The Final Countdown

 The countdown has begun. We take the Princess back to school on Thursday; Banana Girl leaves the following week. I don’t wish this time on anyone, and I can’t imagine what it must be like for those with freshman. But I think we’ll be okay.

 

Both girls are returning to states that aren’t terrible with regard to the virus. They’re not as good as New Jersey, but it’s not the south (sorry, southern friends). The Princess will be in an apartment with three other girls and two bathrooms. They and their friends have created a plan regarding quarantine, visiting each other’s apartments, when and how. It’s not perfect, but for the most part, it’s respectful of various comfort levels and safety protocols. 

 

We also have a virus plan—actually several. For the Princess, there are three, depending on how severe her illness is should she get it. It’s a weird situation for us—we’re used to being able to depend on people if there’s an emergency. In this case, we can’t. We have only ourselves. But she’s cautious and I’ve been hoarding supplies, and I’m hopeful that if she gets sick, it’s mild.

 

I’m usually the one who asks whether something is truly needed, and who puts limits on shopping—or at least attempts to. And to some extent, when it comes to what she thinks she needs versus what she actually needs for her apartment, I’ve stuck to my guns. She’s not a cook, and no matter how that may change when she’s forced to cook meals for herself, I’m not buying her good pots and pans. She can make do with old ones of mine, or the Dollar Store. The same goes for bedding and bathroom supplies, despite my husband’s job.

 

But when it comes to mask and Covid supplies? The more the better! You found a cute mask? Buy four! You found cute ones that match your outfits? Even better, buy extra! We inspect them as they arrive and designate the appropriate situation for them based on how sturdy they are. I think at last count she had twelve, but I might be wrong. 

 

On the Facebook parent pages, we’ve been exchanging lists of Covid supplies for the “go-bag.” It kills me to have to actually make one, but better safe than sorry. And at home, we’ve started sending the kids out in public so they can adjust to being around other people—five months of quarantine has created more than a little social anxiety in all of us.

 

So are we ready? No. But I don’t think we’ll ever be. Are we prepared? Yes. Are we packed? Ha!