The New Normal
A diary of sorts.
In an attempt to capture how the months of quarantine and our transition to a new normal has blurred together, the dates are approximate and should therefore not be taken as fact.
Sometime in June.
The N-95 mask is the first mask I’ve worn that has not caused my glasses to fog when I breathe. Unfortunately, the drawback of this is that after a six-hour flight I found lines engraved on my face: the new tan lines. This time they don’t demonstrate how much time in the sun you’ve had this summer but how seriously you are taking the pandemic. I normally experience a lot of anxiety travelling, but this time, not only did I question whether or not I would make it to my destination without my plane spiraling into the ocean (even though I was flying across the country not the ocean), but I also agonized over the possibility of infection. Safe travels everybody.
A walk that could have happened at any point during my time in Durham during this pandemic.
Foster dogs are IN right now. Everyone who is anyone is fostering an animal in college. Charles is a horrible walker, but on this occasion, he agreed to walk the neighborhoods of Durham with me. We pass by a clearing in the brush, the center lit by the setting sun. Such a peaceful spot in the middle of this neighborhood, a mere 5-minute walk from my chaotic college life. I don’t think I’ve ever gone on so many walks. I remember in high school being too lazy to leave my room to walk with my parents around the neighborhood. Now they’re my favorite part of the day.
Definitely in July, I know that much.
On a brief excursion to let Charlie out to pee, I take a moment to recognize that this has been one of three times I have left the house today (each having lasted less than 10 minutes). I blame the heat, but I really should get outside more. I think this is why everyone is getting dogs now: to force ourselves outside.
Another walk in July.
“Hi, I’m Bubbie (caricature of cat)
I love people, but I can’t greet you because of this stupid electric fence. Please feel free to walk down the driveway and come meet me! Petting is encouraged, if you want.”
I don’t have much to say here except that I wanted to include this because: a) it demonstrates the importance and prevalence of walks during this time. b) it was a great surprise and one of the few interactions I’ve had with strangers recently, even if it wasn’t in person. Sadly, I did not meet Bubbie, and yes, I did look.
Late July.
“Maintaining social distancing. Keep one cow apart (at least 6 feet). Protect against infection.” This sign outside of Mapleview IceCream Shop was quite clever and great branding. That’s all I have to say here.
Same day/excursion to Mapleview Ice Cream.
This is me, masked, wearing my pajamas in public because I have now found it socially acceptable to wear basically anything in public because it doesn’t happen every day that you see people you don’t live with. As long as you’ve got a mask, you’re set. Who cares about the rest. Next time, I will wear a bra, though. There were more people here than I had anticipated.
August, amidst the arrival and influx of Duke students.
“Spread love” – seems appropriate for the times, if not all the time. I was on my way to a Pure Barre class held outside in Durham Central Park (like New York Central Park, but different). Things are pretty stressful right now with classes online and a new social anxiety surrounding large gatherings. I’m finding myself having to curb my desire to hug my friends.
By Arden Schraff
Duke Student, mental health activist and resident goddess making Insta casual.