I came home grumpy today, even though the sun was shining and it’s beautiful out. But I was still mad.
We sat on our front porch rocking in our rocking chairs, like the young people do… and I realized… I miss things. I miss things so so much.
I’m sure you do too.
Here are 25 thing I miss…
1) Going on dates. I adore my son but I need a date with my wife. It’s been over a year. That’s a lllloooooooooooonnnnnnnggggggg tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimme.
In fact it’s been so long that I get shy and nervous thinking about broaching the topic.
2) Live audiences. No TEAMS, ZOOM, FACETIME, NOR ANY DIGITAL STREAMING APP event will ever match the magic of being together in community. Like in a commune!
3) Live theatre. As much as I love film, there’s nothing like live theatre. I can’t imagine all those performers on hold right now in New York, London, Edinburgh, all around the world! “To be, or not—-“
4) Having friends over for dinner. We love having people over, sharing stories, laughing, being merry. Merry merry quite contrary.
5) In-person staff meetings. There was usually some social time before the meeting or interactive thing. It was way more fun. It’s also hard watching presenters say important things while glitchin’ out. Like Max Headroom.
6) Snacks at staff meetings. Food brings us together. Gimme more!!!
7) In-person parent conferences. As much as these can be challenging, they can be fun as well. But online is brutal. We’d also have amazing food together as a staff beforehand. (Is this about food maybe? Am I missing food?)
8) Seeing people’s smile. An important part of cave person communication. Me like smile.
9) Hearing people. Today a teacher was headed into another class wearing a double or triple mask, and a face shield. I could hardly recognize her, couldn’t see her eyes, and couldn’t tell what she was saying her voice was so muffled. (Insert Charlie Brown teacher voice)
10) Sneezing BIG LOUD JUICY SNEEZES and not feeling like I have to say, “I DON’T HAVE COVID, at least I don’t think I do….”
11) Having moisture in my hands. I use so much soap and hand sanitizer now that my hands look 50. I’m 48, that’s two years of hand beauty gone. Forever. (So much for that dream of being a hand model!)
12) Feeling like I’m not cattle in a grocery store. Moooooooooooove over, I’ve got mmmmiiiiiiillllkk.
13) TRAVEL. Oh, do I miss travel. Going places, experiencing culture, exploring the world. Flying in an aeroplane. I feel grateful when we get to travel, but now that we can’t, it’s painful - literally!
14) Drivers being nice and friendly. Is it just me, or are they all angry these days? Maybe they just need food. Yeah. Hangry.
15) I teach… and today I felt like I was in a library at midnight1. Seriously. Kids still talk but there’s no energy at school. It’s killing me. Our school is usually a lively place full of interactive fun and engagement.
16) People dropping by my house. Please come. We still need you.
17) Creating films with actors. It’s challenging because of masking and social distancing guidelines.
18) Going out for dinner. We love going for dinner and exploring new restaurants. Sometimes I pretend. “Our special tonight is…. Chicken a la Chicken!”
19) Weddings. Obviously, so I can recite my love poem out loud.
20) Randomly running into friends on a Saturday at Anita’s Bread & Coffee. The best ever!! They’re amazing, and open! If you live within 250km it’s worth the drive.
21) Dancing in public. Instead of in my closet.
22) Singing out loud. I like to spontaneously break into song in class. Now I think twice about it.
23) Having my son’s friends over. It’s so wonderful when they can play inside, especially if the weather is bad. And it’s like a holiday for us. Actually.
24) Going to movies in a movie theatre. So much fun watching a good movie with a big audience, spitting, sneezing, snorting.
25) Most of all, I miss going back to Saskatchewan and seeing our wonderful family, friends and relatives. I miss my Mom & Dad!!! This is the longest we’ve been away from them in our lives. I’m crossing my fingers that we can travel inter-provincially this summer.
I miss you too!
With Gratitude,
PS. What do you miss?
I just came up with this saying today. I like it. I’m officially saying it’s mine. So if you ever say it, please make sure to quote me or I’ll sic the copyright police on you. But if you’ve heard it before can you let me know? I don’t want to steal.