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Ten Things I Miss Because of Covid-19 (In No Particular Order)




1.     Donuts
Until recently, doughnuts/donuts were not available on the choices available for online ordering from my grocery store. I crave walking into a bakery and buying freshly baked, hot from the oven donuts.
2.    Grandchildren
My five grown children and their families are sheltering in place, and out of caution and respect, we all took care to stay virus-free. We recently let our guard down but, because of the uptick in the virus, we are back to limiting our visits, wearing our masks, and keeping our distance.
3.    Eating Out
HoneyBunch and I would treat ourselves and go out to eat once or twice a week, and I would intentionally schedule my weekly errands around mid-morning so I could bring home take out for lunch or dinner. The virus put a stop to all of that.
4.    Shopping Sprees
Online sources have greatly reduced my impulse buying. My food budget and bank account are grateful for the discipline it provides.
5.    Hugs and Handshakes
I miss human physical contact.
6.    Licking my Fingers
I never knew how many times I used my digits to turn pages, open jars, count money.  I never knew how often I touch my face.  
7.    Crowded Churches
Nowadays, crowds give me the all-overs. I shudder when I enter an elevator or waiting rooms. Any closed in space makes me claustrophobic.  
8.    Ice Cream Shops
Gone are the days when I would jump in my car (no mask) and drive to the nearest BR or DQ. I’d lean in close and talk face to face to the young person behind the counter (also without a mask) and point to the cone I wanted. The cones were heaped in stacks out in the open and they would take it with their bare hands, walk over and bend into the freezer, and breathe the cold air while they scooped my yummy into my cone.  
9.    Social Media
I miss FB, Instagram, and Twitter when it used to be funny and friendly and free of malice and propaganda. I don’t know when it took on the façade of a reliable news source, but I have learned not to trust them. I have trained myself to block anyone who is on my feed looking for a fight or wants to ruin banter with nothing but death and destruction.
10. Being Me
I resent the virus because I cannot do the things I used to love to do. It forced me to rethink what I can live without and what (or who) I cannot live without. I can do without donuts, dining out, spending money, licking my fingers, and social media, but I cannot live without human interaction, especially that of my family and friends. It’s taught me what I truly value.  



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