Masking the Normal

You know, you can make someone very unhappy when you say, “is this the new normal?” Trust me, I did and didn’t even mean to. Like wearing masks, not going to school, no more handshaking (which by the way, I’m completely cool with), and keeping apart in stores. Which also, by the way, I’m so okay with. Truth be told, I like having that invisible hula hoop of space between others. Have you ever been paying at the grocery store and someone is literally on top of you, waiting for you to sign that pesky card reader, breathing as though you’re taking more than the 10 seconds it takes to scrawl your mark and press ‘submit’. I dig it. But today…today was hilarious. I’m waiting at the entrance of the store in my car while my mother runs in for more hot dogs (we were 2 short for lunch) and a stretched, black Escalade glides in front of me and out pops a man. The car barely made a full stop and he was out the door. He was masked in this handkerchief and running toward the door. If this moment had only happened five months ago, I’d have called the cops and headed for the back to save my poor, hotdog-buying-mother. But it was just another customer, running in for whatever they were missing two of, no doubt. Isn’t it crazy? Do you wear a mask in places? I mean there are places that denies you entry without face coverings, but what about the others that are relaxed about the rule? I admit, I’ve gone in without one and I’m looked at like I’ve broken the law. Like I’m spilling chemicals with each breath I heave. “I forgot my mask!” I feel like shouting before I’m taken out and flogged. It’s such a weird time. And I certainly hope it’s not the new normal.

Onto an unrelated thought. I was driving down the interstate and saw a truck that had ‘Love your Veggies’ written on it. Now watch this…how my mind wanders. When did veggies become a word? Can we do this ‘ies’ with other words? I can imagine a mother trying to coax her tight-lipped toddler into eating their broccoli and while zooming the fork in for the landing, she says “Eat your veggies”. Because let’s face it, vegetables are so formal. Who can say it in a sing-song tone that your kid would open his mouth for it. Not that veggies makes the jaw unhinge. But it softens the formality of it. I had a beloved dog I named Walter. He was sooo a Walter. Large, gray, ghost-eyed Weimaraner. But what did I do when I talked lovey to him? “Come on Waltie”. Isn’t it crazy? Have you softened a word by changing the ending?

Onto the week…thank goodness it doesn’t resemble last week. Remember I had 7 doctor appointments last week? I thought I was going to hide on Friday and never come out. Yes, I got a haircut finally! And although I thought after not getting a cut since January, I’d resemble a castaway, it turns out only the top grew. After half an inch, I’m looking like me. Should I be taking vitamins? And the dentist, you ask…after not going for 2 years? It turns out I’ve been hiding for nothing. Recap: my last appointment, after 3 years, she said I had 6 cavities. I mean, come on, do I know anything about the bristols on the end of that handle? Do I not aim them nightly and move up and down? Evidently not with six cavities. I was so embarrassed, I left with my head hung and grabbing all the free toothbrushes they’d give me. But not really. This dentist, a new one, after looking at the same teeth I had 2 years ago, told me I only had one. One. Easy peasy. But then I have one that needs a crown. As long as it’s pretty, I’m fine. 🙂 Makes you wonder about the dentist that told me I had six. hmmm.

So here’s to a wonderful week, everyone. I have 3 doctor’s appointments in total for this one. Follow up for that cavity, and two for my daughter. I’m trying to take it one day at a time. After last week, I think this is doable.

Have a good one, everyone!! I’ll keep you posted on some sewing projects I’ve been making in my head at nights. I hope to sit in front of my machine soon and bring them to life. 😉