Today I laughed so hard I cried and my throat is still sore after talking for hours at brunch with friends. I’m slowly building up my social stamina but it’s not easy getting used to being out in the world again. Earlier this week I was in Hyde Park and all of a sudden I had a slight panic attack; I’d made more effort than usual and was wearing a dress with heels when all of a sudden I felt extremely self-conscious (who are these people? why am I here?) I had planned to take the train back to Evanston but instead I called a Lyft and hurried home. I was back in that neighborhood a couple of days later because I’m thinking about buying a condo there. The second time around, I was fine—more comfortably dressed and happy to see so many people out and about, dining on the sidewalk as a jazz trumpeter played on the corner. Folks were friendly and said hello as I passed…and I realized I’ve really missed being part of the world. I love quiet and solitude but even this introvert has probably had enough to last me for quite a while. House-hunting isn’t exactly fun, but shifting from looking at online listings to in-person tours makes a big difference. I haven’t found anything that makes me want to drop everything and move, but I might put in an offer on one place that has “good bones.” I’ve always prided myself on my ability to beautify my homes—I can see potential even under layers of grime and (in this case) pink ceilings and walls. But after a year of living comfortably in my current rental, I don’t know that I’m ready to take on a total renovation. This fall I will finally have more time to myself—do I really want to spend it tearing out two bathrooms and installing a new kitchen? I tried to get a few quotes so I’ve already got contractors texting, phoning, and emailing me…but a lot of building materials are hard to come by right now and unlike on HGTV makeover shows, renovations can drag on for weeks. This is the biggest challenge for me coming out of the pandemic, I think. Knowing when to push myself out of my comfort zone and when to be a little more indulgent. House-hunting took up almost all my mental space this past week, which meant I lost momentum on my novel-in-progress. I did ask my editor about an extension but don’t want this particular project eating up my “free” fall months. Will try to be a bit more disciplined next week and maybe set aside the condo search for a little while. The market isn’t as frantic as it was even a month ago so I think it’s safe to take my time and enjoy what’s left of the summer. Lately I’ve been hearing Nat King Cole singing “Autumn Leaves”…a reminder that September will soon be here!