Simple pleasures

It’s finally happening. The earth is moving again (albeit more carefully) and life as we knew it is going back to a semi- normal state.

Suffering has been had by all. Some more than others. I have been lucky to have not contracted any strange viruses or bacteria during this strange time, despite having commuted between two prefectures on a fairly busy commuter path. I did get the teleworking option for about a month and am very grateful for the time I got to spend with my partner and every time I went out after that, I just felt dirty to breathe the outside air. It’s a strange feeling that hopefully will go away soon.

There is plenty to look forward to in the future, as we slowly return to the daily slog of pre- 2020 and here are some of the things I am mostly reclaiming with my normal life.

First and foremost is there relaxation of rules in my own house. Yes, I am a bit of a clean freak. So is my partner. Together we form a super team of different neurosis that rival even the worst hypochondriac! And with the virus and everything going on, we have set up strict rules on how to enter the house. Specifically if you buy something, it must be wiped with alcohol towels. Every single thing! And of course "shuushuu" your hands and if possible change clothes right in the hallway and go straight to the shower.

Now, this is definitely overkill, but when has that stopped anyone! And the fallacy that it means we are not sick is very clear to me (and if we did get sick, that would just mean we didn’t do enough!).

Secondly I am looking forward to be able to walk the streets and take walks around the neighborhood at a reasonable hour. We have committed ourselves to get out every once in a while, and while that’s great, we try to go when other people are not around. And that means leaving the house at sunrise around 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning. It is lovely, I highly recommend it. It’s quiet, a bit chilly since the sun has not been up in a while, the bugs are asleep and you have the whole park to yourself (save from a couple of people just as crazy as yourself).

Although, I am going to miss the tranquility of being alone outside, it will be nice to be able to sleep past 6:00.

Lastly but not least importantly, going to restaurants.

We have not eaten outside since February. That means no fast food, no bowls of meat, and no sushi. My body is ready to receive the majesty that is 100 yen sushi in Kurashushi. All those little dishes flying past you, enticing and making your mouth water. I did not realize how much I missed it until recently when I saw a commercial on TV. I had to shut the TV off so that I wouldn’t get tempted to go right at that instant.

Of course, now things are slowing down, and people are coming back from their caves, the streets are filling up again, so we are likely to do all the good things we did when the virus didn’t exist.

Whatever you decide to do, be careful. It’s a changed world out there and we all need to take care of each other. Enjoy.