It is March 25, 2020 – As this pandemic as gripped the world it is creeping into our little community. We are feeling the impact. A vacation we had planned for April 12th has been moved to being four days later and that is a hope. We expect to change it again.
The past few days at work have been pretty intense too. I feel a heaviness in the air. Something is happening. A co-worker and I exchange concerns via chat, and I try to be positive (which as folks know, I don’t sugar coat shit very well). I noticed there are a few people missing at work, but I tell myself that they are just taking advantage of the slow times and taking some time off.
I know deep down that is NOT true.
Meanwhile, I have two working children that are no longer working because of this virus that is spreading around the world. Every day, a new executive order is being issued. Many of us are following surrounding states and how they are handling this pandemic. It is an idea of what is bound to come our way soon.
We have already seen the shutdown of restaurants to dine-in guests. Many have adapted their services to include call ahead and pickup. I noticed for a few days now, the local Copper River steakhouse parking lot is empty as I drive by around 5pm! The neighboring Anytime Fitness lot is empty. To the other side of Copper River is CANES and their signs reads “Drive Thru Open“.
Many of the sales staff here at work had already shifted to working from home. Not sure if it was ‘official’ or if they just had to because kids were out of school and it didn’t matter. The building is like many others – crawling with fewer people and limping along. Everyone is staying positive. Cleaning is the top of the list as it has been for a few weeks now. Deep down I think we all know what is happening.
Just after lunch, the dreaded e-mail circulated. The Governor had ordered “all non-essential businesses in Kentucky to shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic effective 8pm Thursday, March 26, 2020“. We were given no soft dates but I’m no fool…the writing was in the air – we won’t be back to work before schools – that is certain.
We are definitely a non-essential and had become even more so when the schools and sports began to shut down. When your primary business is sports apparel for teams that are no longer active – it’s like trying to sell air.
A sadness entered my veins as I read that e-mail – several times. I love what I do. It had been my routine for nearly 8 years and suddenly I have to find a new routine. Sure, I thought about all the things I can accomplish at home to pass the time and remain sane. I have already been spending the past few weeks cleaning my very ignored craft room and am so proud to finally have it about as clean as it was when I first assembled it in 2008. My kids are already home 24/7 because of their jobs/school closing. Thankfully, hubby works from home already, but now he has to adapt to a full house of 4 adults and 3 dogs while working. I am very glad I have the craft room cleaned, that is for sure.
Tomorrow, at 4:30pm the doors to the work life will close for me and my co-workers.
It feels strange.
CLIMB ABOARD MY SOAPBOX 