I’m having a hard time leaving the parking lot. Yes a parking lot.

I am returning back to the campus where I work after 4 months of working remotely – it’s so familiar and different at the same time.

I got out of my car masked and remained so until I returned 1 1/2 hours later.

I completed my Covid screening, sent it to my manager, and showed proof as I entered the building. I made my way to the floor where my meeting was, and physically distanced from other attendees while we waiting in the hall for the conference room to be free. It was good to “see” everyone – “see” means something different now days – but this time it means seeing folks live and in person.

The last group exited the conference room – everyone careful to maintain their distance. The room was wiped clean and then we entered. The layout and spacing of chairs and tables very deliberate.

It was a meeting where we presented and answered questions to an individual who was on a virtual platform and located in New England. We were masked the entire time. It went well – our knowledge, energy and enthusiasm still shined through. We quickly wrapped up and headed out as the the next group waited — totally normal conference room behavior!

I ran into my senior leader and realized we hadn’t had small talk in months – it was just a few minutes, but it was sooo normal.

I have been sitting here for about 30 minutes – just doing stuff, busy work — stretching out soaking up this slice of normal.

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