By Marta Gouger

For a few days in March children were dancing in the streets when school was canceled because of the pandemic. Gee, it was like an extended snow day.

Adults were giddy that first morning they sat down at their computer in sweatpants.

They didn’t have to get dressed unless they had a Zoom call and then they only had to worry about finding a clean shirt.

That was nearly seven months ago, and I have to say I’ve had it.

As of this writing Wednesday night, 180,000 have died from the coronavirus in the U.S. and, now more than 20 million people are in the path of Hurricane Laura.

Compared to those facts, our temporary woes pale in comparison. But we all share in the inconvenience of the new normal, so here goes.

Grab your spare roll of toilet paper and lament with me.

People have hunkered down because they are at risk for the virus.

Instead of fairs and festivals, we’ve made trips to the supermarket. Masks, whether you agree or not, are the norm.

When we were banished from our work kingdom, we reconnected with our stomachs. We made comfort foods such as mac and cheese, and experimented with new dishes that popped up in our Facebook feeds.

To compound our unhealthy behaviors, gyms were closed. One survey says the average Pennsylvanian is doing 26% less exercise than before the pandemic began.

That was compounded by banks and pharmacies being restricted to drive- thru traffic. Restaurants began curbside pickup. Yet another reason to never move from your seat.

If we weren’t addicted to online ordering before, we’ve been forced to do it now. I am an advocate for local business, but sometimes there isn’t a choice.

“Friends” started having Facebook based parties from a popular cooking products company. I had to cut my orders off after the fourth party. That was in spring and I am still waiting for the orders. I just received another email thanking me for my patience with the delay.

I ordered a bowl that will keep salads cool and a “famous corn kernel cutter” for when I freeze corn during the season. Well, I guess I’ll be ready for next season.

I did receive the brownie knife, which is still unused in the drawer.

Delivery just takes longer than it used to.

I ordered a carpet for my dining room in July. It was shipped to a warehouse on Aug. 12. I’m taking bets on when, if ever, it will show up at my house.

I ordered two bags of dog food. The delivery date came and went. Six days later I received one bag. Nearly two weeks later, I tracked my order to the local warehouse where the rogue bag was keeping company with my area rug. I went to a local store and bought a bag, then called the company and canceled the order. It was delivered the next day.

Will we ever return to true next day shipping?

When will it be safe to be in school, without masks? When will we be able to attend an indoor concert?

I can see people getting used to curbside pickup. Will it remain an accepted practice?

Now that we know we can work outside the office and have meetings via Zoom, will we return to the workplace? Some will not.

Now that we have Zoom meetings figured out, they will probably remain.

Have you seen the Snickers commercial where the man is dressed for a Zoom meeting - when instead his visitors show up in person? It could happen.

We are longing for a return to normal, but time will tell just what that normal will be.