happening in most places. 2020 has, so far, been a time of slowing down, self-reflection and also some stress. But another old saying I like to apply is, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. Actually, I never say that. Lol – But when you’re stuck in a situation that everyone else is also in, you have to make the best of it. For me and some pals from my ‘year’, 2020 was a milestone for us – we turned the big 6-0. The best laid plans (oh there’s another one of those sayings) of celebrating fell through to Zoom chats and sneaking in the back yard of a friend’s for a distanced celebration. Definitely memorable, if not what was on the agenda! Regardless, this will be a time for the history books. For me, that’s included walking Dre (a lot), finding new trails and nature perks, perfecting Zoom (yoga, book club, Euchre nights, work) and eating far too much. Life could be ‘much’ worse. I am grateful for the opportunity to pretty much live this out in comfort, if not in clothes with buttons and zippers. Waiting for the world to return to normal isn’t what most people want, and when the time comes to open the door, it’ll be interesting to see how we’ve changed, what we will change and how we will make the world a better place. It really needed a breather from us. I’m actually enjoying this strange journey. Tripping around without the usual traffic, crowds and noise, is pure joy!
Jim Smith
May 29, 2020 at 5:04 pmA great day! Momentous! I was glad to see you and have a little part of the joy (and the cookie!). THis is a wonderful addition to day in the life. Looking forward to many more, now that you can legally smoke, drink, and vote!
diane
May 29, 2020 at 6:37 pmThanks Jim! It was a fun day for sure. We miss you. Hope to see you at Cherry Beach soon. It’s not too crowded.
Trisha
June 1, 2020 at 5:50 pmEnjoyed your reflection Di on the way things are. I go back and forth – sometimes loving it and sometimes not. I miss the carefree days of the past where you didn’t have to worry about how close you got to a stranger…or a friend. I miss when people would smile as you went past; now they pull their bodies away and avert their eyes. It is a good break for the planet and that is a silver-lining in all this to be sure and I hope we come out of this with a greater respect for nature, relationships, and how connected as a planet we truly are. Glad you are back writing…always a pleasure to read! How about a series of on Covid Lives?
diane
June 1, 2020 at 6:53 pmI agree, especially the part about strangers. Normally we are friendlier and I find myself moving away and trying to stay the required 6 feet. Thanks re; the writing etc. I’d love to do a little Covid Lives anthology but I noticed after the first 2 weeks or so, outdoor life got busier and the city lost its ghostly appearance. It’s hard to tell the difference these days between lockdown and open up! It’s so hard in the nicer weather. It will definitely be interesting to see what the future looks like.