today

I haven't left my apartment since last Monday, except to pick up mail and throw away garbage. Yet despite my physical isolation I really haven't felt lonely. 

I speak to friends much more often than I ever did.

One friend, who has never been a phone-talker, insists on FaceTime (which I hate).

I now speak to my mom several times a day; she's doing great — even without the PT person coming.

I receive more genuinely funny videos and informative articles than I ever have before. — anything to make one smile or dispel myths is always welcome.

Life continues as near normal as one can make it. 

And despite now having many more phone conversations, there has been a definite shift in the kinds of questions people ask.

Here are just a few.

No longer asked:

• What are you doing today/tonight?

• What did you do this weekend?

• What will you do tomorrow?

• Did you know that Bergdorf's (Saks, Bloomingdales ...) is having a huge sale?

• Did you get tickets for (pick any play, concert, event, sports game ...)?

• Let's set a time to get together. What does your schedule look like? (And how ironic that so many of us are now always free).

• How's your job search going? (I left Saks in November, long story for another time).

Consistently asked:

• What are you cooking for dinner?

• Have you read anything really good lately? (The Tenant, and now Saint X).

• Are you having a problem getting a slot from Fresh Direct? (the next 7 days are totally booked).

• Is there anything you've seen on Netflix that you've loved?

• Did you watch Cuomo today? 

• And related: Can you let me know when Cuomo is on today?

• I have a sore throat (headache, stomach ache ... ); do you think that means anything?

• What day is it (as if the answer matters)?

• How many days have you self-quarantined? (I'm on day 7).

And then there are the things I'm so grateful for. Again, here are just a few.

• Healthcare workers and first responders
• Doorman and building support
• Delivery people
• Food stores and pharmacies
• Creative people who make those hilarious videos
• Dr. Fauci
• Governor Cuomo
• The internet
• Kindle
• My TV and all its content
• Zoom
• My incredible friends
• Family
• Being part of NYC, even now.