Tiny Silver Lining in the Cloud Called 'Rona

Right now, we're in the heat of the 'Rona battle at work. While most places are opening and the news is all about the decline of cases, we are in the midst of a significant outbreak. We were late to the party but here we are.

That said, I've been looking for the tiny silver lining to these weird times. It's been fun to see neighbors talking to each other--people who never said hello to each other are now conversing about the mundane things that makes the neighborhood come to life. I've seen more people riding bikes than I have in decades. I've enjoyed taking a minute to talk with the take-out staff at restaurants when picking up carry-out. I love my car's gas use--or, lack of use, I should say. I think I've filled my tank once this month.

I've learned new words, new skills and acronyms. For instance, I can don and doff PPE without cross-contaminating myself.

I've performed hand hygiene at a professional level. Sometimes I feel like I'm preparing for surgery. Twenty seconds, between fingers, under the nails, up the arms. Fresh and pretty... and, virus free.

I've kept track of my own pen for over a week. Usually, I lose a pen a day. I've been motivated to keep track of my pen lest someone taint it. I don't want to use a tainted pen. I think this might be my most proud accomplishment.

I've expanded my wardrobe. I have ten different masks, of which I can mix and match to compliment my wardrobe or situation. Working? Bring on the N95. Run out of N95? Slap on an N90. Out of N90? Slap on a surgical mask. Out and about in public? Don a cloth mask that matches my t-shirt and gym shoes. I wear a hat to work every day, not because I really want to but because it works--it keeps my hair out of my eyes and reminds me not to touch my head for any reason. I give myself bonus points if my hat matches my mask which match my shoes.

I've come to terms with showering after work. I am a shower-in-the-morning only kind of gal. But, after having to wash my clothes and shower every night after work, I decided that showering after work made the most sense. I am not a fan but taking two showers a day seemed wasteful. It ain't pretty but showering at night is here to stay until 'Rona hits the road.

I've become a master at not touching my face. Itch on the nose? Too bad, so sad. Hair in my face? Go stand outside and let the breeze blow it out of the way. Ice cream dribble on the chin? Dribble away until a clean napkin and clean hands are in position.

I've learned the subtle differences between allergies, colds, flu and "The 'Rona." The distinctions are very important, especially when I'm sneezing or clearing my throat. It's also good to know when at work, because my throat clearing causes concern. I have yelled out, "IT'S NOT THE 'RONA" more times than I can count, followed by, "IT'S MY ALLERGIES!"

I've had the opportunity to work with people I don't usually work with. It's nice to have new scenery. It's nice to interact with others you know but you don't really know until you work shoulder-to-shoulder.

I look forward to not having mask marks on my face, to being hydrated (it's hard to drink water when wearing an N95), to scratching my nose immediately whenever it itches. It'll be delightful to talk to people without masks... to actually hear what they are saying and to see the smiles they are smiling. I'll be downright giddy when we can hug each other.

Oh, to eat my seventy-five cent ice cream cones without fear it's been tainted.

It's a tiny silver lining but it's there. You kinda hafta squint to see it but if you squint just right, you can tell that tiny silver lining is there... and, for that, I am grateful. Keep squinting. Keep washing your hands. Keep being nice to your neighbors.
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