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KATIE ZERR: New normal causing a rash of bad habits


On Monday evening, I drove through Mobridge running a much-needed errand (no personal contact). I noticed something that will stick with me for a very long time. No people walking on the street. Not one person on the busiest streets of the community.
There were a couple of cars on Grand Crossing. Not nearly the normal traffic. I could have turned from Main Street onto Grand against the red light and no one would have seen or probably cared.
I was amazed by this. I can’t say that this is the first time I have seen this, because I used to work nights and often had the streets to myself when I walked home from Main Street in the early hours of the morning, but it had to be the first time that early in the evening.
I realized that this was our new normal for a while and that people were finally taking this COVID-19 stay at home plea seriously.
As I reached home, I got out of my vehicle and realized there were a couple of things about me that are new since my self-isolation
I was still in my pajamas. Yes, I had worked at home all day without getting out of my loungers.
Sloppy socks with house shoes, baggie, elastic waist pants, and a T-shirt that is four sizes too big and hair that probably hadn’t been combed since the early morning and not a stitch of make-up.
This is not even my normal weekend attire. I have always been someone who would never had been out in public without make-up.
I inherited my father’s ruddy, red splotched, freckled skin. Instead of my mom’s darker skin that tanned so beautifully, I have the Zerr light skin. I was reminded that on Sunday after spending about a half an hour in the sun and snow. I was awarded with a slight sunburn on my face. Of course, no make-up with a sunscreen left no protection from the sun’s reflected rays.
In this new normal, I have found out a number of things about myself. I have fallen into some bad habits since working at home this last three weeks. I get out of bed later, eat breakfast later, then lunch, and a later dinner. That is not a good habit.
My eating habits are also changed. I have not been eating fast food, so that is a good thing, but I also am eating more of favorite meals. Big mistake. I am sure my weight will suffer in my new normal.
I have tried to exercise each day, but I am also losing my discipline in the new normal.
There will be a serious conversation with my doctor around the corner.
Yesterday something that has happened shook me out of my new, personal lazy, normal.
I was at my computer, in my lounging attire, no make-up, hair looking like I just climbed out of bed (it was early afternoon) when there was a knock on my front door.
Someone I respect and has never seen me outside of my old normal, was dropping off information that I needed for a story. It was a surprise, as before this new normal, I would not have allowed myself to be seen in this state if I knew I would have human contact outside of my closest circle of friends and family.
I was embarrassed to answer the door. I knew I probably looked frightening to young children and puppies, but I sucked it up and talked to my visitor.
After he left, I went back to my computer and swore it would never happen again.
But here I am, on Wednesday morning, in my over-sized T-shirt and sweatpants, no make-up and I have not had breakfast.
I have also developed a new habit of reading later in the night as I did last night and getting up later, as I did this morning.
I will start kicking up my new discipline, tomorrow. Breakfast is calling.
I hope no one decides to visit this morning.
Stay safe, stay home and take care of your neighbors.

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