Slipping into Something More Comfortable

If you are like me, you have been rethinking clothing this past year. I’m not suggesting that you’re ready to join the closest nudist colony, just that maybe you’ve been stretching your view of what constitutes fashion nowadays. Speaking of stretching, you are probably giving thanks for yoga pants. And speaking of giving, you try on your jeans every few days to make sure that the seams don’t give. Just a couple of weeks into the pandemic, I was wondering if my feet would ever be able to fit into real shoes again—something other than slippers, sneakers, or flip-flops. I’m still not 100% sure. I have not used a purse in this entire time and I’ve downsized my wallet to a card holder that carries two credit cards, my driver’s license, my health insurance card, and some cash. If I need to carry a lot of stuff, I use a backpack. If I don’t, my coat pockets are my new purse. Prior to the pandemic I was certainly aware of the fashion subcategory known as “athleisure.” But now it almost sounds too fancy. Have I worn pajamas to work yet? No. Have I worn black (yoga) pants with a navy top? Yes. At first, I cringed and felt uncomfortable in my mismatched ensemble. Then, I settled down in front of my laptop and had some Zoom meetings where no one else was the wiser. I’m looking forward to a return to normal life (whatever that might be) but I will always remember this as a time when “sweatpants” were promoted to “joggers” and when every day was casual Friday.

Stay safe and healthy,

Tracy Jacobs

Sparrows Point's Women of Steel Online Panel Discussion

Sunday, March 7, 2 p.m., via Zoom

Hear from women who shattered the glass ceiling working at Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point mill—the topic of a new outdoor exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Industry—in this one-hour Zoom discussion co-hosted by the BMI, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University, and Historical Society of Baltimore County.

Wednesday, March 17 at 2:30 pm

Get out of that afternoon slump and get to know your Osher classmates. Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other just might be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Wear your favorite shade of green and join Osher staff and other Osher members for our virtual St. Patrick's Day afternoon social.

Even if you are eligible, it can be challenging to obtain an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. They are not a guarantee of success, but we've pulled together some resources and tips listed that can be helpful for obtaining an appointment.

We remember Osher members that have passed away recently. While we work hard to provide accurate updates, please let us know if you are aware of an Osher friend’s passing by contacting osher@towson.edu.

• Eric Gratz