This Covid crisis has been so stressful for all of us, but sometimes there are moments of levity that help us cope.
Today I braved the stores. I was determined to go to a local Italian supermarket to pick up products that I have not been able to get from Amazon, Walmart or Instacart.
Personally, I like all three, but when I buy things from Instacart they always seem to miss something that I need. I saw an article online about Instacart once said to a person "We don't have toilet paper, how about copy paper?" Personally, whatever I make only I want it is do it once.
Today I got some gas at Mobil and then headed east on Long Island towards my destination. It was about 8:30 this morning, when I realized I needed to use the bathroom. The problem is no place lets you in. Everything is takeout. Panera bread (drive thru), Starbucks pick up only.
Finally, I drove by Dunkin Donuts and thank God they were open and I was able to use their bathroom. Even if I did have to wear a mask to enter the store.
I was relieved literally and figuratively, and then Murphy's law kicked in. Just as I got in my car, I took off my mask and the string broke. Now, I don't know if this ever happened to you, but you really can't wear a mask with one string. I guess it's like trying to wear a bra with one strap. Doesn't really work too well.
The store I wanted to go to won't let you in unless you have a mask.
I had the latex gloves covered I just needed to solve the mask issue.
When I pulled in front of the Italian market It was a quarter to nine and I thought let's have my breakfast sandwich first and then I'll try to solve my problem.
I wolfed down my egg and cheese sandwich and then took a look at my mask. One string was broken. I started to look in my Jeep to see if I could find any duct tape. Nothing. I thought about using a stapler but there wasn't one. I tried post it notes, nope. Finally I found a large clip that you usually use with documents. After a few iterations, a found a position that worked. Although I felt like someone from Revenge of the Nerds but with a screwed up mask. but fortunately it worked.
I shopped at my store, spent a ton of money, but at least I got to pick out what I wanted, especially hard to get organic produce, and my family and I were able to eat well later.
After I lugged all the stuff to my car, I threw away my gloves and got into it to drive home. I put my hand in my coat pocket and what did I find? another mask in perfect shape, and I began to laugh.
Life Lesson 139: I've heard it been said in military special forces, "One is none and two is one." that you should always have backups for everything. Redundancies. I agree. Next time I go somewhere I will try to have at least two masks, and two gloves, etc. So I never get into a similar mess. T
