outside, finally

Today would have been day #18 of my self-quarantine; instead I go out  Not very far, but still outside.

I dress appropriately feeling a little like I've added a beak to my wardrobe.

I am heading to Orwasher's, less than a block from my home. 

While the streets are not crowded, they are not one-way either. I find myself dodging pedestrians coming from the opposite direction in order to maintain my 6-foot distance.

I arrive at Orwashers. Outside there is a short, well-spaced line of masked people. 

I had placed my order earlier in the week, and I'm supposed to text them when I arrive. Instead, I wave to a brave worker inside, having chosen to leave my phone at home (don't want to have to think about disinfecting it later).

I easily get someone's attention. A young woman comes out. I give her my name; she hands me my order.

That's it. I'm back home within 10 minutes.

I was expecting to feel great from my short venture outside. I don't.

The mask is not comfortable. And breathing through one negates the beauty of fresh air. Also, trying to abide by the distancing rule is not as easy as I thought it would be.

And then when I get home, I spend at least 10 minutes disinfecting everything from my bag of food, to my mask, to my outside doorknob.

I feel safe enough to occasionally leave home as long as I wear a mask and gloves, and keep my distance.

Still, staying in is so much easier. And safer too.