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Fantasy


We've entered the second spring of this pandemic, and I'm finding myself missing some rather odd things, and daydreaming about the days when they'll (hopefully) return...

- Writing in coffee shops. I used to take my computer to a public table to write these posts, and it turns out that I am actually more productive in that setting. Something about the ambient sounds and activity gives my background brain something to do, and it's always nice to have a beverage and a snack that I didn't have to prepare (although that's not the primary factor, like I thought it was).

- Not feeling pressured to streamline my errands. In the Before Times, I would block off nearly a whole Saturday for erranding, and loiter my way along a route planned around at least two local eateries - but between preordering and limited capacities and trying not to breathe on people, everything goes a lot quicker now.

- Discussion groups, and discussing with groups. People gathered in a living room to talk and laugh and share ideas is definitely something my extroverted heart loves. And the thought-fodder of those conversations that provides thinking material for days after.

- Smelling candles. And flowers. And bath bombs. And food. And... I don't mean "not being able to smell as a symptom" I mean "not being able to fully appreciate the scent because of the layers of cloth that are wrapped around my nose." 

- Hugs. Loved one squeezy hugs, acquaintance side hugs, random stranger you just a shared a Moment with on the cereal aisle hugs... I miss them all. I've tried to accept letter writing as a temporary substitute (more on that next month), on both the sending and receiving end of things, but it's really really not the same.

Don't get me wrong, I know that there are still plenty of things to be grateful for, even some of the things on this list (as an example, preordering groceries has really helped my grocery budget - I didn't realize how much I was impulsively buying before!) but mixed in with that is mourning, and that's okay too. I can dream of the days when unsanitary social practices return, while still hoping that some recent changes (like curbside pickup) endure.

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