Funny thing about face masks: I seem to have this underlying idea that nobody can hear me while I'm wearing it. 

Today I said out loud (and I am not making this up), "I'M SWEATING LIKE A DOG HERE!" to nobody in particular while bagging my groceries.

I don't know either.

Also, I get hot when I'm wearing the mask.

I'm also socially deprived, so ya know, weird things happen.

Last week, I was experiencing a bit of heartburn while out and about, so I went to pop a Tums in my mouth only to be completely surprised when it bounced right off of my face mask. I laughed at my own absurdity. I had forgotten it was there.

Thing is, I've noticed that the whole experience is starting to feel normal. For as "unprecedented" as this is, we've turned a corner and entered a new way of life. Face masks, six feet distance, Zoom calls, curbside pickup, staying home with the kiddos, we've worked hard at establishing these new rhythms, and, it doesn't feel new anymore. It's normal. There have been some mornings when I've turned on the news and am startled to hear them still talking about coronavirus. Isn't there anything else happening in the world? Aren't we through this yet?

Nope. No, we are not. Here in Lebanon, we're not that far past the peak of our curve. That means we likely have several weeks, possibly even a month left of this kind of living. 

I am sorely missing photography, but I have to admit, it too feels far away.

As much as I try, I cannot imagine right now a world in which I freely walk into someone's home and interact with their newborn. Or into a store without my mask on. I can't remember what it's like to enter our church building and hug someone... anyone... without worrying about what viruses I might contract (holy cow, is this how germaphobes feel all the time?!!??). A handshake, a hug, a cup of tea in a coffee shop with a good friend, what will it be like to re-enter that life?

The best I can imagine it is with tears streaming down my face. My face with a mask. That's the best I can do.

How about you?