What I Have Noticed Lately

• People are growing more relaxed. While our county’s stay-at-home order remains the same, the atmosphere in the Lehigh Valley, PA, is becoming notably more normal. The roads are significantly busier, much to the disappointment of those who took the empty streets as justification to go 30 miles over the speed limit. People seem less anxious. I see more people out in groups at parks or walking, or hosting parties at their homes.

• People can’t seem to agree. We’re moving far too fast! We’re moving far too slow! People are dying! The economy! It is such a divisive time and everyone’s stressed out, which I observe first hand through my Democratic mom and Republic dad.

• Wholesome chalk messages and signs have become mainstream. All around our area on sidewalks and streets people are writing encouraging messages in chalk. Many people put up signs indicating birthdays and graduations: “honk, an Easton High School grad lives here!” is a common sign.

• Grocery shopping is still very challenging. You must wear a mask inside. They have staff to count every person who enters and exits, to limit the total number in the store. Stickers and tape mark the directions of aisles and where to stand for check-out. While everyone is typically kind and considerate, I find the fact that everyone is wearing a mask very disconcerting. In addition, we’re still being hit by product shortages, with limited access to pork, chicken, eggs, as well as all cleaning supplies and paper products.

Alright, that’s all for now! I am planning to write a longer and more thoughtful piece on economic changes and how my own perception has shifted.