How to Stay Married During a Pandemic • Enjoy outdoor walks--alone. • Take long drives in the country--alone. • Wear headphones and listen to soothing music while he plays video games at high decibel levels • Utilize separate TV sets so that you aren't forced to watch Nat Geo 24/7 • Practice meditation to discourage murderous thoughts • Maintain a secret chocolate snack stash • Share cooking chores but keep an eye on the location of the butcher knife • Ignore the way he hums as he chews • Refrain from discussing politics, financial concerns or home remodeling projects • Pray emphatically for an end to the pandemic
December 21, 2020
Ten months into this pandemic, and I still find myself stopping in my tracks from time to time. Today I went for a walk in my neighborhood. I spotted something blue out of the corner of my eye. At first, I glanced at it and went on my merry way. Then I stopped. A year ago, such a sighting would have made me truly stop and wonder. What is it? Who put it there? Did someone make it? Today, my brain quickly dismisses the sighting ...it's just a discarded cloth face mask, probably tossed out a car window or slipped out of someone's pocket. This pandemic has taught me that one never knows what the future holds. Right now, I'm on the precipice of not knowing what my future holds for me professionally. Maybe the pandemic will bring this public health professional a new and different project. Or maybe I will have to close my consulting firm and pursue full-time employment. Only time will tell.
November 22, 2020