Still in it....BIG TIME!

I was hoping my next post could be about how we are through the pandemic and all is back to normal. Nope. Things may be more out of control now than they were in March. Our governor decided to open things back up in June. Restaurants were opening back up at a reduced capacity, salons opened back up, gyms, etc. It was pretty clear this was going to increase our numbers of positive coronavirus cases, but it seemed like the state government was just taking a "let's cross our fingers and hope for the best" attitude. Then came late June/July. We are setting records on a daily basis for cases. First we were shocked to get over 500 a day in Dallas county. Then over 600. Now we are at over 1000 cases a day just in Dallas county alone. Bars are closed again and you are required to wear a mask indoors when possible. It's a really bizarre time.

The kids are taking it hard. They miss their friends. They miss that social interaction. I have Shawn and have been mostly content, but we both miss going out to dinner, hanging out with friends, etc. We had to cancel our vacation to Huntington Beach that was scheduled for June. That was really sad. Getting out of town always reboots our spirits so not having that was disappointing to say the least. We have let the kids play with a few friends here and there - always outside. It has helped boost their spirits a little, but they still miss "normal." 

I've never been what you'd call a "germophobe." I never wiped down shopping carts and didn't worry about my kids washing their hands all the time. But this virus has me paranoid! It's been difficult to find cleaning supplies like Lysol and Clorox wipes. I never really bought Lysol. I think the last time I bought it I was single and I can't even recall why I bought the can in the first place. And when March came around I hadn't restocked my Clorox wipes so I had ONE canister left. I will never make that mistake again. I have finally stocked up to a level I'm comfortable with. I find myself hesitant to use any of the products I have horded thus far in case one of us gets sick and we really need a lot of it.

There has been a lot of discussion about what we will do for the school year. Will we be doing virtual school or will the kids return to school with precautions during a time when the virus is taking over our state? The stories from survivors are terrifying. The number of deaths is terrifying. What decision is the best for our kids? Which is more important...mental health or physical health? These are impossible to answer and I feel like whatever decision I make, it won't be perfect. I want to protect my kids' health, but being physically in school will help their mental health by 1000%. We are being put in an impossible place.

I'd like to end on a positive note. There are some positives that have come from this. We have been enjoying our less busy life. We have had free weekends to just relax and aren't running from one baseball game to the next (although I really miss baseball!). Shawn and I have also been taking daily walks in the neighborhood. It helps us have some alone time just to talk and enjoy each other. We've also saved money. Cooking at home everyday helps.

I hope my next post is about how this is all behind us, but that seems so far away. We are healthy, happy for the most part, and together. That's all I need.