After 4 months, my schedule has normalized to a nice routine. While my new normal isn't so "normal", I'm happy to have a good rhythm to my week with work, recreation activities, and studying. I do tremendously miss everyone and so many little things (comfort things): a soft mattress covered in pillows and puppies, sugar-free bubble gum (I'm a habitual chewer), an electric toothbrush, quality razor blades, Nike tennis shoes, streaming Top 10 lists on Netflix, sipping on a cold beer and picking crabs, walking puppies around Baltimore, and so much more.
This week went by a lot quicker than expected, which is a blessing. I read 4 fiction books, since it had rained so much. Again, I call them little miracles, but another one occurred for me. While I have had many friends and family extend a lot of support, I received a surprising letter from a former colleague. The letter extended a heartfelt welcome, concern, and sincere extension of forgiveness. While I had worked closely with this coworker, I would have never imagined that I would receive a letter and one that was purely genuine and forgiving. This letter helped shed more hope to some bleak moments that constantly creep around me...like, "will old acquaintances welcome me back to society?" or "how gainful will my future employment be?" or "will Trump be sentenced to Morgantown?" 😛 The ongoing support from everyone does overwhelm me with joy and helps dissipate those bleak thoughts. Again, thank you to all of you have been amazing and really helping through this transforming journey.
Friday was Saint Patrick's Day, which was not celebrated with anything special, like a meal or green beer. We received an alert that some flexibilities that were implemented during COVID will now be returned to regular operations. This means that TVs will be shut off at midnight during the week (normally they were on 24/7), access to the telephones will be limited to one operational telephone during the day time hours of 8 am until 5 pm, and our computer access will be off limits intermittently during the day. While we are returning to regular operations instead of COVID-limited ones, it also means that some of the privileges are being lost. We no longer have visiting restrictions which is also exciting - no more masks or social distancing!
I had band practice a few days this week. The one band that I has frustrated me with their song choice has been a little more receptive of my opinion (not much, but receptive). We have a small event in 3 weeks, so we will be playing repeat songs, which makes it easier for me to play with them. The other band has been a ton of fun to play with. We just jam, goof around, and make music on the fly. The sounds and music varies from funk to R& b to rock to indie to folk...It's just spontaneously messy but very fun.
When it has not been raining, I have been playing a lot of pickleball, and learning way too many rules and nuances to the rules. Apparently, some pickleball rules change from season to season as my sister has shared some official clarifications with me (Thank you, Tiffany - these rules helped settled many disagreements). Pickleballing has been competitive, time consuming, and an opportunity to burn some calories. I'm looking forward to being able to be out of here and play with many of you!!!
Continue to look for those little miracles in your life, especially in this tumultuous world of ours. I wish you all a wonderful week!