I have realized that the amount of content I am writing in my paper journal is too much to consistently post. Therefore, each post will be an excerpt from my journal. I will share my full journal in the Archives at some point in time. I think this is also important because I do not want to change the style of my journal out of fear of a public audience.
April 18, 2020
Introduction and Context
The county where I live, Northampton County in eastern Pennsylvania, has had 1441 reported cases and 36 deaths as of April 18th (from the PA Department of Health). Northampton and neighboring Lehigh county include the cities of Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown. My area is highly urban/suburban and within 1-2 hours (depending on traffic) of both Philadelphia and NYC. In my particular context, my dad is at a higher risk, leading to an exceptionally cautious lifestyle.
A Day in the Life: Disruptions Large and Small
I am not on Carleton’s campus in Northfield, MN. This is the largest clear difference between now and “normal life.” This is the longest I have lived at home for roughly 1.5 years.
My family is all here, always. My sister was studying for a masters-level teaching certificate in Birmingham, England, but returned home on March 15, 2020. My parents are both working from home. My Dad is a math prof. at Lafayette College, who is struggling to adapt to online teaching after years of routine. My mom is retired, but volunteers extensively.
I can’t see my friends in-person. This is something that has been changing rapidly since I returned home on March 17, 2020. Initially, two of my close friends and I met up in a local park to chat. We kept our hands clean and maintained a 6-foot distance. Then the park was closed suddenly; we actually got yelled-at through a megaphone by the Forks Township police for sitting in the grass. We have since decided to switch purely to video calls, to limit risk for our parents as much as possible.
I can’t really go out. Under Gov. Wolf’s stay-at-home order, all non-essential businesses are closed, and we are expected to remain home except to perform activities essential to the health of our families and our pets.
Individuals are permitted to engage in outdoor activities; however, gatherings of individuals outside of the home are generally prohibited except as may be required to access, support, or provide life sustaining services.
PA Governor Tom Wolf (D), “Stay At Home Order Guidance,” applied to include Northampton county on March 28th. Here is the actual Order.
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But, I go out for the following activities. I walk or bike in my neighborhood. I drive to Jacobsburg State Park to walk there. My sister and I collaborate to do Meals-on-Wheels delivery (I drive because she has no sense of direction). And I go to friends’ houses to pick up or drop off supplies (such as hand-sewn face-masks, chargers, art supplies, and clothes).
The little things. I wash my hands more often, and better. I always have my hand-sanitizer and mask with me. I make creative meals with the long-forgotten remnants of food in our freezer or cabinet. Almost everyone at the grocery store seems anxious and is wearing a mask. And much more. ..
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That’s all for now folks. Please share your experiences in the comments!
