Day 117~ Life Just isn't the Same

As we try to return to a "New Normal" it's becoming clearer that we should just be calling it the "New" because there is nothing normal about our current way of life. 

For instance, most students aren't returning to Harvard in the fall.  I can't even imagine the fall with so few students in the Square. Sure, I make fun of them in the fall when they wear their puffers, but I do love what students add to the atmosphere of the Square.

And then there's the issue of school re-openings.  During my lecture yesterday, I learned about the vaccine process. The professor also went over this graph.  The green line is what happens when you reopen schools.  I honestly don't know how I will handle going back to school and it's really weighing on me.  The more and more research that comes out about the effects of even mild cases of the virus is really un-nerving (hallucinations, delirium, ice grains in the lungs, mental fatigue and fogginess, etc.) 

We tried to go out to eat last night.  I really wanted a night out where I got dressed up and we ate somewhere nice.  During the first few months of the lockdown, I took advantage of all of the crazy sales out there.  As a result, I have an arsenal of cute dresses, purses, and shoes just sitting in my closet. (In particular, I have a red dress with white flowers that I really, really want to wear.)  I also spend most of my days makeupless and in yoga clothes, shorts, and t-shirts.  It would be nice to change it up a bit and feel somewhat "alive."  In short, I would like to feel just a bit normal for a night. 

Unfortunately, going out to eat on a Monday is nearly impossible.  Most restaurants are only open between Wednesday and Sunday.  This makes total sense and I totally respect that but the weather was so beautiful and I really wanted to sit on a patio somewhere.  There was one place I thought we might go, but looking at pictures online the patio looked a bit sketchy.  (I wanted to go out to eat but not do something risky!)

Ultimately, we ended up at The Independent in Union Square.  I do love The Independent, but it's a casual place.  The patio was completely empty which just made the whole situation a bit sadder.  (Nowadays an empty patio is a win for customers and a complete loss for owners.) I honestly don't know how any of these restaurants will stay in business.  It really breaks my heart.

I love these grad banners Somerville installed around the city, featuring the senior portraits of all the graduates.  Outstanding!

Dinner was yummy and the weather was perfect so it was a nice way to spend an hour but it got me thinking.  Eating out used to be my thing.  I loved the experience.  The atmosphere.  It filled my city heart and my soul.  Now, dining out just doesn't do that the way it used to.