“I’m a major homebody, but it’s the little things I miss.” ~Pebbles
A lot of people are really struggling right now. When you’re asked to stay home, it can challenge even the most diehard homebodies such as myself. As an introvert, I feel like I have been training for this my whole life. Stay at home? No problem. But what I’m finding is that it’s a lot of the little things I miss as we’re being asked to stay home and away from other people.
I miss my family dinners. Pre-corona, once a week I would get together with my goddaughters, their kids, a niece, nephew, and cousin. Sometimes we would go out to dinner, but the best dinners were when everyone piled into my apartment. Depending on the week, I would cook or order takeout. If it were left up to 6-year-old RJ, we would have Chinese food every week. Then he wanted frozen pancakes and apple juice in his Home movie mug. And yes, he would get it all because that’s what Aunties do. But it wasn’t just about the food, it was a time for us to connect and catch up and vent and just be together. I miss that.
I miss going to the movies. Don’t get me wrong, like everyone else, I’ve been watching a whole lot of movies. Most recently, Uncorked on Netflix about a young black man who wants to become a master sommelier instead of taking over the family barbecue business. A movie about wine? I’m in. But I digress. I miss actually going into a movie theater, walking up to the concession stand to buy overpriced popcorn and candy (or sneaking some in), and then settling in to enjoy a (hopefully) great movie. I’m worried about the movie industry once this is over. People have been choosing to stay at home and watch movies more and more, but I look forward to buying tickets to opening night of the latest blockbuster. Will staying at home after this be the new normal? I hope not, because even though people can be annoying at the movies, there’s nothing like experiencing a new movie with other people. I miss that.
I miss picking my niece up from school. Friday was my favorite day because I would pick my niece up from school. I would be sitting there waiting for the final bell to ring and the kids come pouring out. If you follow me on Instagram (@PebblesBoston), you would see this on my story every week. When I picked her up, I would always have a Dunkin iced coffee for her. Not only was it my favorite day, it was hers too. I miss that.
I miss walking through the bookstore. Several years ago I got a Kindle and I love the convenience of it when I travel. But there is nothing like wandering through an independent bookstore looking for your next great read. Walking through the aisle until something catches my eye. Swooning over beautiful covers and book descriptions makes me happier than your could imagine. And the book recommendations from store employees? I miss that.
I miss meeting my friends for coffee. It’s a simple act. Meeting up over a cup of hot deliciousness is one of the greatest things I miss. The catching up, the brainstorming, the venting, and simply just connecting with the people in my life. It’s tough to tell what’s really going on with people through text or email or even on a phone call. Sometimes you have to look your people in the eyes and ask, “how are you really doing?” I miss that.
I miss hugs. Such a simple act. Wrapping your arms around someone to let them know that you care about them. Or receiving a hug that keeps you from falling apart. Or the ones that allow you to fall apart. I recently saw a video of a father who is a health worker and his son ran excitedly toward him in the elevator to say hi and he had to make him stop. That man broke down, and not being able to have something as simple as a hug was heartbreaking. We are living in tough times and not being able to hug the people we love hurts. I miss that.
I miss traveling. I usually go on short trips during the year. Sometimes just a car ride away and other times I’d get on a plane to visit friends. And once I year I would plan a big trip out of the country alone. All of that is on hold now. My birthday is coming up in May and I actually was planning to go somewhere before this all happened. I was thinking of one of those Getaway house trips in the woods, or maybe Toronto or Montreal, or maybe even a return trip to Amsterdam. Well that’s all out the window. I guess I’ll have to settle for making Pinterest boards full of trips I want to take and foods I want to eat when I get there. I want to be on a plane headed toward a new adventure. I miss that.
I miss grocery shopping. I know. One of the most random things to miss, but I do. I love walking up and down the aisle, picking up new finds, smelling and squeezing fruits and vegetables for freshness. I rarely rushed through the grocery store. Unlike now where it’s in and out and don’t touch anything you’re not buying. I used to love working my way through my list, and just wandering through the store felt like therapy. I miss that.
There are so many things that people are missing right now, and a lot of realizing the things we’ve taken for granted. Until we’re able to do those things, I hope you all are staying safe and sane. Sanity is being tested right now for a lot of people. Do what makes you feel good and comforted, and hopefully soon we’ll be able to get back to the things that we’re missing. Let’s just hope when we do get these things back, our experiences have made us appreciate what we have just a little more.
Love, Pebbles xoxo
