Sandy Supposes....

New Habits

PROMPT March 4th

What is something you started doing during the pandemic that you will continue in the “post-pandemic” world?

         I've started speaking to myself. This is not at all the same as hearing voices. It's me all right. I recognize my pitch, intonation, idioms and more. My voice still requires a workout, a chance to be heard. I've been muzzled, er, masked and self-isolated for too long. I just happen to be my own captive audience. Sometimes, things need to be said.

         Most mornings, after I stretch, I ask myself a question and let it linger in the air.

         "What are we doing today?"

         Yes, I feel this compulsion to do, be busy and productive. The hours stretch before me with infinite possibilities. Invariably, I shrug and reply.

         "I dunno."

         Of course, this does nothing to rally my conviction. Where's the enthusiasm?

         Nudging myself to dress should spur me on. Dress for success. Dress for the occasion. Be prepared for anything. Alas, self-quarantine doesn't have a dress code. The most I may muster is a half-hearted argument re what colour t-shirt to pull on and should my socks co-ordinate?

         "I know, I know, you don't need to remind me. Father B. taught us this was important. The devil is in the details."

          "Let's see what's new and exciting on the news. First, turn on the computer and let it warm up then fill the kettle. Sure, we could brew coffee for a change, but we prefer tea."

                    As I sip and attempt to digest the latest headlines I cannot contain my outbursts.

         "Did you read that? Another murder? What is happening? No, I do not care about another celebrity scandal. Oh, really? Covid may be around for a while? What's a while? Too many statistics boggle my mind."

         Binging on my newest indulgence Britbox and a plethora of murder mysteries I nod my head and blurt out loud.

         "Oh come on. We know it was the headmaster in the cloakroom with an exam paper."

                   I'm not so sure this is a habit I should, or would continue. What if I feel obliged to answer myself?

         Alas, I confess that I did not attempt dieting during this Covid crisis. Too often, I whipped up a little something and baked it because I had all this time to indulge my cravings. Sure, I could justify the extra calories by reminding myself that standing to measure and stir burned calories and could rightly be described as physical exertion. Scrubbing the extra dishes could also be labour intensive. I could continue baking and stuffing myself, but will I?

         "Can't you think of something you'd like to continue in the future?"

         Well, I have discovered Facetime. I will admit I rather enjoy conversations that permit us to see each other as we speak. Body language does not reveal itself in simple phone calls. Facial expressions are special and convey so much. In this manner, I drop in and visit my two-year old grandgiggle from a distance of hundreds of miles. We are pleased to put a face to a voice. Not only do we sing songs, but we can laugh at each other's dance moves. It is the next best thing to being together. Besides, I prefer talking with her than with myself.