(except when it’s my bedroom)(I haven’t included any photos or artwork in the post – I want the words to be seen)

Normalish… that’s a word right? Yes. Yes it is and it’s how I am feeling right now.

After what seemed like a century… things are finally easing up, restrictions are being lifted and life is slowly creeping back to a way that actually makes me feel like I’m not walking on eggshells 24/7. Even though vaccinations have helped this along and we still need to take many precautions, I feel like we are finally close to seeing the other side of this. Yes, there will be a few more waves, but hopefully, no more lockdowns here in Ontario. I’m afraid if there is another one, especially after this taste of freedom, it will completely and utterly break many people.

Recently, I have achieved some things that continually felt like they were so far off in the future, that it might not happen. I still continue with baby steps, putting safety first always.

Here are the recently achievements unlocked:

*Had dinner inside someone else’s place and I don’t mean my in-laws.
*Hugged two friends. {Please note that I am not pushing this on anyone and am feeling out when others are comfortable. If you are, please let me know and I will hug you (friends and family only – I’m not going on a hugorama!))
*We’ve started talking about Killer B Cinema and when we can book our first movie night now that things are safer.
*Eaten on restaurant patios and am considering when I will be comfortable eating inside again.
*We’ve had small gatherings in our backyard.
*Ridden on TTC, including a bus.
*Fabric shopping trip with Laurie!

What I’m ready for:

*Visiting my parents. (Waiting for everyone to be fully vaxxed (amongst family))
*Live music! I miss it so, so very much!
*Exploring the city again.
*Hanging out more with friends again.
*Travelling outside of the city. Even if it is a short excursion to Freelton or Niagara Falls.
*Not feeling anxiety every time I see someone without a mask on.
*Not having a conversation that includes talk of Covid.

I don’t expect things to go back to the way they were pre-Covid. In fact, I hope they don’t. There were many lessons learned and I hope most of them stick, especially those regarding the environment. Living in a time of Covid has also awoken the fight in people, the opportunity to speak up against what is wrong (I don’t mean you anti-vaxx, anti-mask, anti-lockdown people – you are a huge part of the reason this is taking longer than it should) in this world. We are in a time of revolution and I hope it continues until we right so many wrongs.

We are so close to being on the other side, so I beg of you, still take precautions, still wear your mask and for fuck sake, if you haven’t been vaccinated, DO IT. I still have a few friends who haven’t or won’t do it. Some of their reasons are fear or misinformation. Please don’t listen to the conspiracy theories and if you are unsure, speak to a doctor or message me and I will get you in touch with an expert. The vaccine will not hurt you. It will protect you. Unfortunately, due to my own pneumonia damaged lungs and for the safety of my elderly in-laws, if you aren’t vaccinated, I can’t hang around with you. So please, GET VACCINATED!

I’m looking forward to a new Normalish!