I regret to inform you that the home renovation project you’ve been eager to start, now that you have some extra time, will have to be postponed. If it means visiting a home improvement store, it simply isn’t necessary right now.
I completely understand your frustration. Like many others, when I first learned about the prolonged time at home, I envisioned using my partner’s reduced work hours to finally tackle some overdue projects. I wasn’t considering a major shopping spree; I thought that during our weekly grocery run, we could pick up supplies for just one small project at a time. We’d adhere to the recommended limit of one outing per week and stay home otherwise. That seemed responsible, didn’t it?
Unfortunately, I was mistaken. Most trips to home improvement stores are not essential right now. I know it feels like the ideal opportunity; I have my own lengthy list of projects waiting for attention. There are outdoor light fixtures I’ve intended to replace for two years, and my partner has promised to repaint our kids’ room after one of them made a mess on the wall six months ago. We’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel, and while it’s functional, I’m eager to see the stunning tile backsplash I’ve envisioned.
But as much as I wish it could be different, now is not the time for those projects. We all need to avoid unnecessary outings, even if we’re itching to see how that tile looks with our new countertops. I initially believed that stores would be nearly deserted, so I was shocked when I found them crowded even amid this pandemic.
Last weekend, I learned this firsthand. I had already accepted that my kitchen and paint projects weren’t vital. Yet, when my partner pulled out our lawnmower for the season and discovered it needed a new belt, I thought that might justify a store visit. With little kids and a dog, they need a safe outdoor space. I figured he could quickly run in for the part while the kids and I waited in the car for a change of scenery. “Surely, a non-food store will be empty,” I thought.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. The store was packed! The parking lot resembled a typical Saturday. People were milling about, laughing, and browsing closely together. Did nobody get the memo about this global health crisis? We have to do better as a community.
Needless to say, we didn’t go inside. Instead, my partner ordered the part online. We’re still waiting for it to arrive, and our grass is now knee-high. But it’s far better for our lawn to remain unruly for another week than to disregard the guidelines meant to prevent COVID-19 from overwhelming our healthcare system.
We could have ignored the risks. Our family is young and healthy, and we might have escaped unscathed. But no one is invincible. We have to go out for food, and my partner has to work, meaning we can’t eliminate all risks. However, it’s irresponsible and selfish for anyone, even a family like ours, to consider risking our health for something as trivial as a lawnmower belt.
Moreover, we need to keep those stores accessible for people who have no choice but to shop there. Life has not completely halted due to this virus. Many are still bravely navigating their essential duties. The rest of us must step back and make it easier for essential workers to find what they need quickly and safely.
This is particularly crucial in my community, where tornadoes devastated our town just a month ago, prior to the drastic changes brought on by COVID-19. Hundreds have lost their homes and are facing additional crises, including job loss and financial instability. They must continue rebuilding their lives, and construction crews need supplies to help them do so. We need to ensure that those workers can access their materials without battling crowds.
Of course, certain situations are exceptions. Use your judgment. If your refrigerator breaks down, you’ll need to address safe food storage. If your pipes burst, you’ll need to grab supplies to fix the leak. Some trips are indeed essential and should be kept brief, along with proper precautions like handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining distance.
But if you’re itching to finish that backsplash (like I am), plant flowers, or transform your bedroom into a coastal retreat with a color called “Ocean Wave,” it’s time to hold off. Your home renovation can wait. Let’s hunker down and only venture out for work, food, and emergencies to help flatten the curve. Millions of lives depend on it.
For more insights on navigating life during these times, check out this post here. It’s also worth exploring shared experiences for additional perspectives. If you’re looking for reliable information on fertility treatments, this is an excellent resource.
In summary, while it may be tempting to dive into home improvement projects during this time, it is crucial to prioritize essential activities and consider the well-being of the community as a whole.