inching towards normalcy

[redbird]

On my way home Saturday, I noticed that the stored value on my Charlie card was down to $5.70,, so stopped off to add to that. This after a few months when they weren't charging bus fare, and another month when I have only been traveling a little. This isn't Before Times normal--if it was, I'd be buying monthly passes--but it nonetheless felt significant.

However, I have cancelled my appointment for a haircut Wednesday. When I called a month ago to cancel, the receptionist suggested rescheduling. At the time, I figured that by the beginning of September either it would be safe enough to go get my hair cut, or I would assume it won't be for a long time to come, and either grow it out or get cattitude or adrian_turtle to trim it for me.

I realized in talking to rysmiel that part of why I has hesitant to cancel was that "go, get a haircut, stop on the way home for a chocolate cheesecake" would be reassuringly normal. For me, having identified that this is what I was doing helped me decide not to.

Among other factors, I have five in-person medical things between now and October 2nd, which is a lot of travel by current standards for a person who doesn't drive. As things are in Massachusetts right now, I consider those to be acceptable risks. Any risk tolerance beyond that, I'm using to see Adrian, or maybe to try on shoes. (

Comments

[cmcmck]

I felt the need for the hair appointment I had recently for much the reason you suggest- I was desperate for a little normality that wasn't being out walking in the countryside because I have a slightly guilty feeling that that is just running away (mind you, walking was always that for me when I was younger).

[minnehaha]

I got my hair cut and will do so again. There was no one near me except the stylist in the salon. Obvious public health protocols were in use. I came in with freshly washed wet hair to limit my time there. I kept my mask on the whole time and so did she.

I don't know the set up of your haircut place but if you have a chance to go past and look at it, you might feel more at ease. That is, ff you really want the haircut, but are unsure of the way they have changed their business to accommodate the situation. I have not seen you in ages but I remember you with long hair, so growing it out is obviously a familiar choice for you.

K.

[redbird]

I am confident in the hair place and their precautions, but the extra trip by transit or Lyft seems like an unnecessary risk. If I were still in waking distance I'd do it.

But Somerville is sense, and Tufts is inviting all their students bank on campus.

[joseph_teller]

Still not taking risks here. My wife has 2 appointments this week, an emergency dental repair today and a medical test that was delayed by the initial breakout of the virus that can't be put off any longer, tomorrow.

That and normal grocery shopping is pretty much as much risk as are willing to take at present, and no subway or bus use for us. If it can't be walked it can't be done. The MBTA is no safer than it was in March, just slightly cleaner depending on the time of day.

Despite Our Governor's belief that things are better we're still seeing 300-350 new cases in the state daily. And as the Students are back for many schools on some level, it won't get better. (We're worried enough about 3 brand new students that just replaced everyone we knew upstairs in our building... hoping that they follow the in-building protocols etc.)