Irreverent Pandemic Joys (Vol.3)

I have found it to be encouraging for me to jot down some things that I have discovered (or rediscovered) during this time of quarantine. The days have been strange (understatement) but have also been a time of reflection for me. I have mixed introspection with my usual feeling of neuroticism, so that has been a nice change of pace.

Walks

Like the rare cicada that pokes its head from the dark earth and into the warming rays of the sun once every 15 years, we have all found ourselves outside more. I have taken to walking a few times daily. Apparently, you do not need a globally crippling pandemic to head outdoors and breathe fresh air. Oh nature, where have you been all my life?! Many of us have taken our dogs, children, and socially distant significant others out with us in attempt to seize the day and smell the roses. My walking buddy is a rambunctious 2 and a half year old who has taught me more than the Kratt Brothers. It is beautiful to explore a tired world through his eyes. With renewed imagination, I have truly came to further appreciate a creation I missed. His pace often makes me walk just a little slower through the madness to breathe a new air. Who needs Netflix?

Banana Bread

In my younger days, I had quite the penchant for baking. But like all dreams, age robbed me of this joy. Now in the twilight of my youth (and a global pandemic), I have rediscovered a lost love. What started as a whim – something to do with the loads of browning bananas – has enraptured my soul, making me feel alive again. Be still my heart! Thy love now comes in loaf form. This has also been a great way to trick my son into eating more fruit. I call this a “win-win”.

Neighbors

With this time of strolling through the neighborhood, we have met people we typically spend little time getting to know. Our neighborhood has sort of opened up, bringing out those which share a street with us. This current state of life has turned me from “keep your head down and keep moving” to “howdy neighbor! how bout that weather?”. The innocence in this is beautiful, and reinforces a sense of community often lost. At this stage, introverted me has become desperate for adult interaction. Instead of being lost in my own thoughts, I have grown accustomed to saying “hello” with a deep urge for them to like me “please like me! I have banana bread!“. Pro Tip: if you want people to talk to you, acquire a pet or toddler. This will help you seem less threatening/desperate.