Wow, where would you even begin if you had to describe our current events to your future grandchildren? These are crazy times for sure. I should probably start out with; I hope you all are safe and healthy.
The Rona
The Covid-19 virus has turned the world upside down. Most significantly it has turned the United States upside down, and twisted it sideways.
The President and the Governors of most states have proclaimed a “stay at home” order to keep people from contacting each other and spreading this disease further. “Essential” businesses are staying open and employees are asked to work for these businesses during this crisis. In most cases, these are not the “Type A” people that run into fires or shooting sprees, these are the “Type B” people that would rather not risk their lives solely to save another, or in this case, to assist in the basic supply chain of goods required by most to live. These folks are facing the potential enemy for nothing more than the usual paycheck that they were getting before this mess. But at least they are getting a paycheck…
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Millions of Americans are currently out of work and many are wondering how they will pay their bills, or even buy their food. Apparently, many took their last paycheck, before losing their job, to invest in bulk supplies of toilet paper. Not sure what to say about that, that hasn’t already been said. Come ‘on people, really?
There is no doubt that this pandemic has caused thousands to die in the US and all over the world. The largest problem with it all, in my opinion, is the media. Both social and mainstream. The hype that the Rona has been fueled with is crazy. It dominates the mainstream media on every channel, in every time slot. Rona this, and Rona that. It’s imposible to escape.
In social media, you can’t get past three normal posts before running into a Rona post. Mention that you went out someplace and now YOU’RE the reason for everyone’s pain and suffering. This pandemic has divided the country almost as bad as the political parties. The followers are forever trying to get everyone to follow the rules and NEVER leave their house. The nay-sayers are living life and taunting the followers with pictures. Arguments ensue, names are called, people turn into children. Big fun and plenty of entertainment, from a spectator point of view.
Uncomfortable life changes
I had to move my daughter out of her college apartment because they were going to do everything online for the next quarter. No sense in paying for housing when she can do it from home. I’m thrilled. I’m saving money and have my little girl home again. Her? Not so much. My son is happy though. He gets to stay home, do his abbreviated school schedule online, play Xbox all day otherwise and essentially extend his summer by an extra few months.
Me, I’m torn. My normal job is considered essential. So. I’m off to work every day as normal…ish. My wife has a job that has her working from home in normal times, so she is business as usual as well. This is awesome for us because our income is stable. A bit of a surprise as typically our luck doesn’t run in this positive direction. Kind of nice though, I must say.
Domestic violence is on the rise
Everyone is pretty much done with this stay at home thing. People are at each other’s throats, and that’s not just at my house either. More and more people can be seen driving around and going out than you could find a month ago. Traffic is actually starting to pick up again. Is this a good thing?
For the most part, my family and I have been staying at home. I get out every once and a while to live life, but it’s infrequent and still within certain guidelines. My job has me making close contact with people on a daily basis. So, I really have to tell myself to “social distance” when I’m around others. It doesn’t come naturally. Because of my personality, and the work I do, I am not afraid of much.
This trait carries down to my family as well.
This goes back to the basics of being calm in a crisis and those you lead will be calm as well. However, the question that I have for myself and so many others that are not afraid is; Who would have to die for you to be scared of this virus? To change your lifestyle? I will tell you that “Type A” people don’t ask themselves these questions because they don’t want those thoughts in their head.
The type of questions that they ask are more like these:
What’s going to happen when they do open up the country again? Which small businesses are going to survive? Will people interact the same as they use to? Will the handshake greeting still be a thing? Crowded restaurants? Standing in a line? Public transportation? The amount of questions are endless.
How will people treat you once all of this is over? Will you be attacked for sneezing in public? Will wearing a mask still be a thing? Do you think there be “mask people” versus “non mask people”, us versus them, type attitudes? So many questions.
My thoughts?
We will NEVER be the same people that we were a few months ago. Social media has created and empowered monsters. These monsters will ensure that shaking hands, standing in long lines for a coffee, jamming into a crowded bus, etc. will be absolute taboo. These monsters will protest and lobby, hell they might even stand on the freeway and stop traffic, all to further their message. Masks will become much more commonplace, similar to the Asian culture (is that a bad thing?).
I have a lot more to say about the Rona and this situation and we need to discuss alternate income streams, savings, planning and even food prep and eating. It’s probably a good time to remind you of THESE. Some things that I never considered having to think about.
Crazy times indeed….
Dave