Today I got in my car for what felt like the first time in forever. Besides Wal-Mart pick up, we haven’t been anywhere. Much like many of you I’m still rolling on the same tank of gas from 5 weeks ago. (WOW, right?) Time has stood still in our lives and it’s strange. I miss my people, my gym, Mother’s Day Out, and so many other things. But most of all I miss the little things. Things I didn’t even realize would affect me.
You know what triggered this? I got in my car. Simple as that. It made me REALLY want a Coke Icee. It’s the perfect complement to an afternoon drive with the sun shining, windows down, sunglasses on and music up. But, something so simple that I’d normally just pull in, take the baby down with me, grab and go has now become not a necessity. I can’t risk taking her into the store with me. It made me really sit back and think about the little things I miss.
- Icees. (Is there an Icee drive thru with no contact? Anyone?)
- Impromptu park stops to blow off some energy and chat with other moms.
- Lunch dates.
- Hugs. All the hugs. (Or fist bumps and high fives for some)
- School drop off (chatting with my friends and laughing out our crazy mornings)
- Talking to our favorite cashier (We shop at a small local grocery store several times a week. The know me by name and I always ask how their family is, how’s the baby or we discuss what’s cooking for dinner.)
- Checking out a “real” book from the library.
- Getting an expensive coffee and wandering aisles in Target.
- Early “dinner” on a patio with other moms and our kids. We devour queso and margs while the kids dance and play.
- Stopping at Kellers for a lemon bar just because.
- Choosing an outfit for a night out (also texting my friends asking, “Are we going out out or just out?” I need clarification. Kim Kardashian out or jeans and wedges out? Y’all know there’s a difference)
- Being able to stop and use a public restroom when out. (If you drive to pick up your groceries and you need to pee? Better hold it ma’am)
- Grabbing a bouquet of flowers “just because” when I check out at Rouse’s.
- Social media feeds that are full of mundane things such as end of school parties, selfies, and what you ate for lunch.
- Being able to smirk or smile at my friend. She can tell from my face what I’m thinking normally, but the mask now prohibits that.
- Sitting next to someone at the nail salon and then knowing their entire story by the time they leave an hour later.
- In person trash talking friends about who’s going to win the football game.
- Passing by families house just to sit on the patio and have coffee.
- The quiet commute to work. Where it’s just me, the radio and my thoughts.
- Seeing my kid’s face light up with joy when I pick them up after school.
- Driveway drinking with the neighbors while our kids play.
- Making Pinterest-worthy crafts for my child’s class the night before a party…….Yeah no really. I don’t miss that.
What do you miss? Tell me about your little things.
