Sometimes the pandemic gets to me. It was Friday, the end of a typical work week, and I realized I had no plans for the weekend. Plans might mean seeing my kids or grandchildren. Having a friend over for lunch outside. Nothing big, but something! I decided I will go Sunday morning to pick up two items I need from the store. Shopping on a weekend.

Amazing what emotions will prompt me to do.

The family was over for lunch in my backyard. Isaac used the bathroom, and, when he came out he asked me when I had changed to accessories since they were no longer turquoise. I do change the carpets and towels twice a year, seasonally, to provide me with some variety. I was intrigued that he noticed. I assured him that I would be back to turquoise in another week as spring is coming.

I followed through.

Received my second shot, Moderna, and within 20 minutes could feel a change in the muscle on the arm (bicep?). When I removed the bandage, I realized I had been injected right by the shoulder. When I drove, about two hours later, I could hardly reach the turn signal. Ibuprofen, ice, heat, Tylenol. Got a bit better. Continues to linger, Problems sleeping; can’t change positions easily. Doctor says to wait longer.

Won’t get the virus!

I have been walking the same four routes for a year now. It did not clearly occur to me until this week that I pay no attention to what is on the other side of the street. I focus on the sidewalk and little else. It is mindfulness time. Maybe this year my awareness will expand.

Not likely.

Not. Computer started crashing. My IT guy was over twice. Looking for a virus. Nothing came up. Went on a regimen of avoiding one program at a time. Changed mouse. Changed USB connector. Stopped playing Scrabble. Stopped playing games. Restarted computer many times. Still trying to identify the problem. Take it into Geek Squad and lose access to my computer for a few days. Oh, my. Trying to avoid.

Well, I was able to write this.

Harold, my first grandpuppy, now has a cousin, Pippin. I was honored to meet Pippin just two days after he was rescued by Erik, Ellen, Isaac, and Ari. He is working to acclimate; his background is unknown. He is beautiful and sweet. It will be great to get the boys together. We need this pandemic to pass and Julie will drive up with Harold.

It is nice to have good news.

Had brunch at Erik’s for my birthday. I was given a pot of hydrangeas which was a beautiful gift from everyone including Julie who could not be there. Erik made a frittata and crescent rolls and Isaac made a berry crunch for dessert. They also provided a very hot salsa for me. I was told to take it home. It was all yummy. The boys made birthday cards with intimate messages.

Touching touches.

I talked to Isaac the other day and asked how he was.  He said, “Excellent.”  I pointed out that, during the pandemic, most are not feeling that way.  He told me that he had received the holiday money my daughters and I sent him and he had just invested it in a stock he was very optimistic about.   

I relish his way of being in the world.

There are two men I went to high school with, in Michigan, who invited me to celebrate our birthdays together since I moved to California nine years ago.  We have met in restaurants.  The plan this year was for one to initiate a virtual lunch with his program, not Zoom.  I clicked on the link, saw both, but I was not visible.  When I clicked on the cue to become visible, my name appeared a second time and my voice began to echo.  The man who was not the host, could not be heard.  You name it, we tried it, including beginning again.  It never worked. We are trying again with the other man’s Zoom in March.

I did eat my salad. 

As I walked this morning, the wind was over 40 mph.  It is garbage pick up day, and canisters were tipped everywhere.  Trash was flying.  As I walked North and West, I was walking into the wind. Will this contribute to burning more calories.  

Thinking while walking.