If this post seems scattered, it’s because I have pandemic brain. Yes, pandemic brain. It’s a thing.
ELBEE No idea how it happened but I think I have it too.
I was talking to a friend recently and said that I couldn’t remember whether or not I’d sent her a certain email or even what I was supposed to include in it. I blamed it on pandemic brain. Without hesitation she said, “I have it too.”
The more I thought about it and the more people I talked to, I realized that lots of us have it. Forgetfulness is only one small part. There may be anxiety with a dash of depression thrown in. We feel like we look pretty good without makeup. We think that matching masks make our outfits. Insomnia is a given.
GUS & STANLEY We haven’t slept a full night in months. We’re exhausted.
It all makes perfect sense. We’re living in a Groundhog Day world where each day is a repeat of the trials and tribulations of the one before. Watching the news is not for the faint-hearted.
There’s no such thing as just running into the market. We, well some of us, only put on cute outfits and makeup to sit in front of a computer and socialize. We go to virtual luncheons where we bring our own food.
On a positive note, people are finding all sorts of coping mechanisms. Gardening, 
for example, has become very popular. The husband has planted so many succulents in the yard that he’s now eyeing the neighbors’ yards for more space.
He’s also being very careful. When he comes home from work, he leaves his hospital scrubs in the garage and walks into the house in a very nice suit jacket, underwear, shoes and socks.
ELBEE Where is a photo when we need one?
GUS & STANLEY We wish we could unsee it.
Speaking of photos, lots of people are taking the opportunity to go through old files. A dear friend whose husband was my bodybuilding partner in crime, recently dug this one up. Pandemic brain is making me share.
ELBEE This has nothing to do with pandemic brain.
Many are doing yoga and meditation. Some have turned to sewing, quilting and crafting. Stanley is doing needlepoint.
Others have become gourmet chefs.
To be honest, I fall asleep when I meditate and have become the queen of takeout. My coping mechanisms, in no particular order, are family and friends, the dogs, exercise, the mountains and Hallmark movies.
Lately, I find myself looking for the positive when I’m walking with Gus and 
Stanley. I am not a fan of graffiti, but understood why someone had written this message to Kobe on the anniversary of his death.
I was hiking by a small sign reminding people of park hours, when I happened to glance at the back. Someone had chalked in, “Be kind.” Those simple words brought unexpected tears to my eyes. More than ever, in this time of chaos and loss, we need to be kind.
