Unmasked and Unleashed: Life After the Pandemic

Wow! It's been a while! I started NoSpringChickenista at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to connect with others and share some laughs and lighthearted moments. But after a few months, it became harder to find anything funny or joyful to talk about when people – including family members and friends - were suffering and dying.  So, I took a break. 

Fast forward a few years, and I realized that the need for connection and positivity didn't disappear. If anything, it became even more crucial, and over the last couple of years, I’ve spent my time prioritizing the things that matter most: God, my relationships with family and friends, and my health.  

I’ve also made more time for moments of joy and finding beauty in nature, music, art, or whatever feeds my soul.  And because I look at challenges as opportunities for growth, I learned a few valuable things . . . 

As a certified germophobe, I can only say that if “it” is anything nasty, I don’t want to see, breathe, or touch IT. With that as my north star, I’ve become a true master of hands-free door-opening otherwise known as Door Ninjutsu. With a combination of strategic footwork, clothing-assisted maneuvers, and a touch of pure determination, I can glide through doors like a graceful ninja, employing a combination of strategic footwork and . . . well, grace. . . ‘cause you have to maintain an air of nonchalant coolness while you contort your body.

I’m also proud of how I've turned grocery shopping into a full-blown Olympic sport. Picture this: you're strolling through the grocery store, minding your own business, when suddenly, a symphony of sneezes erupts from someone in your aisle. Panic sets in, and you find yourself instinctively ducking and diving. Yes, my friends, I have mastered the art of evading sneezes and coughs like a champ (and yeah, I still carry a mask, because you never know, right?).  Think about it, though . . . who needs line dancing when you can choreograph your way through a grocery store?

The thing is, the last few years have given us the opportunity to discover our resilience and adaptability, and I, for one, have emerged from this self-imposed hiatus stronger, wiser, and armed with a whole new set of marginally-impressive skills! I’m excited to have you on this journey again as we discover what’s new and what’s next, and explore the joys of staying forever young!  See you next time . . .