Mask Pick Up Lines

From the looks of things, masks might be around for a little while longer.  Who would have thought that we would be wearing masks everywhere?  And yet here we are, almost one year later, wearing plain or colorful masks over our face.

Wearing a mask and trying to flirt must be difficult.  I thought I would try to help out all of the single people out there.  I mean, it must be tough to find a date when you have to keep a six foot distance from people.  And trying to talk to people with a mask on isn't as easy as it sounds.  When you finally do get within that six foot range, how do you strike up a conversation?

If you are single and in the dating scene, I came up with a list of pick up lines that might help you break the ice.  Now, I haven't tried out any of these lines so I can not guarantee that they will work.  If you do try any of the lines and they work, let me know!

Let's get started:

"I saw you from across the room in that sexy mask and had to come over and say hello."

"That mask shows off your sexy nose cleavage."

"What are you hiding behind that lovely mask of yours?"

"Can I peak behind your mask?"

"I'd like to get you alone and slip off that mask."

"Is that your nose in your mask or are you just happy to see me?"

"Lets go someplace where we can slip out of our masks."

"I think your mask is getting thicker."

"Hey baby, I think you left your mask on my nightstand."

"That mask just oozes sexiness."

I think there is quite a variety of lines that you can use on that list.   Try them  out and see which line works best for you.

I really hope these pick up lines help you.  If you can think of any other pick up lines to add to the list, let me know in the comments!

Back to Reality

It seems strange to talk about something as normal as going to work.  Work is just part of the norm for most adults.  Some work five days a week, some, seven, while others might only work three or four days.  It becomes part of the routine.  

Wake up.  

Eat.  

Get dressed.  

Go to work.

As I mentioned in my last post, I went back to work on Monday, after being in quarantine for 88 days.  I was living a carefree life, waking up when I wanted, taking extra long walks, performing various tasks around the house, going outside whenever I wanted just for some fresh air.  And then, after 88 days of this fun, carefree living, I was suddenly thrown back into a work routine.

Since people were stuck at home and there was limited activities available during the quarantine,  I figured people would be either really excited or really nervous to leave their house and go shopping.  I had two scenarios in my head on about my first day back at work.  

A)  I would be wandering around the store with a few other employees, bored out of my mind.  Dusting the tops of the clothing racks because that's the only thing I can think of to do since it is so quiet in the store.

B)  The store would be full of people.  Clothes would be flying everywhere.  Long lines of people buying things.  

If you guessed B, then you guessed correctly.  I don't think clothes were flying through the store, though.  I was at the register and there were long lines.  Lots of people had two and three shopping carts full of clothes  (there are a lot of mark downs because we haven't been in the store for 3 months).  Oh, and wearing a mask for five hours is quite painful.  I came home with a huge headache.  

I have to say, during my quarantine, I missed work's music playlist.

Quarantine Day 88

Visited Nick last week in Green Bay for a couple of days.  It wasn't as crazy up there as it is here.  You don't have to wear a mask when you are in public in Wisconsin.  In fact, we went inside of a restaurant to order food.  Without a mask.  We haven't been able to go to a restaurant for two and a half months here!  It felt strange, like we were breaking the law.   We even went to a couple of clothing stores while we were there.  I'm surprised we didn't make the ten o'clock news.

Tried to soak up my last few days of freedom quarantine time.  That means I ran a bunch of errands and finished up several last minute projects around the house.  Why, you ask?   Well, tomorrow is a big day for me.  I get to go back to work, so, that means Quarantine time ends for me.   Of course, I will have to wear a mask, have my temperature taken before I start my shift and I'm sure there are a ton of other rules that I will have to follow, so, I will still be living that quarantine life, but, I will be working.  It's going to be strange being back at work again.  And, I'll make sure to give you an update on my first day back.  I'm definitely looking forward to a few hours of listening to songs about whiskey.

Quarantine Day 83

Landscaping and mulch are done.  The front and back yards are looking really good.  Glad to have the time to get it all done early in the season.  Maybe now I can sit back and enjoy it for the rest of the summer?

Painted the office this weekend.  Didn't want to disrupt RT's work day so I painted on the weekend.  Chose the perfect (cool) day to paint. 

Lots of unrest in the country.  Protests.  Looting.  Fires.  Car jackings.  Many of the things were happening in the surrounding towns.

Quarantine.

Covid-19.

Masks.

Social Distance.

Police brutality.

Racism.

Protests.

Violence.

Looting.

Curfews.

What is happening out there?

Coronavirus Sucks

This post is long overdue.  I think it's a fitting title with the number of deaths as a result of this virus.    Setting that aside, I have a list of other reasons why Coronavirus sucks.

Because of Coronavirus, I am not able to work.  This can be a good thing because it's more time for me do do things that I want to do.  Although, it is nice to have the extra money to do these things.  

Which leads to..  

Because of Coronavirus a lot of the stores and hotels are closed.  So, now that I have all of this free time, I can't spend it at stores or visit other places.  I have to stay home.

And...

I have to stay home...by myself or with my immediate family.  I can't socialize with friends or extended family unless we are 6 feet apart and wearing a mask.

Because of Coronavirus I could not go visit Nick in Wisconsin (and vice versa).  With all of the unknowns of this virus, it was best if we just stayed home.

Because of Coronavirus, I was not able to visit my Mom when she was in a retirement home.  Understandable because older people are not able to fight off the virus.  But, my Mom had dementia and did not know what was going on or why we did not visit her.  Sadly, my Mom passed away during this quarantine.  Because of Coronavirus we could only have ten people at the cemetery for her funeral.  Her friends and extended family members could not attend.  

Because of Coronavirus, school continued but was all online.  Bella finished 8th grade this year.  You probably didn't know that I walked her to school (almost) every day.  I treasured that time we spent together and felt it would be a great memory for her to look back on when she was older.

I could keep going and I'm sure everyone, including you, could add a few to my list.  And, I'm sure you agree with me when I say, the Coronavirus Sucks.

Quarantine Day 76

Honestly, it feels more like Day 763.

The good news for the week?  Bella has finished 8th grade.  It's official!  The ceremony was virtual, short and sweet.  We did get dressed up to take pictures.  It did seem anti climactic since we could not go anywhere to celebrate or even be around family and friends.  Now that school is over, the world is at her feet!  She can do whatever she wants....as long as she social distances herself from others and, well, stays inside since everything here is still CLOSED!

As I stated in my last post, all of the children  sunflowers were planted.  They are doing great and send their love.

I talked about my wonderful surprise last week.  Nick's visit.  Before he left Illinois, he helped me spread some mulch in the front yard.  I sent him to the grocery store while he was here.  When he returned home he told me that he would not step into any more stores while here in Illinois (because of the mask law).  He was quite happy to go back home.

I finished the huge mulch pile that we had in our driveway and was promised that we wouldn't get more until July.  I exhausted my three secret helpers in the process and ended up completing the job myself.   I found out that RT spoke with a neighbor and we will be getting more mulch in a couple of days.  With all of the mulch tossing I have to say that my arms are looking pretty....pretty....good.  Yes that was a "Curb" reference.

I just finished watching "Waco" on Netflix and it has sparked my obsession with religious groups/cults.  This viewing has lead to me reading and watching everything I can to try and figure out David Koresh.

I accidentally volunteered my mulching services to a neighbor.  I think this quarantine is affecting my brain and ability to think.  I might have a new career on my hands, folks.  

Quarantine Day 69

Alex said he might become a vegan after this whole quarantine is over.  He has a good start since I have been making quite a few vegan meals during this time at home.

RT has decided that it hurts to wear shoes so he is going barefoot everywhere.  Parties should be interesting to attend.  I hope there are no formal occasions in the near future.  For all of you local people, keep this in mind before inviting us over.

Bella is no longer an eighth grader.  She has officially moved on.  I was given the task to pick up all of her personal items that were left in her lockers.  Good thing my trunk was empty.  I had to personally apologize for the amount of stuff my child stored at school.  Good thing they didn't charge a rental fee.  We get to view the "Moving On" ceremony via links that will be sent to us tomorrow.  It isn't quite the same as attending the ceremony and seeing her walk across the stage, but, hey, things are different now and we just have to roll with it.  She will also have that as a fun quarantine memory.

We had a surprise visit this week from Nick.  Besides a strong resemblance to a thin Grizzly Adams, he is looking pretty good!  I think he expected us to be having lots of fun here during quarantine because there are more people living in this house.   Sorry we disappointed you, Nick.  At least we were able to have a little pizza party for you.  Thanks, Uncle Steve!

Still home.
Still walking.
Still masked.
Trying to stay insane  sane
Also trying to stay safe and not to kill anyone.

Cheers to this all ending REAL soon!

Bagpipes

Every evening for the last couple of weeks, starting around 5pm, I notice that I can hear bagpipes playing down the street from me.  At first I thought that I was hearing things.  You know how sometimes you hear music in your head (or is that just me?)?  I'm not exactly sure why I would hear bagpipe music in my head.  Maybe I have been watching too much "Outlander?"

Anyway, it all started when we rented that stump grinder a few weeks ago.  When we were finishing up for the evening, I could faintly hear the sounds of bagpipes playing in the distance.  I found it a little odd and thought that maybe I was just hearing things.  I mean, hearing bagpipes playing is a normal thing, isn't it?

Time went by, and every evening when I would step out front, I could hear the bagpipes.  They were always coming from the same direction.  I thought it was pretty cool and would hang outside and listen for a little while.  I didn't think much about it.  The music was played during the late afternoon/early evening.  It wasn't obnoxiously loud.  And, I thought it was cool because it was something different to experience.

Apparently, some of the neighbors do not agree with me.

We have this neighborhood app where people like to complain a lot  you can ask neighbors questions, report traffic issues and sell items.  The app can be quite useful.  Many of the questions are about things happening in the area, like, when is garbage day this week?  Is it branch pick up this week?  Some people ask questions about plants they have found in their yard, recommendations on restaurants, local companies, etc.  Unfortunately, the app sometimes turns into a "complaint department." 

One of the questions asked was about hearing bagpipes playing.  It was asked as an innocent question but the post must have had 50 replies.  Quite a few positive replies with the people thanking the bagpiper, and then there were the complaints.  "It bothers my dog."  "I don't like it."  "It's too loud."

With this whole quarantine time, I've had plenty of time to reflect.  Being isolated or quarantined has helped me to try and find something positive in what is happening around me.  Try to enjoy the little things in life, like bagpipe music in the evenings.  And, if it isn't something that you (or your dog) want to hear, then go inside your house.

Quarantine Day 62

Bella has been practicing her Barack Obama impersonation.  At any point during the day you can hear her say, "Good Morning, I'm Barack Obama."  I asked her to put her dishes in the dishwasher and she said, "Would you yell at Barack Obama for not putting his dishes in the dishwasher?"  I said that I didn't care that he was president at one time and would definitely make him pick up his dishes.

In breaking news, Alex actually cleaned the bathroom floor.

In other news,

RT has switched careers for awhile and has launched his vegetable garden fence making business.  His first order was for fences around two gardens.  Those little rabbits don't know what they are up against this growing season!  Better place your orders soon.  I'm sure he will book up fast!

Again, I'm still home.
I'm still walking (as far as I can).
I'm still baking.
And, most importantly,
I haven't killed anyone......yet.

Quarantine Day 55

I have been baking something almost every day.  Trying to fatten up my family.  My family is calling this time the Covid-19, where you gain 19 pounds during quarantine.  It's similar to the Freshman 15, but, it happens during quarantine and you gain an extra four pounds. 

The landscaping out front is complete.  All we need now is some mulch.  Next up is the vegetable garden(s). 

Nothing else exciting to report.

Still baking.
Still in quarantine.
Still at home.
Haven't killed anyone.....yet.

This has to end soon.

Quarantine Day 48

Let's see....what new and exciting things happened this week?  It's been so action packed around here that it's difficult for me to remember all of the fun that I have been having.... locked up in my house.

We rented a stump grinder and RT went a little crazy.  See!  I do let him out of the basement once in awhile!   We tore out quite a few of the bushes in front and in the back of our house.  It sounded like a good idea at the time.  After all was over, not so much.  So, next up, we will have to plant some trees and bushes to make things look a little nicer (you know, curb appeal). 

I told you this was going to be exciting!

I bought another gallon of paint.  My life as a painter is never ending.   Fortunately we do have quite a few rooms in our house.  I'm sure I will eventually run out of rooms to paint (I hope).   For this painting job, I will have to kick RT out of the office.  Luckily, it isn't a huge room and should take me one day to complete so RT can be locked up  back in his office in no time.  I have two or three more rooms that are on my "To Paint" list.  Of course, I will have to see if I can get these painting projects approved from the board (RT).  Stay tuned.

My weird dog  Pippen got a bath.  It was much needed and the world is a much happier place because of his sacrifice  bath.

The Stay At Home order was extended.

Wait!  What did I just write?  The Stay At Home order was extended?   So, we are now going into the month of May with this whole quarantine thing? 

Ugh! 

This is really getting old.

Quarantine Song List

I thought I would put together a list of songs that you can listen to during the quarantine nightmare.  I mean, as long as we are all stuck inside the house, why not have some music to listen to, am I right?  And, not just any music, songs that really touch on our whole quarantine situation.  I'm surprised I didn't come up with this list sooner!  We could have been listening to these songs for the last six weeks!  On the bright side, with a lot of states extending the quarantine (like good ol' Illinois), I think we all still have plenty of time to sit back and really get into these songs.

Let's get started, shall we?  Here's the list:

Livin' On a Prayer - Bon Jovi
Problem - Ariana Grande
Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash
Doom and Gloom - Rolling Stones
Let em In (Someone's Knocking on the Door) - Paul McCartney
HELP - The Beatles
Don't Stand So Close to Me - The Police
Land of Confusion - Genesis
A Day in the Life - The Beatles
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
Gimme Shelter - Rolling Stones
Don't Come Around Here No More - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
Yesterday - The Beatles
Stay  Away - Nirvana
Time is on My Side - Rolling Stones
Live and Let Die - Paul McCartney
In the air Tonight - Phil Collins
Inside - Van Halen
Home - Phillip Phillips


If you feel like you have been home too long, you might want to consider adding these songs to your playlist:

Aqua Lung - Jethro Tull
Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson
Cry, Cry, Cry - Johnny Cash
Feeling That Way - Journey
Delirious - Prince
Somebody Get Me a Doctor - Van Halen
Scream  - Michael Jackson

If I missed any songs that you feel should make the list, leave me a message in the comments.

Happy Listening!

Quarantine Day 41

Is it over yet?

Another week has passed.  Time goes by.......so slowly when you are in quarantine.  Have you noticed that too?  I don't even know what day it is, nor do I care.  I think I have hit an all time low. 

On a happier note:  I have stopped whistling "Jingle Bells."  It only took 4 weeks for me to finally stop and I lived to tell the world about it.  That's just about the time when RT started to whistle "Rhinestone Cowboy."  I told him if he started that 6 weeks ago, he wouldn't be here today to tell his side of the story (yes, he stopped).

I finished painting the basement.  I should say, I started painting the basement and I finished painting the basement.  It took two days.  I'm getting pretty good at this painting thing.  I might have to add it to my resume (along with able to whistle annoying songs for long periods of time).  I might need it since I'm on "furlough."

Online school is still happening through the end of the school year.  There will be no Odyssey trip or "Moving On" ceremony (also known as 8th grade graduation).   We will have to plan something here in the yard to mark the occasion. 

RT is still locked in the basement  working at home.

Alex is still confined  in his room.

And, Pippen is still happy everyone is at home with him.  Well, everyone, meaning me.

I'm still hoping there is only one more week of this craziness  isolation nightmare stay at home time.   I would like to get out of the house more (besides my two hour walks around the neighborhood and my hours of yard work).  I should clarify that, out of the house, meaning not doing work in or around the house.  Out in the world, actually experiencing things. 

Here's to hoping this is the last week of quarantine! 

Cheers!

Quarantine Day 34

Hope all of you out there are hanging in there.  I think (and hope) we only have a couple more weeks of this insanity  craziness  nightmare   isolation  quarantine.

RT is still working in the basement.  Haven't seen him in weeks.  Just kidding.  I let him out every once in awhile. 

Alex is still self isolating in his room.  He is allowed to does come out for food and water.

Bella is attending school (online, of course) that takes about an hour of her day.  She is also taking some dance classes (remotely using zoom) which use up one to two hours of her day a few times a week.  So, she has a full schedule going on.....

I have been trying to use my time wisely.  I still go on on my long two hour walks every morning.   I have been baking quite a bit.  You might be seeing a few recipes posted here in the coming weeks.  Know that they have been tried and tested and probably didn't last very long here  and are safe for you to try out on your family.  I also decided to paint my bedroom.  I enlisted the help of Bella (if you ask her, she will tell you that she had no choice in the matter) and we finished the job in a couple of days.  We left the trim for RT (I'm sure I will end up doing that in a couple of weeks).  I also have another fun painting job in the works (I even have the paint).   So, I guess you can say that it's been a pretty productive quarantine for me. 

My weird dog  Pippen is getting used to having me home all of the time and will probably go through some major separation anxiety when this is all over. 

Cheers to another two more weeks of quarantine!

Self Isolation or Quarrantine from the CoronaVirus or COVID-19 Day 27

I think these lyrics sum up my feelings about being in isolation for the last 27 days and the Coronavirus  or  COVID-19:


And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs 
What's going on?

What's Up  by, 4 Non Blondes

Self Isolating - Quarantine Day 21

Still walking as much as I possibly can in a day.  Anything to get out of the house.  RT finds projects that "he"wants to do during this time.  All supplies somehow appear in my sight and I end up doing  his the project.

We were told we are to quarantine for another month.  With all of these "projects" magically appearing, prayers are going to be needed.

I know you are rooting for me but remember, RT has his own problems to deal with during this time.  Working at home, being quarantined (with me) and, oh, yea, listening to me constantly whistling "Jingle Bells" for the last three weeks.

Cheers to another month of fun!

Day 14 of Isolation or Self Quarantine from Coronavirus COVID-19

My morning walks are much longer now.  Those of you who live far away might want to look out your kitchen window in the morning and wave to me as I walk by your house.  I take a second walk in the afternoon with Pippen (we don't get that far because he gets tired).

Board games are now a nightly family thing.  Every night we play a game after eating dinner.  Everyone is a bit antsy, tense and crabby.  I had to tell everyone that they need to get out more.  (I almost got thrown out of the house for that comment)

Pippen has been on several walks and jogs (a day) during this time of isolation.  I think he is wondering when all can go back to normal and he can catch a nap (or three).

I thought I would do a little Pinterest searching to fill in a few days  hours  minutes of my day.  I noticed a little blurb on the site telling me to social distance myself and to wash my hands.  I mean, I'm on the site at home all by myself.   I'm not literally touching the pins on the site.  Can I get the virus off Pinterest now?

I started making beaded bracelets and can't stop.  I think this quarantine has just launched my bracelet making business.

Don't forget that April is National Letter Writing Month.  Since you are stuck at home and you aren't  doing anything, why not write someone a letter and tell them about your boredom?  Give them a minute by minute run down of your day.  I'm sure they would LOVE hearing from you!   Dig out that pretty paper, some pens and stickers and washy tape and markers and go crazy!

I made cookies.
I baked a loaf of bread.
I cook dinner every night.
I'm caught up on laundry.
I have been cleaning every day.

Yea.  You might want to send help.  I really need to get out of this house.

Day 7 of Isolation or self quarantine from Cornavirus COVID -19

Board games have been brought out.
Online school is taking place.
Work at home is implemented for one.
One has chosen to self isolate.

RT is enjoying the luxury of working at home.  He has set up his office in our basement office.  He closes the door, and I close the door to the basement.  He does come out of hiding his office quite a bit....

Bella is attending classes online.  She is finished with her schooling before noon and, for the most part has stayed in her room.  She is unable to socialize (in person) with friends, relying on social media, texts and face time.  She is referring to this time at home as being under house arrest (I'm making her an ankle bracelet to make her dream become reality).

Alex has chosen self isolation in his room.  He does come out once in awhile for food, water and a little social interaction.

I get to go on my morning walks and was doing great UNTIL my job called to tell me that they are shutting down for a couple of weeks.  Once RT heard about that he immediately came up with a list of things that I can do with my time (like I don't normally have things to do.....).

If this rainy weather keeps up, I'm not sure if I'm going to make it two weeks at home.

Pandemic Pandemonium

I'm sure you've been watching the circus  news and are up to date on the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.  I understand the situation and the seriousness, but...

Yes.  I have to talk  write about this chaos  craze.

I see people treating this as the end of the world and are stockpiling food (and toilet paper and ammunition).  I don't remember stockpiling happening with Y2K, H1N1 or MRSA.  And, what about saving some food and toilet paper for those that actually need it?  < That isn't what I want to write about...

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has been putting out information on how we should all wash our hands.  How to's, how long, etc.

Wait....did I miss something?  I've been washing my hands (and often) for my whole life.  Are there people out there that do not wash their hands?   And these people need to be reminded to wash their hands???

And coughing and sneezing into your arm.  Well, I can attest to this from working in retail, A LOT of people do not do this or even turn away from other people.  They just cough and sneeze in your face  (so I guess some government intervention is needed in that area).

With all of these news stories and scare tactics, the ones that are really (negatively) affected are the kids.  My daughter was upset because she had to call and tell me that we couldn't come to her Championship basketball game (we attended every game of the season...their team was undefeated).  Unfortunately, this frightened my daughter.  After seeing reports of people being kept on cruise ships, she started thinking she might not see us for awhile (we did discuss this and things are better).

I do hope something good comes out of all of this chaos craziness.

Kindness.
Compassion.
Helping others.  

Oh, and always wash your hands.