Observations on Our New Way of Life

My Corona-based Lifestyle Changes

1. I no longer wear expensive makeup below eye level, since only my forehead and eyes show above my mask
2. I’m watching old movies (William Powell, Myrna Loy, Cary Grant, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart). Hmm, I wondering could this be a form of escapism? 
3. I’ve discovered BBC’s virtual tours, Museums in Quarantine. Lovin’ it! I also watch the stuffy British weatherman, who comes on after the show. He reminds me of Alfred, Batman’s butler.
4. Zoom gatherings are booming during this new era of virtual meet ups. Even so, I feel like I’m watching Hollywood Squares, the old television game show.
5. I sing and hum a lot—which is really an acceptable way of talking to yourself.
6. I’ve become so used to sweats and tennies, I may never wear underpinnings or patent leather shoes again.
7. When my son calls and asks, “What did you do today?” My latest response was: “I changed 2 light bulbs, trimmed my toenails, and identified the songbirds chirping merrily outside my deck.” His response: “That’s nice. I walked the dog 3 times today.” 
8. A big shout out to my retired niece, Katy, who’s read 30 books this year!!
9. I go to bed earlier and get up later. No problem. I get some of my best blog inspiration while in the twilight zone.
10. I ponder a future of reduced social exposure. Will handshaking go the way of the dial telephone? Will there be more virtual doctor’s appointments? Will escalators replace elevators? Will grocery shopping be done by appointment? (Whatever happens, I do hope we maintain the one-way arrows in the supermarket aisles. I like having my own lane.)
11. I’ve never used a food delivery service before, but I’m beginning to like that, too. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before one of the grocery stores offers to put your purchases in the refrigerator and slip the meatloaf in the oven. 
12. I’m ready for a comeback of the old drive-in movie theaters, including perky food hops. Take in your movies al fresco this summer. Just set up a lawn chair and beer cooler in the back of your pickup truck and enjoy a nostalgic evening of vintage westerns.
13. Restaurants will take to the streets this summer with more patio seating and takeout items. I will be there to encourage them. 
14. Teachers, care givers, food workers, and medical personnel will gain new appreciation and, hopefully, better pay. In times like these, we discover who really does the everyday work, that keeps our cities humming.                                                                                                                         

Hmmm. . . Could Be Wrong

Then, again, I maybe wrong on each, or most, of these counts. We might just return to normal and resume our old ways within months. But some of our Covid changes and insights might be worth keeping. 

In the meanwhile, when you leave the house, pretend you’re a 2020 version of Zorro, the masked, vigilante, protecting the hurting and helpless. Wear a mask—but over your nose and mouth, not just your eyes.

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