Shelter in Place: Day 1 -- Checked
When Ericsson Silicon Valley issued a voluntary WFH policy last week, I took full advantage and thrived. It was great to get all my work done, take skype meetings, chat on teams and be able to check a few things off on my learning wish-list. I had optimized my workday without distractions. I walked at lunch. Closed out my workday with plenty of time to garden. Yeah, it was a good week.
For me when the emergency alert flashed on my phone about staying at home, it was a very scary moment because everything I had prepared for the last two weeks was becoming real.
Once the alert flashed, I quickly went to Costco to get dog food, had forgotten to pick up extra. But Costco had overcapacity in the store, so it was closed until enough people left for the next batch to get in. I was told it would about 3 hours before my turn would come up. Not something I was going to do. I told my self the pup would have to live on rice, eggs and carrots if we ran out of dog food.
The next stop was the gas station. I pulled up, started to fill gas and noticed that 8 cars had lined up behind me. The woman driver next in-line to pour gas looked worried. In fact all the pumps had multiple people waiting with a line quickly forming onto the street. With a full tank of gas, I headed to the grocery store. I took one look at the line in front of Whole Foods and decided to try Safeway.
As I pulled up to the parking lot, I was relieved to see empty parking stops. Quickly parking, I headed into the store but could not find a shopping cart or basket. I was both confused at the lack of carts and concerned that the food would be gone. Not to be deterred, I headed inside fully committed to carry my groceries in my arms. As I walked down the frozen food aisle, I noticed that all the ice cream sections were full and the frozen food empty. Since I only came for ice cream, it did not matter to me. With two ice cream cartons in hand, I headed to the bakery, then wine and lastly condiments (pickles). I found everything I wanted plus a cart to carry them in. As I headed towards the checkout, there were at least 10 people in front of each cash register. The clerk looked not only tired but concerned each time someone without a face mask approached. The expression made me realize that for once seeing a mask on someone's face was not something to be concerned about but a relief, even gratitude about taking responsibility for one's health. I sheepishly put my 16 items no the belt and did my best to not touch anything or talk to the clerk in the hope that I would not breathe on him.
An hour and a half later I reach home. Unloaded, and got back to work ready for the week.
Yesterday was day 1 of the Shelter in Place directive issued by Santa Clara County, California and it was hard.
I invite you to share your day here.