Curiosities of 2020

Remember the hoopla associated with roaring into 2020? In my mind the anticipation was dimmed slightly by a calendar conundrum: Were we ending or beginning a decade? The tendency to slightly overthink the trivial as well as the profound didn’t overshadow the fun of finding a dress and accessories to dance what I tentatively decided was ‘into’ a new decade.

I’ve changed my mind. 2020 is bowing out on such a low note, I have decided it deserves a ‘decade ending’ label. (We almost made it through the first quarter, though, before the downhill slide started thanks to the coronavirus). As it takes its place in history, some aspects will raise eyebrows, defy explanation and maybe even elicit a chuckle or two.

*In a flash we had a shortage of toilet paper. (Why? What news did I miss?)

*Reading lists, online shopping, creative outlets and waistlines expanded. I must confess that I gave in to reading from Kindle and listening to an audio book or two. Reading print is still my preferred practice, however.

*Comfort topped trends. I’m not complaining. Pulling on leggings is way easier than tugging at shrinking jeans. Those shorter dresses in the back of the closet? Terrific timely no-telling tunics.

*With no place to go and fewer to go with safely anyway, many took solo drives, snapping photos to share adventures on social media.

*Social media shifted from the focus of sharp criticism to the crux of our work, school, church and family connections. This quote by NYT reporter Matt Richtel says it perfectly. “I think science is beginning to embrace the idea that some technology is Twinkies and some technology is Brussels sprouts. If we consume too much technology, just like if we consume too much food, it can have ill effects.”

*Some businesses revamped with changes in the whys and hows of service. When pandemic restrictions relax, might some fast food outlets remain drive-thru only since streamlined modifications improved service as well as profits?

Along the way I have had some personal revelations. (1) Being at home more flipped the bra bashing. Now the dilemma is remembering to put it on rather than rushing to take it off. (2) Natural gray rocks; messy buns and ponytails roll, roots rule. For now. It’s been almost a year since I visited my salon. (3) Why did I buy so many boxes of instant potatoes? I had not purchased even one in years and years. (4) Always intrigued by sunsets, I am now catching sunrises, too, since naps are easier to schedule these days.

My focus last New Year’s Eve was on fun and food, dance and dress. This year I wore a sparkly tunic over my leggings, prepared some tasty nibbles (ever heard of mashed potato candy?) and listened to the entertainment accompanying the ball drop. You can bet I danced in the living room, too! To the mini-scale fun and frolic, I added prayer for attitude correction and gratitude reflection. We hope 2021 will be kinder. We may need to help it along by being kinder ourselves.