Force of Habits

Her:  Would you like fizzy water with your lunch?

Him: Of course! It IS Tuesday, isn't it?

The Mr and I chuckled. 

This wee bit of mirth was a scene in "Last Tango in Halifax," a British series we're watching on PBS. It's about Celia and Alan, two octogenarians living in northern England, who fall in love later in life, and get married. A "dramedy," as it is called, meaning it has both dramatic and comedic elements. 

They say that comedy comes from truth, only exaggerated. This exchange was no exaggeration. Our days really are THAT routine. I mean, really: Retirement + COVID-19 = Humdrum!

But, when you get giddy with excitement about "Eggy Thursday," you know your life has become a bit predictable.

Breakfast most days is same old, same old: oatmeal, whole wheat toast. But Eggy Thursday is a celebration! That's when the Mr makes an omelet. He started it back in March when the stay-at-home edict came down. Now it's:

The Mr: Would you like eggs this morning?

Me: Of course! It IS Thursday, isn't t?

Routine has given us some structure. Without work to marshall our schedule, or even the opportunity to go out much due to the pandemic, we have fallen into a day-to-day pattern. Mornings are for walks, errands, chores, shopping. Then lunch. (We never miss lunch. It's a highlight of the day.) Early afternoons are for outings, or quiet time for reading, scrolling Facebook, hobbies. We take a break from this hectic pace in the afternoon to make a pot of tea, and watch an hour of TV. Nap time at 4. Wine O'clock is 6. Dinner, which is at 7, is followed by some "me time," and then we sit down at 9 to see what's on Netflix. We'll watch (or snooze off) until the end of our broadcast day at 11. 

Normally we are a little more spontaneous than this, but rhythm has helped shape order out of chaos. It has given us a modicum of calm and control. With every day being more or less the same, things are getting slightly monotonous. Except Eggy Thursdays jazz things up a bit. 

We also get excited about Cheese Scone Saturdays, which means a cheddary baked treat retrieved by the Mr from our local coffee shop, along with a half-caf for me. And we relish happy hour on Single Malt Sundays. Heavens, we might even crack open a can of smoked oysters and a cracker to go with our cocktails! That says party to me!

These little celebratory events have become occasions — sparks of joy. We had thought of adding something out of the ordinary to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, but that would mean that Eggy Thursday wouldn't be special anymore. So we resisted. 

Think we're going COVID-Crazy? 

Maybe. We go to bed on Wednesday nights saying, "You know what tomorrow is, don't you?" Either we are going quite bonkers, or Eggy Thursdays are keeping us sane.

Besides, W.W.C.A.A.D? *

* What would Celia and Alan do?