I was having coffee with a friend the other day when he began a sentence with, “What I’ve learned from the pandemic…” Now this is a dear friend who also became very, very ill when the pandemic hit New York City, so much so that there were a few nights when it didn’t seem likely he would pull through. This was before any of us realized just how bad it was going to be here in New York City. Before we realized that all of us would know at least a few people who barely survived and a few who did not. He is still not 100%.
What I’ve learned from the pandemic…
I’ll start with the easy ones.
Travel! My husband and I love traveling. So much so that when we first got together we talked about traveling the world with kids in tow, mind you this was before the reality of having actual children had hit us (Oh how young and foolish we were!) but we did fantasize a lot about the places we wanted to go and see. So in the next 6 months we have planned a couple big trips that we’ve been thinking about doing for years, but now are actually going to do.
I’m not a foodie. Actually that’s an understatement. I don’t care about that hot new restaurant that requires a 3 months in advance reservation. In fact I don’t care about eating out period. It turns out I can happily exist on a very boring diet of sameness for months and months at a time without ever varying it. The ice cream situation is a case in point. Did I tell you about the ice cream situation? No? It’s okay, I did a video about it that will be posting in another day or two. The same can be said about clothing. Comfort is everything at this point.
Masks. Here’s the thing about masks, I hate wearing them, I just have to say it, but I won’t be throwing them out any time soon. And while I’m at it I also hate wearing high heels, a bra and non stretchy clothing. In fact, underwear in general is annoying. However I do, on occasion, wear any and all of those things and even all at once. Okay, maybe not the high heels any more, but I am a woman of a certain age and I think that gives me the leeway to say, “No More!” Having said that, I would also like to take this moment to point out that I have not gotten sick, not even a cold, in over a year. That mask? Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’ll be putting that thing on again when I’m in the subway or massive crowds. And since I live in New York City the likelihood of finding myself in either of those situations is pretty good.
Germs are everywhere. This probably isn’t news to most of you, but I grew up in the country, making mud cakes, shoveling manure, picking berries and eating figs right off the tree. It was all considered very healthy and it was. Basically I’m one of the Beverly Hillbillies only moved to New York City. And now that I live in a thriving metropolis, washing fruit and vegetables is a given, along with my hands, to a degree that would make a germaphobe proud. Cities are basically massive petri dishes over flowing with germs eager to attack. Where did I put my mask? Did I mention the whole mask thing? Oh and also, hand sanitizer. Those are going right into my must-have-at-all-times along with some Kleenex, regardless of how many people get vaccinated.
Laughter. Any situation, no matter how awful, is better if I can find the humor in it. The Irish seem to have some sort of humor DNA that they’re born with, but as I don’t have Irish ancestry, just an Irish husband, which helps, but isn’t the same thing; mostly I’m left to my own devices on this one. Sometimes it’s hard and I have to dig deep, but that tiny kernel of humor is always there waiting to be discovered. Of course now, while I’m trying to think of something funny to say, I’m coming up empty. Humor’s like that. It creeps up and hits you in the face unexpectedly.
Family. This isn’t something I learned because of the pandemic, it’s more that the pandemic confirmed what I already knew. Family is everything.
Kindness. Again, not a big discovery moment because of the pandemic, but more a validation that when in doubt, kindness is the way to go. That and the art of not saying anything. This one is a big learning curve for me, but one of these days… Of course at that point, I’ll have to stop blogging and doing videos as well, because really, what else is there to say?
So.
What about you?
Bras. I am more than well endowed and I’d rather not wear one, and though I’m not too saggy at this point, going without could possibly be considered indecent exposure, lol.
I’m Irish with that constant sense of humor. Tony is 100% Italian. No sense of humor. Sarcasm, yes. We are from NY state so there’s that. I often feel like a comedian in an empty room….
I have one very good friend and one longer time friend, but both are busy. They get me (not easy to do) but we don’t spend a lot of time together.
My skin isn’t great and has been a problem my whole life, though since menopause, it wasn’t bad….till the pandemic. Now every time I wear a mask,I get breakouts. It sucks. I wear mine in crowds but rip that sucker off as soon as I get outside.
I wish I didn’t care about food. Then I wouldn’t be so “well endowed….”
Love reading and listening to you.
Hope your kids and hubby are better!
Hugs
Martha.
“I feel like a comedian in an empty room” Haha. I totally get that. Too funny. When people were complaining about wearing masks I wrote a whole thing about how they should try wearing a bra and those aren’t even saving people’s lives, it went on for awhile but then I decided not to post it. You’re welcome.
Everyone is now fine. ❤️
I don’t usual write replies to blogs but this one really touched me. Family and kindness – you got it right! They are the most important things. Bras – you got that one right too! Very unimportant to ladies of a certain age. I so enjoy reading your blog with all the wonderful information and helpful hints on getting started on embroidery. I don’t know when I stumbled onto your blog but it is one of my favorites. Your “walking tours” of New York are so enjoyable. I grew up on Long Island but now live in Hawaii. Took one of my sons and two young adult grandchildren to New York about five years ago. Their first ride in the subway, walk on the Highline, visit to 9/11 museum, Statue of Liberty, Central Park. Looking forward to coming for a visit again with more of my grandchildren.
Oh I’m so honored that you would reach out and leave a comment!! How wonderful – from Long Island to Hawaii. So the common denominator is the island part and it all just stops there! New York City is such a wonderful place. I’m so glad you took your grandchildren to visit!! ❤️
I love it! Well growing up in the hippie era, bra’s were a thing of the past since the 60’s. Peace, love and minimal clothing is still my motto, but only behind closed doors. Although I don’t own a bra, the years have brought on the pounds, so it’s gotta be covered.
I was brought up in an Italian/French family, so sarcasm is a mainstay. My farther was born and raised in Rochester NY. My mother from Europe, so sarcasm in my family were flying plates of spaghetti or meatballs flying across the table. Neither got each others sarcasm. As fo me I take after my dad. If you really don’t want to know my opinion, then don’t ask. I will be the one to tell you to put on those big boy panties and get over yourself. I have learned over the years to take it as much as I give it and that is a good thing.
The Pandemic was like round #2 for me. Mom’s family were doctors and one of her uncle’s was Houdini’s doctor. I have a picture of him with Houdini when he died. So the talk of the 1st Pandemic in the early 1900’s was always a topic of discussion and came back with the discovery of penicillin “if only it was here when…” Little did they know that if they wore masks if could have saved lives. Now being in medicine myself, I have realized that although it is not a cure, it did help in the prevention. But think of all of those that are now suffering with massive cold symptoms…….the mask prevented that from spreading and also the yearly flu bugs. Remember you wore that thing for a year and your systems have not built any new antibodies to protect yourself from the normal germs floating around. So yes when I am in crowds the mask goes back on. Jumping off the pedestal……Not only did I fall in love with your artistry, but you leave me in stitches of laughter with your humor. Have fun on your trips coming up.
Thanks so much CJ. It was so nice having you in the workshop. It made me happy. Also, love the story about your uncle being Houdini’s doctor. ❤️❤️
I did Wearable Art for years and wore it to advertise, but now it’s jeans and a sweat shirt. Much better for living in the woods and enjoying whatever fiber work appeals at the moment.
Haha! Yes. Comfort is key. ❤️❤️