panDAMNit!

If there is a single word that could sum up the year 2020 it is PanDAMNit! It may only be a made-up word defined in the urban dictionary as an expletive used to express the magnitude of the response to an unpleasant incident, but man you can use it in all sorts of ways. Like many around, I succumbed to the dreaded ‘rona in late June. Like many others going stir crazy, I took on a project costuming the Sound of Music for the Hopebox Theatre. We made sure we wore masks and social distanced throughout the audition process. Once the show was cast and in rehearsals, I assembled my talented team of costume queens and began creating! We had a lot of the costumes made and went in for the first fitting on Saturday June 27 with the Von Trapp children. The costume team remainded masked, but the children did not. Afterwards I ran to Ben Lomond community pool for Andi’s last swimming lesson of the month. The weekend came and went smoothly. Monday morning, we got the dreaded text that someone in the production staff had tested positive for Covid-19. I began my cautionary quarantine while I waited for my test appointment on Wednesday. Wednesday morning came and I had a very sore throat and lots of congestion. I showed up, drove through the tent, and got swabbed. I do not think they could have possibly gotten the swab any higher than they did! I swear I could feel my brain being tickled! I was given instructions to isolate myself and wait for my results. Skylar was tested and it came back negative. Friday July 3 brought a positive test, which by now I had guessed it would be. I had a low-grade fever and cough on top of the previous symptoms. My 18-month daughter was not tested but I kept my distance and we watched her for signs of symptoms. July 4th was very un-festive as I isolated downstairs in the guest bedroom away from my family. I just wanted to sleep and drink water. When I woke up from my afternoon nap and went to eat a little dinner, I immediately could tell my taste and smell was gone. Over the next 2 weeks I took my time healing and eventually I got my taste and smell back. The production of Sound of Music was put on hold until 2021. It is now October and I am still feeling fatigued, but things are looking up. Although I came through rather unscathed, I have a newfound respect for this virus. From one friend to another, don’t be like me! Wear your mask and wash your hands.