God, I hate that term…..
I am sitting here watching, as my children struggle with this epic time in history. The fact that we can’t go through life like we used to is the worst. Even if you didn’t stop somewhere, at least going out was an escape. Except now we can’t escape. The places that are open require masks over your mouth and nose.
I really hate masks.
As much as I have always dreamed of walking into a bank with a mask over my face, it’s not all that it is cracked up to be. You have to wonder if everyone there is pro-mask or if they are doing it because they are trying to be polite, like me. I understand the mask concept, and I understand that it’s for keeping others safe. However, unless I’m spraying fluids everywhere all willy nilly, having a mask on doesn’t do anyone any good. The social distancing I can agree on, although it’s difficult for me to remember to do. My 9 to 5 is considered essential and the type of work requires me to up close and personal with others. So, when it comes to casual social distancing, I tend to be “that guy” that is standing too close.
Whoops, sorry.
My daughter is home from college, desperately trying to do her studies online, without a teacher there to help. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I wasn’t RIGHT HERE while she is having her break downs, but I am, because RONA!
My son is taking things in a bit more stride, but it’s easy for him. He was told that his grades won’t go any lower than they currently are so anything he does is a bonus. Mainly, he just has to show up, online, for his high school classes. He’s living the dream because he spends the majority of his day on Xbox with his friends. We haven’t tried to control his screen time because at least he is occupied and allowing others to do their work undisturbed.
Without Xbox, he would be bored and in our face.
My son is at a bit of a loss though. He was supposed to get his driver’s license in April. It’s now May, and the Department of Motor Vehicle has been closed for over a month. No license for him. So, he bought a skateboard.
My wife is desperately trying to hold us all together. All while doing her job from home, dealing with everyone dirtying up the house, having to cook for all of us again, and only going shopping once a week. Combine that with each of us asking for things and demanding attention, I’m amazed that she has not killed anyone yet. That’s not a new normal though, that kind of the old normal…
Domestic Violence is on the rise
In a time when people are trapped together for longer periods than they had ever hoped, they are learning things and experiencing their loved ones like they never have before. Maybe that’s not a good thing. Makes you wonder how this time is affecting marriages and roommate type scenarios. Is that the new normal?
What have I learned during all of this?
I learned that shopping once a week is cheaper than shopping every couple of days (Pro-Tip).
I learned that not paying for housing for college allows me so much more money to pay down debt.
I learned that my petite little daughter is the snacker in our family, and that not controlled, she can almost eat the equivalent of her housing costs in Hostess cakes.
I learned that people that don’t get their hair cut frequently are angry.
Going forward, as things are beginning to open up a little, I can see that it’s still going to be weird. Social distancing, fist bumping in lieu of the handshake, less seating capacity in restaurants but yet you won’t be able to stand in a line outside, and, of course, masks. Did I mention that I hate masks? This is what they want to call, “The New Normal”.
I really miss “The Old Normal”………
Dave