This weekend I went out into the world.\u00a0 I had a fancy expensive coffee and found myself a new old outfit.\u00a0 I bought a few birthday presents for my oldest daughter who turns 18 this weekend. Gulp.\u00a0 I went to church.\u00a0 And despite wearing a mask, and standing six feet apart, and covid screening at the door – it felt almost normal.\u00a0 Okay, maybe normal is a stretch.\u00a0 But it was the closest I’ve felt to life before the pandemic and it felt good.<\/p>\n
Today I’m feeling the restrictions and isolation again, maybe bigger than before.\u00a0 I had a taste of the outside world and I already miss it.\u00a0 Have you been out?\u00a0 Have you struggled with going back into isolation after?<\/p>\n
Normally, I am only out for groceries and other essentials.\u00a0 It’s a quick hello at the checkout.\u00a0 And as much as you try to make small talk, there’s some difficulty through the masks and plexiglass wall.\u00a0 Usually you talk over or misunderstand the other person.<\/p>\n
Monday I showed up to work in my new old outfit.\u00a0 I did my hair and makeup, determined to be productive and have a good day.\u00a0 I was distracted and lacked focus.\u00a0 I missed people.\u00a0 Feeling so far away from the world out my window.<\/p>\n
Today,\u00a0I’m sitting in my leggings and favourite hoodie, with my hair up in a messy ponytail and wondering if anybody else feels like the world is going on without them sometimes.<\/p>\n
It seems so many people are back to normal.\u00a0 My husband goes to work and my youngest goes to school, but I’m still here.\u00a0 \u00a0I caught a glimpse of normal this weekend and now I feel left behind again.\u00a0 Like the world is going on around me, but without me.\u00a0\u00a0I don’t talk to co-workers unless it’s an email or occasional video chat.\u00a0 \u00a0Remember the days of avoiding people and co-workers?\u00a0 “I just want to be left alone.”\u00a0 Ha.\u00a0 Careful what you wish for.<\/p>\n
I even miss the days of throwing on headphones to tune out co-workers on those busy days where you just know if\u00a0 you don’t do something, you’ll get caught up in the conversation and will never get your work done.<\/p>\n
I actually think working from home has left me more productive.\u00a0 No distractions.\u00a0 Even the cat avoids me for the most part now.<\/p>\n
It’s hard being at home. Even though I appreciate being able to work from home, it’s still hard.\u00a0 And to be honest, the thought of “back to normal” is a bit scary.\u00a0 I like the idea of it.\u00a0 I just don’t know how hard it’s going to be to get back to normal.\u00a0 I don’t know that I want to go back to dressing up for work and trying to figure out how to get somewhere on time. Packing a lunch.\u00a0 Forgetting said lunch on the counter.\u00a0 (smile)<\/p>\n
I hope there is a good period of time that we are given some grace to adjust to “normal” again.\u00a0 I’m pretty sure I’m going to be awkward and shy and uncomfortable.\u00a0 And probably going to need a lesson in how to dress.\u00a0 Is Queer Eye still a thing?\u00a0 Can someone get me on the show?\u00a0 I’m pretty sure I’m going to need some sort of glam squad to help me get back in the world.<\/p>\n
That’s my view today.<\/p>\n
Still working from home.\u00a0 Distracted by sunshine and birds singing out my home office\/ scrapbook room window.\u00a0 \u00a0Thinking of people I used to see every day and now miss.<\/p>\n
Wondering if anyone else feels like the world is going on around you without you in it?\u00a0 Does anybody miss me?<\/p>\n
Reach out anytime and stay connected as we continue on in this crazy world.\u00a0 I love to hear from you and know that I’m not alone.<\/p>\n