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| Like many people, I've spent the past 15 months of the pandemic cautiously staying home. We didn't do outdoor dining or much of anything besides walk our dog and go to the grocery store. |
| But on Sunday I widely expanded my world. Now that I'm fully vaccinated and my husband is days away from his two week mark, we are testing the waters of what we are comfortable doing. On Sunday I jumped in head first: I got a haircut, dined outside and got my nails done. I was scared, but I also can't believe how much I desperately needed it. |
| What I really needed was to be in the world. During my hair appointment I chatted with my stylist, with the owner of the salon, with other customers. When I left I almost cried because I didn't realize how much I missed in-person socialization, even with strangers. Perhaps I missed it especially with strangers. We friended each other on Facebook before I left. |
| I then wandered around a busy street near my house in Philadelphia, people watching, grabbing a chicken wrap at a cozy table outside a diner, and eventually indulging in a manicure and pedicure. By the time I got home I was exhausted in the best way possible. |
| I have been so lucky to keep my health and my employment during the pandemic. But what's the saying about not knowing what you're missing? Staying inside for a year kept me and others safe, and I'd do it again if I had to, but I also don't think I'll ever take for granted how enriching all the other parts of my life are. Just leaving the house on a Sunday can be pure joy. |
Today's mailbag: All about masks |
| Many of you had reactions to the updated CDC mask guidelines, which say that fully vaccinated people don't need them in most indoor and outdoor settings. I wanted to share some of your responses here. |
| From Bobbi Davenport: "I am also fully vaccinated, and I'm not so sure about just jumping back in right away. While I'm happy for some of the small businesses that want to get back into their routines, I'm going to still wear a mask when I feel the need, and I think we should all take it at the pace we feel is best." |
| From Karen Cayford: "I feel good about not having to wear a mask. I am very claustrophobic and it is stressful to look at people wearing masks. I don't think it is too fast for CDC to make this call. People can still choose to wear a mask." |
| From Jane Mick: "I am happy we are going in the right direction, but I am not ready to trust my fellow Americans to be honest. I do not trust people as much as I used to. It scares me to think we are on an honor system. There has not been much honor in the last few years so I am going to continue wearing my mask until I am convinced I will be safe and I cannot transmit to anyone else. India thought they had it under control and now they are suffering worse than ever. We cannot get too cocky. I also believe there needs to be proof of vaccine where needed. I have had jobs where they required the flu shot. I do not know who is vaccinated and who is not. I feel I should be able to have that info." |
| From Michelle Julian: "I hate wearing the masks and will gladly give it up! I am ecstatic to not have to wear them when possible! I am not nervous in the least little bit. To me this doesn't feel sudden at all." |
| Thank you so much for your emails and stories! Keep sending your thoughts to stayingaparttogether@usatoday.com. |
| I also wanted to highlight this story about how parents of young children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine are feeling about all the changes when it comes to masks. |
 | | With many of us now cleared to take off our masks, there are some that still don't want to | | Wochit | |
Today's reads |
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 | | The "Bad Batch" of clone troopers on Disney+'s latest "Star Wars" animated series. | | Disney+ | |
Today's pet |
| Here's an adorable cat for your Tuesday. |
 | | Tiger is "hiding" according to his owner. | | Courtesy Mary Freeland | |
| "Tiger is a senior cat (around 80 in cat years)," says owner Mary Freeland. "But when the food hits the plate, you'd think he moves like a kitten!" |
| I'd give you extra kitty treats if I met you, Tiger. |
| Don't forget you can see all the Staying Apart, Together pets so far in our gallery here! |
| That's all for this Tuesday. Stay safe, stay well, and the newsletter will be back in your inboxes on Saturday morning. Until then please feel free to email stayingaparttogether@usatoday.com with your thoughts, coping tips and especially pet pictures. |
| All my very best, |
| Kelly Lawler |
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