Today, I went out to grocery shop and go to the office supply store. It took longer than usual which increased my chance to notice that certain things have changed since the pandemic and social distancing regulations began in March. Some of the changes are for the better, some not so much. I’ll let you decide which category into which they fall.
Have you noticed…….
more road construction than usual?
that there is a coin shortage?
shopping (of any kind) is not enjoyable.
that some people wear masks and some don’t. (Most people, including me, had masks on today.)
parents out walking or playing with their children after dinner.
that certain items are more pricey than they were before the pandemic? (My tea bags were very expensive today. I am assuming it’s a supply chain problem.)
paper products and cleaning products are still hard to come by.
package deliveries are delayed or the time of delivery is changed en route.
people have slowed down.
people still drive crazy with and without masks!
that traveling seems more important (desirable) than before.
we need more frequent breaks from the 24/7 news cycle.
we need a unifying issue, and although the COVID-19 pandemic could have been one, sadly, it is not.
the WHO and CDC still have good, credible information.
babies are still being born, and people still die.
nature is rejuvenating.
silence truly is golden.
reading a good book is still satisfying.
a good sunrise or sunset is priceless.
I read something the other day that said the effects of the pandemic could last two years or more. I sincerely hope that is not the case, but if it turns out to be we can comfort ourselves in those things that have improved due to this experience or at least have remained the same, like a good cup of coffee or a cool breeze floating through the window at night. What have you noticed during the pandemic?
Today is Slice of Life Tuesday. Thanks to the TwoWritingTeachers.org blog for hosting this forum for the exchange of the written word each week.
The Apples in My Orchard 
Wow…that sunset is gorgeous. I have been noticing nature more since the pandemic. It is somehow comforting to know the sun still rises and sets, flowers still bloom, life still goes on. There are so many things that are different yet some of the most important things remain. Thanks for a thoughtful post.
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Yes, thank you for that glorious photo! I can relate to so many of the things on your list. I agree with this so much – “that traveling seems more important (desirable) than before.”
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your thought about travel is so apropos. Is our desire to travel stronger now that it is so much more difficult or impossible? Some people do wear masks and others don’t in New York City, but I don’t feel like becoming the facemask police. And I have discovered that I really do prefer to grocery shop in person rather than have it delivered, though it still might be safer to have delivery. I just don’t know. But I do know that your sunset photo is priceless.
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There are so many good things on this list! I wish taking a break from the news was easier for me. I’m getting better, but I’m not where I need to be.
Just this afternoon I was talking with a friend about the idea of slowing down. We agree that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I kind of like it. Thank you for a thoughtful post!
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Our oldest son has been home with us this summer. He’s a grad student at Iowa State. At his request, we are watching less news. It’s been a good thing! It does get overwhelming and depressing at times. On another note, I like being slowed down as well.
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Being allowed down has its advantages!
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It certainly does!
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Things have certainly changed. I have noticed that people are going out of their way to help others.
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That’s great! I have noticed that too on occasion.
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I noticed the day to day changes in nature during the spring and now during the summer.I agree with Kathleen that it is comforting to know that the sun will rise and flowers will bloom.
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Nature is always comforting! We should try to remember that and visit with it more often. Thanks!
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