Pandemic sucks. Stuck at home. Bereft of the usual morning coffee klatches, lunches out, movies with friends, church gatherings. A daily routine that is simpler and less stimulating.

Still, life in a stay-at-home bubble hasn’t been all bad. Consider:

More time with immediate family. We’ve spent more time together than since … ever. More talking, cooking and eating, laughing. Yes, the closeness occasionally tests our patience, because quirks irritate when experienced without relief. But time with family has been an unqualified plus.

A healthier routine. Sure, I miss eating out. But the daily menu is healthier and usually delivers right-sized portions, despite the occasional frozen pizza or cookie. And I walk daily, often multiple times.

Connecting with seldom seen friends. Zoom’s new workplace ubiquity has spread into my off hours. I now regularly connect with friends not seen in months or years, because Zoom and Facetime video chats have become routine – and more fulfilling than texts and telephone conversations.

So, yes, bring back life as it was.

Mostly.

Because some of our new routines and habits are improvements worth keeping.