Last updated on November 26, 2023
While many people seem eager for a “return to normal” as we shelter-at-home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m not ready for normal. The coronavirus situation only reinforces how comfortable my wife and I are not running around town or dashing about just to be doing something different.
This isn’t to say that I don’t miss the convenience of being able to grab something on a whim. However, there aren’t that many whims I’m likely to have that aren’t easier to fulfill via an online order.
Food was the only reason I used to impulsively leave the house. Two years ago, or so, I’d dash out for baked goods on a whim, but my diabetes means I have to ration the carbohydrate. Running out for a half a donut or a fraction of a slice of a pastry isn’t compelling.
Like most people old enough to remember when life wasn’t dominated by online ordering and digital subscriptions, I do miss the joys of flipping through music or movies in stores. I also miss browsing magazine racks, but those are gone and they were already shrinking before the pandemic. Magazines have gone digital, along with newspapers. When is the last time you bought a newspaper at a store?
So, without bakery runs or bookstore browsing, not much local is left to entice me out of the house.
Our girls are doing well with homeschooling. They might even be doing a bit better than they were doing in a classroom. They might be missing the social connections that are important in our society, though it is hard to tell. We had enrolled the girls in swimming lessons, soccer, martial arts, and Girls Scouts. If life returns to “normal” those other activities might be sufficient to support some homeschooling.
We know the girls should have social activities, but my wife and I find being at home a lot easier. It is more relaxing. We’re not rushing around after school for sports or scouts.
I dread going back to normal. I don’t want to go back to being so busy.
If I could work at home, I would. My wife does, and likes it.
Once there is an all-clear from public health officials, we might try to do less than we were doing before the pandemic.
We could have trees, plants, and landscaping materials delivered, keeping us busy in the afternoons and on weekends. Once it is considered safe, we could walk around the neighborhood and ride bikes with the girls. We don’t need to go anywhere to be content.
It is horrible that people are suffering and dying. A pandemic is no way to find peace and quiet. Yet, this serves as a reminder that we don’t need to go out and do much of anything as a family to be content.
We can work, learn, and occupy ourselves at home.