I’m struggling, y’all. I’m sitting in the parking lot of Aldi and I’m losing it.

I had one job: brave the grocery store crowds and bring home seltzer. I have failed. All that’s left in there are waters flavored with weird sugary crap. Which no one in my household will drink.

But that’s not what’s got me upset.

I’ve spent the last 7 days avoiding retail establishments. This is the first time I’ve gotten a look at what THE SICKNESS, as my 5yo calls it, is really doing to our community. The shelves in the personal care and household care sections are completely decimated. You need soap to clean your hands? Tough shit, sucker!

Oh, sure, I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, but to finally experience it firsthand is unnerving. And then add in that my fellow shoppers are wearing masks and gloves.

I held myself together long enough to buy some jelly beans. Because as nonessential as that sounds, EASTER MUST GO ON.

I climbed in the car. And then it just hit me. BIG TIME.

So send all the cat memes. Pronto.

In the meantime, I’m doing deep breathing exercises and trying to count blessings. Which brings me to this: 10 things that make me smile. Today.

Do you need these things, too? I’m guessing I’m not the only one who could use some cheer. Here’s to keeping hope alive – today anyway.

10 things to make you smile

During this time of uncertainty, isolation, and angst.

1. Nature walks

Also known as EXERCISE. To guard against #covid19pounds

2. FACETIME for life!

With friends, extended family, and lovely coworkers. Because FREE zoom calls are the greatest excuse to take a shower and fix your hair. Also, all praise the virtual happy hour!

3. Dark chocolate

Especially when your besties suprise you and drop off a bag of treats on your front porch.

4. Courage

To simply get up in the morning in the midst of all this and make your kids breakfast.

5. New skills

Because it’s the perfect time to teach an old dog new tricks!

So far this week, I’ve done cartwheels, installed a fancy spa shower head in the bathroom, and biked to the bank (with both tires flat.)

6. Painted toes

IT’S SPRINGTIME!!! And if you’ve got mad at-home, pedicure skills, this means your toes now match the azalea bushes.

I’m loving the excuse to pull out my peep-toed shoes. Even though no one else can see them.

7. Toilet paper

Did you think I’d forget about this one?

According to this super fun tracker, I’m good for another 60 days. (After that, I’m going pioneer-woman with the family cloth.)

8. Prayer

To at least calm the soul. Because this virus crap is totally out of our hands.

9. Hair bows

Because if you’re lazy like me, you haven’t had a haircut since August and now your favorite hairdresser’s closed. Or, um, if not, I’m doubting she’s got bionic, go-go-gadget arms to maintain 6 feet of social distance with her scissors.

10. Grocery store clerks

Y’all, even if they don’t have seltzer at Aldi, at least folks are still working there, braving this craziness every day just to make sure we’re all getting what we need.

What’s on your list? Share what’s making you smile right now – below or on Facebook at MothersRest.

Photo credit: Singkham from Pexels.com