Reminding Myself What Life under COVID was like - Day 421

 It's still COVID time, but slightly less. I've had another trip, this time to Omaha. Again for volleyball and for the first time, kids go to play without masks about half the time. Both teams and the ref team had to agree. The first day, all teams were fine, but the second day, 2 of our 3 matches had masked and the third day was masked. Some coaches were worried (or maybe parents were), and it was a challenge not to be annoyed, but everyone has their own view of the world, so I counseled our team to be understanding.

Nebraska hasn't had mandates, but many places required them. Still, we were able to walk around without masks, and the courts felt more normal. Not packed, but close. Looking more like what I remember, loud, and fun.

Dining was the normal, walk in with a mask, take it off when you sit. We went out with parents one night and hit a Casino in Iowa. That was interesting. They had dealers on some tables separated with plastic, and even with a camera on their table, with each player playing on an electronic game, all separate, looking at dealers. Very strange.

There were a few "normal" gaming craps and blackjack tables, but people sat with masks. All in all, still strange.

The airport was packed again, as was the plane. People close together on the trains and in lines, which seems to defeat some of the concerns. I don't mind wearing the mask, but I'd like to get some of our services and life back as well.

Speaking of masks.

I bought some straps from Amazon that a friend recommended. I tried them at a few yoga classes and liked them, but after wearing a mask for 6 hours while coaching, the back of my head was irritated and itchy. Since then, I've tried them a few times, but either my ears are sore from straps or my head is irritated from a long strap. No pleasing me here, and I am looking forward to less masks at times.

Denver extended their mandate for 30 days, though with vaccinations, we can get together if 80% of us are covered. That's interesting, and I'm looking forward to my second shot Monday. Hopefully I'm not too affected, as I have practice scheduled for Tuesday.

Life has continued to be the same thing for the most part the last month. Yoga added more people, so I can stop stressing about registering each day for the next week, but it's still not great. It is hot, and I actually had a full, 23 person class the other day.

Other than that, coping overall, but pandemic fatigue is real here for all of us. My son graduated college and is coming home for a bit and my daughter comes back soon, so we'll have a full house for the first time in a long time. Looking forward to that.