Dental hygiene
And other predictions for the post-vaccine era
Friends,
Happy Friday! We made it. If you’ve been enjoying this letter, please consider sharing it with a friend.
Well, the deluge of content about the one-year-in-COVID anniversary is here.
Emily here. I do find it comforting to read about others’ experiences from March 2020. Especially other people who have been taking public health measures seriously over the past year—there’s a sort of camaraderie in it.
But we like to mix things up here in Unpacking. Instead of looking behind us, we’re going to take this time to look ahead. What will things look like in March 2022?
Behold, our Top 10 Predictions For the Post-Vaccine Era:
Teeth-brushing timing: When exactly are people brushing their teeth in the morning?! Right when you wake up? After the first or second cup of coffee? After breakfast? At 3pm when you remember you forgot? Hoping dental hygiene schedules standardize once we have somewhere to GO during the day.
A blended relationship with technology: Workout classes over zoom. FaceTimes from friends or family at random times during the day. These are things we think will stay, with hopefully more opportunities to break out of the screen-cycle once we’re all vaccinated.
Getting a burst of energy when seeing a friend or family member in-person: We have both noticed the extra boost of energy (or energy drain?!) when seeing a friend IRL now (outside, masked, etc). We think this will last until we’re seeing more loved ones in person.
Vulnerability: Not sure if this is universal, but we’ve felt more comfortable sharing about the ups and downs in our lives to friends and colleagues over the last year. Hoping this stays.
Grazing no more: A cheese quesadilla at 10am, coffee and dessert at noon, leftovers from dinner the night before at 2pm, a handful of pretzels an hour later … This, we think, will change with a return to offices or the ability to go on real lunch breaks.
Asking people what they are doing to stay sane / cope: Anyone else picked up this conversation starter over the last year? How about incredibly honest email intros like “Hope you’re doing well in the midst of everything”? Let’s keep this up.
Opting for music over the news: We each have not listened to NPR in the mornings for a long while. Now, we start the days with music. We think this will stick.
When you see a group walking your way: Avoiding people on the street while walking around crowded spaces is a COVID-precaution that we cannot wait to be over. It can feel rude! This, thankfully, will change with vaccines.
Conference calls: Bring back conference calls!!! Remember that, readers? Remember the freedom and low-stress of a good, old fashioned Uber conference?
Planning: If the act of planning (aka weddings, work conferences, vacations) was a bicycle, the kickstand would definitely be down. We’re rusty! When do we start capital-P “Planning” again? Maybe … now?
Water Cooler Conversation
Carrie: Staying on the Dolly Parton beat, did you see Dolly’s stirring rendition of “Jolene” performed as “Vaccine,” while she was also receiving her shot? She is a true renaissance woman.
Emily: I also like her sassy commentary as she waits for the doc here.
Emily: Speaking of predicting the future, did you know that we actually have robots delivering food around college campuses these days?! Back in MY day…
Carrie: That reminds me! I learned this week that sidewalk robots in Pennsylvania now have legal rights as pedestrians.
Carrie: I’ve also been mulling over this interactive and predictive map about North American climate in the next 20 to 50 years, especially after reading the book, “Weather,” by Jenny Offill. I highly recommend both.
Emily: ProPublica’s work here needs more attention. This map is terrifying!
Emily: Carrie, I’d like to close this WCC today with a poem, which feels like a fitting one this week. See below for an excerpt of Dear March — Come in, by Emily Dickinson.
Carrie: Oh hooray! This is terrific. May I add the new song by Jon Batiste with Zadie Smith, “SHOW ME THE WAY” to this finale?
Dear March — Come in —
Dear March — Come in —
How glad I am —
I hoped for you before —
Put down your Hat —
You must have walked —
How out of Breath you are —
Dear March, how are you, and the Rest —
Did you leave Nature well —
Oh March, Come right upstairs with me —
I have so much to tell —
What predictions do you have for March 2022? We want to know! You can respond directly to this email.
Your newslettering friends,
Carrie & Emily
Love the sense of calm while reading this! Unanticipated, per usual, with reflecting upon this past year..so lovely to see larger & smaller things summed up so well via others! Especially the burst of energy, vulnerability & music elements.. oh and Dolly, of course :)