I couldn't let this Corona virus era go by and not have a single picture of me wearing a mask. So this blog today is official documentation that I indeed did wear a mask during this time. If you would have told me two months ago that I would be working the store and going out in public while wearing a mask, I would not have believed you. I used to look at those pictures from China where people were wearing masks and think how silly they all looked. Well I guess I look silly now, too!
This has certainly been an interesting two months. In some ways it feels a lot longer than that. We were not prepared for how this affected us at the store. Our sales doubled and some days tripled because people were not wanting to go out to the bigger stores and so preferred to shop local. We were scrambling to try to keep up with everything. At the end of every day, I was absolutely exhausted. Thankfully, I was laid off from my New Hope job so I was able to put my full concentration on the store. Gradually, we adjusted to the new normal. Our employees chipped in with extra hours and we all worked together to keep things running smoothly. I am proud to say that I think we actually did an excellent job of keeping our shelves stocked (except for toilet paper and hand sanitizer). It no longer feels so emotionally and physically taxing to stay on top of everything.
Concerning the Corona virus, I read a quote that I thought was so true - "we are all in the same storm but not all in the same boat." For some this quarantine lock down has been absolutely devastating and they are clinging to a life boat or tiny raft with all their strength. For others, it has been a blessing and they are riding through the storm on an ocean liner. For us, I wouldn't say that we are cruising through the storm, but I would be lying if I said that this hasn't been advantageous for us. We are delighted with the store sales and the new customers that are coming through our door. In some ways, we would welcome the storm to last a while longer. However, we are of course, looking forward to seeing what the new "normal" will be when this virus is no longer a threat. And I certainly will be very happy when the day comes that I no longer have to wear a mask!
Everyone seems to have a different opinion about how things with this virus should be handled, but the one thing that seems unanimous is that no one enjoys wearing a mask, even if they feel strongly it is the right thing to be doing. That is why I laughed out loud when my daughter-in-law, Kristen, told me that Lydia wants a mask. Kristen had bought one for herself, but since the children don't go out in public there is no reason for them to have one. We are going to Lydia's 9th birthday party on Sunday. Guess what one of her gifts from me is going to be?
J
