Things Big and Small I’ve Learned During COVID-19

Strictly my opinion. Everything from Pringles to parenting to kiddie pools. Some are life lessons, some are shallow notes. But they're all honest.

The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Who knows what the next 6 - 12 months will looks like. I'm hopeful that whatever happens, it's less of an emotional roller coaster. So here's my list...it's not complete but covers most of the bases, in no particular order.

• I'm glad I bought a kiddie pool online in March. Turns out they became impossible to come by when summer hit. Anywhere.
• Video chats with my out-of-state friends may have saved my life. Things were quite scary and dark for me at times. Still are, I guess.
• Pringles cans need wider openings.
• The staff at Heeb's grocery are incredibly fine people.
• Owning a power washer is a great time killer on a nice day. Our cars have never been so clean for so long.
• I know the names of every dog in a six block radius. Their owners? Some of them. But definitely the dogs.
• International travel is one of the few things in life that brings me true joy. Shallow? Not to me. It's just a fact.
• I might have a harmless crush on my FedEx guy.
• Having some outdoor space to yourself is priceless. I'll never complain about mowing the lawn again.
• I know many more bigots than I thought I did. Breaks my heart. But I won't miss those people.
• I washed my hands an absurd amount before all this started. Now it's nuts.
• On days off, more people than I thought drink margaritas at 10:30am. Not sure that was a thing before COVID, but it sure is now.
• Being a brunette has it's advantages. Coloring your hair from a box is far less problematic or risky.
• My mind has very deep, dark, sad places that I didn't know existed. At least I hadn't seen them before.
• Investing in a few good chaise lounges was one of the best ideas. They make safe, socially distant beer drinking on the lawn possible.
• All of my casual clothes need to be replaced. No clothing should be asked to put in so much duty.
• I desperately miss road trips with my dad, but there's a part of me that is thankful we didn't have to navigate his health needs through this. (He passed away a few years back.)
• Yes, I miss concerts too. Along with the travel thing, live music is one of the few things that can make me feel real joy. It's coming back but it's not the same. Not yet.