A COVID Shot in the Arm

On March 10, 2020, I flew back to Colorado after celebrating my mom’s 90th birthday. Little did any of us know that it would be the last time we would gather in a big group with friends and family. It would be the last time I flew anywhere. Days later, the entire country went into lockdown. One year later to the day — March 10, 2021 — I planned to get my first shot in the arm with the COVID-19 vaccine. What were the odds?

When Danny booked my appointment last Sunday morning, I was relieved and excited. In forty-two days, I would come out of hibernation. My hair has grown down to the middle of my back. I’ve gotten used to not wearing makeup. I haven’t bought beauty products in over a year.

I imagined taking bike rides without fear of someone spitting in my direction and chilling out when riding up the chairlift shoulder-to-shoulder with other skiers and boarders.

The life of a writer is isolating, but with COVID, I’ve been next level.

No travel that required flights. No parties. No book club gatherings, conferences, or indoor meetups. Most people had some social interactions in the last year. My husband is a commercial real estate agent and plays tennis. My sister works retail. My kids have small pods of friends. My mom has friends who mask-up and stop by. After going through breast cancer — nearly eight years cancer-free! — and a botched partial knee replacement to fix a ski injury, I couldn’t go through COVID. I was a ten on the scale of one-to-ten in taking precautions.

This shot would open the door to the world.

Me contemplating deep thoughts on a Lake Tahoe pier.

My first COVID vaccination would give me some protection in two weeks. In forty-two days, I could start socializing again!

My mind whirred with plans — vacations, starting with a California trip, outdoor barbecues, reach out to new neighbors and old friends.

I couldn’t wait, and yet nervousness set in.

As most of you know, I write thrillers. I’m in the process of querying one book while writing and revising another. I get into the flow most afternoons. Once I’m in that headspace, I lose track of time. Hours can pass. What if I missed my appointment at 3:45?

I set my phone’s alarm just in case.

On March 10, I woke up super happy and couldn’t wait to get my shot in the arm. I had a load of nervous energy and cleaned, organized, and watched Youtube videos, learning all kinds of things about vitamins, anti-aging products, and taping up your face to reduce wrinkles. Hmm.

As the day slipped by, I watched the clock. I dove into edits early and quit at 2:00. When it was 2:45, I got ready to go. I didn’t want to take chances. What if I got stuck behind a tractor?

When I arrived at Walgreens in Erie, Colorado, less than twenty minutes later, I was early. Way too early. They checked in people to receive the vaccine in order. I had to wait. With my new anti-aging knowledge in mind, I perused the aisles.

After filling my cart and then filling out paperwork, I took a seat. It wasn’t long before my name was called.

I sat down and got a shot in the arm. The shot that would change everything. MY FIRST COVID VACCINATION! It is pretty miraculous.

I floated on air as I walked to my car. Once I was on the road, I screamed, “I’M VACCINATED!” When I arrived home, I dropped my bag, ran through the house, and shouted, “I’M VACCINATED!” over and over.

Last night, I applied my new anti-aging products. I taped up my elevens, fell asleep, and dreamed of coming out of hibernation and finally LIVING LIFE LARGE AGAIN!

Don’t worry. Once my immunity has built up, I’ll still wear a mask, but I won’t sit inside my house with my nose pressed against the glass.

By the way, the tape was pretty dang miraculous too. In forty-one days, I should look like a twenty-year-old.

Like Danny, I haven’t had any adverse reactions to the shot. He had the Moderna vaccination, and I had the Pfizer. Yay!

Are you planning to get your COVID vaccination? What will you do forty-two days later? Get a professional haircut or a beauty treatment? Go to the dentist?