Happy Friday Everyone…or for some of us does it matter what day it is because they are all running together? I will admit that I am pretty good at knowing the days of the week because of my television habits. I’m not sure if that is something to brag about….I know the days of the week….what’s on TV?! (I also still have Days of the week underpants that keep me in focus too….one of the advantages of being built like a child.)
I’ve spent waaaaaay too much time this past week reading the “news” on the Internet concerning the pandemic, quarantines and what we should/shouldn’t do. Am I the only one who feels completely overwhelmed? I feel like I am on a merry go round that went too fast….I get off and I’m misguided and confused. I stumble, get my footing and for some odd reason, I get back on again.
At the beginning of this year, some folks took the thought of COVID-19 coming into our lives as a bit of a joke. Memes were made and there were jokes flying across the Internet. I hated the jokes. Still do. Why was it funny to mock something so terrifying? Some said it was for stress relief, others said because the world has become hysterical and I personally just thought it was wrong. The one thing that was consistent is that if you have a compromised immune system or are elderly, you should have some concern.
The next thing that happened was our country pretty much shut down. Now people are taking it seriously…or are they? We do a puzzle, cook at home and take some selfies of life in quarantined America. Essential becomes the next big word of the day but it seems to really be blurry as to what is deemed essential and what isn’t.
We wash our hands, make masks and change our lives….and continue to complain.
Now different states are entering different phases and it is a world divided within our own communities. There are folks who will willingly without complaint don their masks when they enter public spaces. No one really knows 100% the efficacy of some of our precautions but there are a lot of us who would rather error on the side of caution. It is a small thing to do but it has started to feel like a Scarlet Letter when you do it.
The folks who aren’t wearing masks say it is their right to do what they want…when they want…and I guess that is their choice. According to them mask wearers are sheep and are stupid and this is when I take it personally. It has been said that people who are elderly or frail should stay home….or die. They say the devastation to the economy, education and different industries have not warranted the actions that have been taken for the few who would be lost. I don’t agree.
On both sides, there is judgement. On both sides, there is confusion. On both sides, there is pain. The only clear thing to me is that if people don’t come together, it isn’t COVID that is going to kill us, it is going to be our own vitriol.
There is banter saying there is a political line to it but I’m not sure that is true or not. I think it has to do with who you are as a human being and if that is considered a judgement…I guess I could be perceived as critical too. (And I’ll apologize if I offended anyone.)
I am someone who has spent 43 years battling chronic illness and my immune system sucks. Do I expect the world to shut down because there is a 1-2% chance of me getting COVID? (FYI I totally made up that percentage) No. Do I expect the people in my life who know my history take precautions around me? YES. Do I hope that those around me and see me in a mask respect my space? Yes. And if I see you without one, will I feel the need to get on my soapbox? No, I’ll respect you too.
You see, I know what it is like to recover from illness. It is a long, slow, painful, lonely process. I’ve been there, done that. It IS scary. The thought of getting sick does give me fear and I am not stupid for having those emotions. I’m real. Maybe I’m okay being vulnerable and screaming….I’m not okay.
I’ve already lived weeks in my life where I can’t get out of bed, take a shower or feed myself. I’ve had to have someone dab the drool from my chin, comb my hair and wipe my butt. I’ve waited for people who say they are there for you and never show up. It is not fun and it does change you and how you view the world…..and how you protect the days you have good health….and fear the days of losing it again.
The world is opening up. I am glad. People need it not just financially but emotionally. All that I am asking is for people to soften up a little and understand that we now (hopefully temporarily) live in a world of unknowns. Maybe you don’t need to do all the “words” but you also don’t need to condemn the folks who are.
The last few years we claim to be inclusive, understanding of people and what they need as human beings. This situation is no different. We aren’t supposed to intimidate each other because we have different views. We can all do what we need to do and still be there for each other.
I’ve been watching from the sidelines for years. So, I’m going to enjoy seeing pictures of the people who are in my life moving through the different phases of quarantine/pandemic life. I’ll be joining you too….just not quite yet. I’ll continue to support the restaurants, events and businesses in my life. I am no one’s best customer but I am loyal to a fault.
I look forward to going out on a date night with my husband, seeing my friends, hugging my sisters, cuddling my nephews/nieces and sitting in a restaurant with my mom for hours….but right now I know I can’t do it without taking a few precautions. I find putting on my mask, washing my hands extra and my current social distancing are minor sacrifices compared to recovering from illness and if I protect someone’s grandma in the process….I’m good with that too. I’m going at my pace and am fine being called a sheep or lemming but I’d much rather you just call me your friend and understand we all do what we think is necessary.
I need a little more time and my true friends know I’m worth the wait.
With all that said, this is a food blog and I made this last night.
This recipe came up because of some edamame I had at Ra Sushi years ago. They used to do an amazing spicy garlic edamame appetizer where you’d delicately suck the little beans out of the shell while you had butter dripping from your fingers. Our stores only had shelled edamame so I made my own version. It is kind of a recipe that reflects the times….the edamame is healthier food choice but stress sometimes makes us a bit feisty and we might go off track every now and then.
Spicy Edamame
Ingredients
10 ounce bag frozen edamame (no shells)
2 Tablespoons of butter
1 heaping teaspoon of chopped garlic (and yes that bottle you bought for your pantry because your store ran out of fresh garlic works perfectly here)
1 teaspoon of spicy chili crisp hot sauce
sprinkle of sea salt or sesame seeds
Directions
In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. While the butter is melting, cook the edamame in the microwave for only about 2 minutes. They won’t be piping hot but that is okay because they will cook more in the pan in minute.
Meanwhile, add the garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. The garlic can get a little brown but don’t let it burn.
Add the edamame and chili crisp.
Cook for another minute or two. You want the edamame cooked but not soggy.
Sprinkle with salt….and enjoy.
