You tell me: Have I been hunkering down a little too much?
1) I spy a foreign object on the sofa cushion. Nonchalantly, I pop it into my mouth, assuming it’s a walnut from my chocolate chip cookie. Surprise, it’s not. It’s a sliver of pepperoni from my left-over pizza last week-end.
2) I marvel at the word nonchalantly and roll it around in my mouth for half-a-minute (along with the pepperoni).
3) The word elucidate comes to mind. I think of the person who introduced me to it and marvel (once again) how that word seems to be popping up in my sheltered life. The Covid Virus has turned the world upside down. It needs more elucidating, but that remains elusive.
4) Last week or 70 days ago, I was out convening (walking) on a nature path with my mask securely in place. A mother with two little girls saw me and fumbled to secure over-sized masks to their sweet faces. I gave her the "please don't bother with the masks" wave. All three were happy to engage a stranger, just as I was happy to talk to them. Clearly, this example has nothing to do with the question above. I just wanted to share a warm, fuzzy feeling.
5) I consider my morning run an outing. If I get a nod or wave from a fellow walker or jogger, the status of the outing is elevated to a social event, akin to a first date. Yesterday, a woman with a fabulous hair cut mouthed “good job” as we ran passed each other. It felt like a second date to me!
6) If I apply mascara before leaving the house it indicates, “Tammy’s going out on the town,” AKA check'in the mailbox.
7) I get fixated by TV reporter's homes. One reporter has his book shelves color coded! One shelf is populated with lime green items--all appearing to be books! Another shelf-orange! Reds live on the bottom! Are these objects videos, books, 8-track tapes? My gawd! How do I find out? I’ll goggle the reporter and tweet him about his home decor. Is he a designer on the side? I need answers!!!
8) I develop a crush on David Faber, from CNBC. I watch him every morning. Nine months into the pandemic, I still don’t know the difference between a dividend and a stock. But damn, the man never has a hair out of place. If I find out that's a rug on his head, I’m going to dye my own hair red! Oh wait, been there, done that.
9) I spent $78 on a needle point kit that I will finish around 2045 (only if the pandemic lasts that long).
10) I have eight new jigsaw puzzles in the closest! I’m not that bored.....yet!!
11) I dreamt last night I was maneuvering myself on a kiteboard. I caught the wind just right and went flying a couple feet above the Atlantic Ocean, tasting freedom and salt water. Today, a delivery came: a board, kite and a box of gummy edibles. My bank account can't handle any more of these middle-of-the-night Amazon orders. Note to self: Hide the damn phone before bed!
12) I practice walking around the house in my FM stilletos for the day when I actually need them.
13) I’m having a virtual affair with someone, or a bot, on my WWF app (words with friends). When I notice the board is sprinkled with hotel, affair, knickers and lust, I know it’s time to hit delete.
14) I decide to throw caution to the wind and go on a date with my husband--I mean hurricane force category 5 winds. Meaning: we are going all out! We head to the local indoor gun range for a private introductory and defensive shooting class where no one but us are wearing masks. There are no Purell bottles or Clorox wipes laying about to indicate that work surfaces, bullets or guns are being wiped down. Yes, yes! I see the irony here. We are learning to “protect ourselves” in this unprotected environment. (FYI: We’re in Florida, ok!)
15) I am slowly becoming a vegetarian. Considering that I grew up on a cattle farm and ate beef three times a day, this is a hell of a statement. I've essentially run out of beef (and chicken) recipes. Sorry Dad!
16) I am ironing! I don’t think I need to expand on that! I have sooo stayed in too long!!
17) Six months ago, a friend pointed out the seam on my shirt had pulled apart. I’m considering stitching it. However, it is under the armpit, so———-.
18) I’m picking snails off the underside of my basil leaves.
19) A friend is fed-exing me his sour dough starter kit. I know, I’m late to the game.
20) I’ve spent so much time binge-watching Netflix and staring at the ceiling, that I’ve noticed a fan up there. I’m sharing a secret here with you all. Ceiling fan blades attract dust, lots and lots of dust. Who knew??
Here’s to seeing each and everyone of you OUT and about when it’s safe to do so!
