It may feel frustrating, or worrisome, or even boring, but this is above all a profound time we’re living through. And, when we (hopefully) come through this astonishing, bewildering idle, we will have no choice but to settle into a new life. Because after 2020, things will never be the same again.
And even I am not dumb enough to predict what that new world will look like—my heart is set on better, but the smart money is on the lower, yet more precarious bar of transformed.
We may not be able to count on an improved world, but we can labor, during this time, to improve ourselves. Below is a list of some of the things I’ve learned while in quarantine.
Turtle Leeches An animal obsessed friend was playing with Crowley when he found a small turtle, the size of the palm of a hand. When he was showing us, we noticed small back objects clinging to both shell and skin.
At first, we all assumed it was poop. But then the “poop” began to move. Turns out, they were tiny leeches with cobra-shaped heads. In all, my friend pulled off eight leeches.
Later, I went to the Google.
Turns out, in the wonder and majesty of nature, there are leeches can only suck the blood of turtles.
It makes sense, because in my yard there’s a swarm of rabid mosquitos who will only suck the blood of me.
Self-Soothing There’s an online business called Steampunk Tendencies. They post videos of the creation of the items that they then put up for sale. There’s one clip of an artist painting gold filigree around the edge of a large conference table—freehand.
The first couple of times I watched, I marveled at the skill and ease of the painter. Viewing it a few more times, I noticed how peaceful it made me feel. After I’d been watching it on loop for a while, I was so chill, I was almost drooling.
Honest, it’s more calming than a valium washed down with a martini.
Talenti Chocolate Sorbetto I always kept a tub of Talenti chocolate sorbet in my chill chest. It was creamy and delicious and only 150 calories per serving. I only ate it by the spoonful, from the container, standing in front of the freezer. But when I needed some chocolate before I opened my mouth and let spill the poison darts my brain was thinking it was my delicious go-to.
Sixteen months and nine days ago, they retired the flavor—and broke my heart.
But it’s back! There’s a few more calories, but it’s still an amazing, frozen, chocolaty treat. In my freezer right now? A half-eaten pint and a brand new, full container for backup.
Phone Fun for Almost Everyone If you own a phone, you probably haven’t noticed, but each day this madness goes on, it becomes tougher and tougher to give cell phones a hard pass. Try ordering food for curbside pickup, or checking-in for an appointment, or buying a ticket for something without a smartphone.
Training For Rapture I am convinced that when the lockdowns are over, and people go back to work on a daily basis, there will be two kinds of folks.
The kind that took this time to work out and train, transforming their bodies into tight, rippling sculpture.
And, the kind that exercised by hiking to the kitchen, binged a ton of TV, and existed on the four basic food groups of fat, salt, sugar, and cheese.
Hey, whatever it takes to make it through to the other side, right?
Thanks for your time.
Contact me at d@bullcity.mom.
bull city mom 