Just My Type

The Coronavirus Blues

by Mary Ellen [maryellen@ocalasgoodlife.com]

Let me begin by saying I am in no way making fun of anyone who has been affected by COVID-19 or belittling the suffering of victims, their families, or the seriousness of this deadly virus. But as we all endure self-isolation now, when it ends, our lives will never be the same again, and I’ll share some personal revelations I’ve had as a result of this unprecedented worldwide quarantine.

To quote Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, “there’s no place like home.” As of this writing, Day 33 of Florida’s stay-at-home order, I realize that although I’m restricted from travel, visiting, attending church services, and eating out, I couldn’t be in a better place because I’ve been forced to literally stop and smell the roses in my own backyard.

Butterflies dip and flutter around my colorful hibiscus, zinnias, and red geraniums. Several species of birds twitter and chirp as they enjoy my bird feeder. Even a pair of mallards, which I’ve dubbed “Fred” and “Ethel,” visit my yard daily to feast on birdseed that has fallen to the ground. Another aspect of home is that I will never take my appliances for granted again. Sure, I always used my washer, dryer, dishwasher, and vacuum, but because of preparing three meals at home a day, plus snacks, I appreciate the machines that make my life easier much more now than before. My dishwasher that I loaded maybe two times a week is now running daily as I use more plates, bowls, pots, and pans. Same thing with my washer and dryer. These two appliances are dependable, never complaining, always waiting for me to fill them with whatever I throw in. That gives me more time to vacuum with “Hazel,” my other favorite appliance.

I have also binged on more TV shows and movies during this time than in my entire life up to this point. I now know every Star Wars character in every prequel and sequel—which ones are Jedis, who went to the dark side and when, and who their parents are. I am up to the sixth installment in The Avengers series—something I never would have watched before—and know every Disney princess as well as The White Princess, The Spanish Princess, The White Queen, and countless other historical figures that have been brought to life on the popular streaming services. I feel like I’ve accessed the video version of CliffsNotes. The bright side? Any bit of trivia or actual facts I may have retained could come in handy if I ever become a contestant on Jeopardy.

But sometimes we do need to venture out and wearing a mask is important to protect myself and others from the virus. Another advantage of wearing a mask is that I can talk to myself and no one will see my lips move! And aside from having fogged-up glasses, I really don’t mind wearing one. The only disadvantage is that no one can see me smile.

On the other hand, no pun intended, rubber gloves are a bit of a nuisance. I don’t know about you, but my hands sweat so much while wearing them that I think I’ve gone down two ring sizes! Too bad I can’t say the same about my waistline. Then I realized that eight weeks without a haircut, any weight I gained is probably on my head. No amount of hair gel can coax my grey locks into submission. I’m beginning to look like Albert Einstein without the high IQ. And don’t get me started on toilet paper hoarding.

Having said that, the most important thing is that my husband and I and our families and friends in Florida and “up north” are healthy and safe. Looking forward to better days, we will appreciate what we have and who we have in our lives and continue to slow down and smell the roses in our own backyard. Because even though we don’t want to be in self-isolation ever again, Dorothy was right. There is no place like home..