What a strange year. It started out as a normal year, but quickly turned into something that no one was prepared for. I was working in Montana when the world changed. We all had warnings that something potentially serious was coming our way, but I think few of us realized how life changing it would actually be. It first hit home for me when the NCAA basketball tournament was cancelled. Then next day, I was told to stop all programs and go straight home.
When it came to life in a pandemic, there was certainly a learning curve. Having to wear a mask everywhere was a difficult lesson. Once a simple mindless act, going to the grocery store became a potentially life threatening endeavor. “Experts” were advising us to wipe down items purchased with disinfecting wipes. That has eventually turned out to be unnecessary, but we all proceeded to suit up and nervously decon anything that came into the house. It took a while, but now, nine months later, we (sane, intelligent people) don’t think twice about wearing a mask and being careful about what you touch when we go out. Early in the pandemic, I would frequently forget to bring my mask when I went out, but I quickly learned work arounds for this. Just a quick trip to the bank lobby and I could score a disposable mask. Now we have numerous masks staged in different vehicles, along with hand sanitizer.
I look forward to all these newly learned skills and habits to eventually fade and disappear, but who knows, this may actually become the new normal, and life will be conducted in new and strange ways. I, for one, am not looking forward to this potential change.
