Using Again, August 30th

Like most people trying to quit, I didn’t originally intend to stop using. It just seemed pointless last year to continue. And who would be around to notice the difference anyway I thought when I gathered all of my lipsticks and glosses together and tossed them into a separate drawer, away from the daily use makeup products that were skinnied down to a swath of moisturizer and an occasional eyelash curl. But now I find myself using again! My building no longer requires a mask to enter the common areas, and it’s socially acceptable again to show your face on the streets of New York City (outside). So the lip products have returned to the top of the small in-use pile for easy access. Life has not returned to normal, but it seems my face has taken a giant leap forward.

Adding to this list of what’s old is new again is my watch. I’ve had it locked up for so many months that I’ve practically forgotten how to jimmy the snap closure to relieve myself from the ticking clock. I’m now using the pointy side of a pen cap to help my forgetful fingers spring open the snap. I also find myself eyeing the curling iron, although I haven’t ventured to coax it out of the bottom drawer just yet (the temps are just too hot still anyway).

I’m also wondering what else will make an appearance? A skirt or two might actually make the lineup soon for a few upcoming events. The shoe rotation could include fancier than flip flop selections and a closed toe rather than my go-to sneaks. It’s a brave new world!

But what I’m not using again is my MetroCard. I find myself walking everywhere I can to see the City that I’ve missed so much and avoiding public transportation, even when my meeting or appointment is miles away from my apartment. The pandemic has me conditioned to be outside anyway and I haven’t walked that far from home in months!

So while I’m using again, I’m pretty sure I have my makeup habits under control. The sale of fall boots, however, could be a can of worms. And then I might need to join a support group for closeted fashionistas who put our passions on hold, hoping the curb of our collective enthusiasm might have been permanent. Yeah, I didn’t think so either!