Good Things In Small Packages

The "little things" that have come upon us, the virus critters of the pandemic, have changed us wholly and I doubt we'll ever revert back entirely to what we were. Like you, I unconsciously stand back from others when around them and wash my hands like someone obsessed all during the day. I gasp when I find myself touching my face and diligently wash my hands after opening packages that are delivered or when returning from being out. Few routines engendered during the first weeks of the pandemic, will return to the way they were done previously. Special pandemic measures don't feel awkward any more. Wearing masks is no longer embarrassing and standing on the taped line is done absently, keeping a distance from everyone, even relatives isn't creepy now. Some of what we've learned is good. Learning how finally to get along with family in close quarters has found its level as it must, and the forced habit of amusing oneself may have opened doors into hobbies or games or activities that are keepers. Many people have become cooks in the home and are much more involved in creating or changing recipes, finding old ones and re-doing them. Bread making is now common, especially trying out Sourdough bread. I haven't achieved that accomplishment and doubt that ever I shall, but I greatly admire those who do. It seems kind of cumbersome to me but it's a novelty for the newbies to it. Parents who took on the role of teacher, at first found the job onerous but as the lessons went on, they discovered that they are more part of their children's lives in ways they hadn't thought of before. Maybe there is more understanding between parent and child on a different level. Kids have learned too that they have responsibilities that are new and while sometimes difficult, are indeed possible. They have learned a new kind of respect that is mutual. In the fall, we're told that schools will open in their entirety but there are hoards of parents who don't want to chance it and are considering home schooling. Others are not, but are finding ways of coping with how to protect their kids going back to the classroom. People who wouldn't touch computers and their kin, are now, having been forced to learn them, becoming rather adept at using them and actually loving the technology they have sworn to continue. The fashion industry has become more aware of sustainability and a return to more practical styles. Beauty experts, for example, are recommending ways of skin care under masks. With a mask, there is no need to slather on coloured bases and gobs of highlighters or enhancers with colour. There is a large move of forgetting about body hair removal. The women I saw during my pedicures that I miss terribly, who came and went with all sorts of additions and subtractions concerning their bodies are now finding natural means and effects while still feeling fresh and attractive. Workers doing their jobs at home, who originally found it hard to accomplish but with time, now prefer working and being at home. A few people I have spoken to, who do work at home, miss the companionship of their buddies on the job, but are rather enjoying the  pacing of their day their way. The swinging door that most homes once suffered while  everyone in the family flew in different directions, off to games or courses or work or social events, are now spending more time together involved in actually living with their kin and finding a new tolerance.  Without time frames that are rigid, minor daily tasks seem to be done with ease since there is no pressure to fit them to the clock. We've all made more contact with people not seen in a long time. We  read more, watch more with better discrimination, write more, cook and bake more, clean more and tie up all those pesky loose ends that needed doing for a long time.