Maskless and Happy

Trader Joe's is one of the stores that currently do not require people to wear masks while shopping. I am not sure that many people beside me have gotten the memo even though it was announced publicly weeks ago and the wear a mask sign at the store entrance has been removed. I try not to wear a mask whneever I am able not to since I am stuck wearing a mask all day at work. I have not been wearing a mask whenever I go to Trader Joe's . Its really a surreal experience to be one of the few people in a store who has given up the talisman powers of the mask. At first there was only one other person not wearing a mask so I wasn't sure if I was able to go maskless, but none of the employees told me to mask up and when I got to the checkout there was even a cashier who was maskless. Now its been almost a month and I am still one of the few who are maskless in Trader Joe's . Its really hard to understand because most people are vaccinated in NYC. I also find it hard to believe that the fear of covid is greater that the requirement to breathe freely even after being fully vaccinated. Don't people miss people seeing their smiles? Don't people miss not having to speak with a muzzle over their mouths? After shopping maskless in Trader Joe's I have learned that I really am an independent minded individual who does not feel that I have to follow the crowd. If everyone else is banging their heads against the wall I know that I won't. I always wanted to be this type of person and now I know that I am . What a gift.

HaPPy PuRiM

Purim is one of my most favorite holidays. Even with the isolation of the pandemic I am still feeling the impending joyousness of the upcoming holiday. The beginning of this horribel plandemic started right before Purim last year which was before the mask edict was invoked. We have been wearing masks since right before Pesach. I for one do not plan on wearing a mask any longer than necessary. Masks have made NYC into a colder society than it was to begin with. No smiles indoors. Its harder to hear what people are saying and more importantly its harder for others to hear me. Sometimes it feels easier not to speak to people because its hard to hear them and its hard for them to hear me if both of us are wearing masks. I think that masks create division. Masks on Purim can be fun , but many Purim masks do not cover one's mouth. Eyes are the mirror of the soul but its a lot easier to hear what people are saying if one can see someone's mouth while they are speaking. I am hoping soon the masks will be removed and peace and harmony will return.... One can only hope... Happy Purim!!