E. Perryman
It’s been one strange trip since our school nurse told us in a late Feb 2020 faculty meeting that the Corona was coming for us soon. I’ve been grateful to be able to see family since those first few scary months (when I decided for some reason to start binge watching the walking dead.) During the 2021 holiday season, Elizabeth and I were fortunate to be able to visit family. Chicago at Thanksgiving was similar to NJ with the modern Covid culture. Phoenix for Christmas 2021 has been an interesting exploration. We came on Christmas Day as omicron was asserting its presence all over NJ and NY. From Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, I heard of at least 10 cases of people I know from NJ contracting this new, highly contagious virus mutation. In Phoenix, it’s a whole different vibe. No east coast frenzy here; it’s a laid back mask wearing and almost a pre 2020 vibe. It will be whiplash I’m sure when we return east; hopefully continuing our healthy trend. Rapid testing has provided decent piece of mind during such tumultuous times.
So now to move on from the serious to superficial, I give you my top ten Phoenix 12.29.21 observations:
- Mom jeans with bell bottom legs and Chuck Taylor kicks are everywhere.
- There are lots of tall, thin, and beautiful folk dressed in spandex workout pants jaunting about; or so it seems to this donut challenged gal. I hope I’m not staring too much. 😉
- Mallmageddon hasn’t seemed to take over here. The Scottsdale mall is popping with lots of action.
- I don’t see empty stores like I see so often in NJ.
- It’s wild; there are online brick and mortar stores here that I’ve never noticed elsewhere.
- I kinda miss the gruff grunt of east coast retail folk. I’m not feeling the sincerity of folks here when they ask questions like “are you going to share your purchases?” Negative politeness for 200 please.
- Phoenix has been getting atypical rain I guess but it’s lovely. Imo, it’s nothing too intense; just solid spraying that doesn’t last long and really cool clouds.
- Thin and thick blood is no joke. A sunny 55 degree day is delightful weather for yours truly to eat breakfast outside.
- They have stores here that I haven’t seen in awhile like Talbots, Dillards, and Crate & Barrel.
- Midriff smidriff; this look is rampant these days. This apple-centric damsel does not approve.
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