Brave New World

 

    Yesterday, a wind storm hit Las Vegas with dark clouds full of rain and wonder. Sand swirled around me and disappeared into every nook and cranny. Electricity was hiding for over three hours. Luckily, the power returned before our ice cream melted and darkness set in. It’s a wonder how many of our home gadgets depend on electricity. The smart bulbs were as confused as me, but all but two reset themselves. Luckily, we didn’t need heat or aircon...it was an in-between day. No meals without power. I have to admit it was a little scary. I appreciate the invention of electricity even more today. 

This morning, we took our daily, windy walk. I don’t know why the neighborhood dogwalkers have to take over the whole sidewalk. I always cross the street when I see them coming to stay away from possible germs and over-eager dogs. No one wears a mask out walking their dogs. I shout hello from afar and hope our new neighbors don’t think I’m unfriendly. It has been a strange time to move during the pandemic. Yesterday, we went to a furniture store to buy a much-needed new couch. There was a chain across the doorway while we waited to enter wearing face masks. Then we wandered around the empty store until we found the perfect couch. It was just waiting for us. It arrives tomorrow which means that delivery men will have to enter our house. I always offer them disposable masks when they show up at the door. It makes me very nervous. I think I have Coronaphobia, a new condition that I saw on the Internet today. 

I had my first vaccine a couple of weeks ago, so am feeling a little safer now. However, I was informed that I still could be asymptomatic and contaminate others without knowing it. Honestly, I never thought the pandemic would last this long. I thought the world would have returned to normal by now. Maye it never will. The environmental positives are less travel, less fuel, less smog, and a lower carbon footprint. However, everyone I talk to seems to be planning their next trip. It gives us something to dream about. People have postponed weddings, honeymoons, family reunions, and vacations. Cruise ships have delayed voyages for a whole year. Will daily life ever be the same again? I think face masks may be here to stay. I do feel safer when I have one on. I am even wearing two or three masks at a time now. It relieves my anxiety. Toddlers are even used to wearing masks. When will it ever be safe to return to the gym or the mall? Colleges are now canceling Spring Break to prevent the summer surge of COVID.  I’m not sure what the new world will look like post COVID. 

What can we do to make our world a safer place? Besides keeping a distance, we can reach out to others virtually. I’ve been teaching a Saturday Day Camp online which is a challenge to keep it both fun and engaging. I bought some stuffed animals, play figures, whiteboards, and magnetic letters. Teaching is changing for the future. Students are growing up with virtual learning and better computer skills than I. Stay safe, wash your hands, and wear a mask. It’s a brave new world out there!