I’m used to living out of a suitcase, unpacking only to pack for another trip and finding receipts in foreign languages in my bag. All that stopped during the pandemic, among many other things. After the initial rush to buy soap, hand sanitizer, and pantry items, I found myself cancelling trips, storing my suitcase in the basement, and unpacking clothes into my closet.
On one hand, I was grateful that I had more time to spend with my husband at home and regularly call my family and friends; on the other, I was disappointed that I had to cancel plans—none of which, of course, compared to the terrible news I’d watch and read about the pandemic day in and day out.