Life in the Time of COVID. For the 2nd consecutive year.
The pandemic has not affected me in as many ways as it has others. I've been working from home for 16 years, so I've got that down to a science. This year, however, with the advent of Zoom and Microsoft Teams, there was no way I could avoid them. I liken virtual conference calls to Madonna: everyone says they hate her, but she still sold millions and millions of records and sold out all her live performances. By the same token, everyone says they hate Zoom and Teams, but everyone insists on using them. It might be of some benefit in a working situation, but the concept of virtual cocktails and parties appeals to me about as much as sticking a pencil in my eye does. I think they got pretty old pretty fast for just about everyone else I know, too.
It didn't take long to get used to carrying hand sanitizer and masks in my purse; but even after all this time, I still occasionally forget to don a face covering before entering an establishment. Aside from Shoppers Drug Mart, 7-11, FreshCo, Zehrs, Lovely Nails and Winners, I pretty much go nowhere.
This summer, my music buddy Bobby D took me to a porch concert at his friend Scott's house. It was a beautiful summer day and it sure felt good to soak up the sun and some fine sax! We also went once to the Victoria Tavern to see our favourite band the Soul Minors. Spaced out seating and fewer people actually made for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience!
It also didn't take long to get used to takeout as opposed to inside restaurant dining. We did venture out to restaurants a few times once restrictions were relaxed, and boy, did we love it! The Keg for our 40th wedding anniversary, La Rucola for Hubby's birthday, and a night to remember at Vito's Pizzeria in Walkerville with our good friend Ted, who was in town from Toronto on business.
Sadly, however, I have given up wearing dangly earrings. Just the thought of them getting all tangled up in the straps of my mask gives me the willies.
However, we may never stop doing takeout from our favourite fish and chips place, Pat & Hanks. They've got a system that runs like a fine tuned machine--the wait is never longer than 15 or 20 minutes. There's never been much atmosphere to miss by not "dining in" there. Plus, we don't have to dress up (I've often gone in there looking like a bag of dirt--but hey! With a mask covering half my face and sunglasses almost covering the rest, I'm good!)
I can count the times on one hand I did any home entertaining: 1) my mom's birthday in July; 2) my stepdaughter, son-in-law and grandson in November and 3) Christmas Day. That's it.
My stepson Matt drove down by himself from Toronto a couple of times and stayed with us for one night each time.
I haven't seen my granddaughter Madeleine or her mom, my darling daughter-in-law for more than 2 years. That hurts.
From early January 2021 until today, it was a very busy and lucrative year for me work-wise. Sometimes TOO busy, but after a 6 month draught of any paying work in 2020, I just felt I could NOT turn down work. However, come September, I realized I had too many balls in the air and was forced to do just that.
It was an easy decision to hang up my smock for good at Hospice, where I've volunteered several times a week for five years; I'm needed more at home now. But that being said, it doesn't stop me from missing the fun, fellowship and the satisfaction that came from knowing I made a difference.
One of the big bright spots of 2021 was my inaugural podcast with my friend Russell Drago. He conceived of the idea, produced it and paid for most of it, but we released it this month to warm and positive reviews from everyone who listened. It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun, and now I have a new skill to add to my repertoire!
Another bright spot was the deepening of my bond with my 16-yr-old niece Abby. She called me for help with an essay she was writing. We both love reading and movies so we've always got something to talk about. One day she just called out of the blue for no reason and we talked about life, love and the problems of the world for almost 2 hours. I can't describe the joy that brought me.
This time of year is always a reflective one for me. Since the year 2001, January 1 marks the anniversary of my father's passing in January 2000. Over the past 22 years I have come to accept that my world will always be slightly empty without him; accepting it doesn't mean that I like it. Each January 1, I light a candle as soon as I get up in the morning and let it burn all day in his honour. A comforting private ritual for me.
2021 was not kind to my beloved husband. I kept it to myself, but I had high hopes that the surgery he had in May would be the gateway to him feeling better. And while the surgery was a great success and no doubt saved his life, the feeling better part never materialized. When he's not feeling weak and dizzy and fatigued, he's in some kind of pain--arthritis or joints or leg cramps. It never ends. Nor, it seems, do the things that go wrong. Just when I think I one health problem has been resolved, another one crops up to take its place. But each time I entertain thoughts of throwing a pity party, I remind myself of how it must be for him. He never complains, so I don't either. It's my mission to make sure every day of his life is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
I've had to call an ambulance twice--once in September; the second time was Monday of this week. I've spoken to more doctors about more things than I ever have before; I'm on a first-name basis with Adam, our Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist.
In regard to my own health, everyone gets their wakeup call sooner or later, and this year I got mine. After eating, smoking and drinking whatever and how much I please for the most part, the time has come to pay the piper. Thanks to high blood pressure, I've had to cut out coffee, take and record my blood pressure every day, seriously limit salt and blah blah blah. Boring. And serves me right!
But through it all, my family and friends have stood by me, cheered me on, made me laugh and let me know I am loved. That's all that really matters, isn't it?
I'm never really sorry to see an old year end, but tonight, I can't help but hope that 2022 is brighter and kinder to us all.
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