There’s a reason panic and pandemic both start the same way. We’re looking at covid-19 right now as if it’s the zombie apocalypse. Based on the way things are shutting down one would think this disease killed 50% of the population, or at least 20%, or at least 5%. But it hasn’t.

Sure, a few unfortunately individuals in the US have succumbed to the worst case scenario and that is tragic, but the odds are in our favor. Taking a few extra precautions without becoming a member of the secret Toilet Paper Hoarding Society of Assholes would serve everyone better than giving in to fear as if everyone was running in the streets on fire with blood pouring out their eyes.

If we had a serious outbreak that truly affected a major portion of society, we’ve clearly shown that society would collapse. There’s no disputing this anymore.

But why?

Are we so pampered in our false securities and comfortable lifestyles that the second something even comes close to threatening it we run around like infantile children stocking up on products to wipe ourselves with?

Humans lived for thousands of years without toilet paper. Yeah it’s harder to be cleanly, but squirt yourself with a water bottle, dry with a towel, and wash your hands. It’s not that hard.

What a bunch of spoiled selfish brats the land of the free and the home of the brave has become.

And people call me crazy for home schooling, living on a plot of land large enough to grow an adequate amount of food on, and not trusting “society” or the government to take care of me.

This coronavirus is basically nonexistent in children, yet our leaders are shutting down schools.

Great. Now who will be watching these kids while the parents go to work? The grandparents, the elderly, the people who are most at risk to catch the virus and actually die from it.

Smooth planning.

What could possibly go wrong?

But most of our leaders are elderly. A great majority of them are dinosaurs who are afraid of dying. Because here in the west we like to ignore death and pretend that it will never catch up with us. We are frivolous and delusional.

But what about Italy?!

Funny thing:

The media is stirring up a frenzy to make bank off of panic. Headlines are specifically created to “shock” and “stir up” people. There is no accountability.

Stretching the truth is lying and lying to the people is NOT covered under the 1st amendment.

We need to start prosecuting news stations and papers that encourage outright lying for the sake of clicks and sales.

You have news sources who cleared store shelves to get shots of empty store fronts in order to get the scoop on everyone “buying up all they can.” This then led fiction to become reality because it scared people into going out and buying up all they could. Great job journalists, I’m sure you don’t miss your integrity.

We have individuals who went out and bought up as much toilet paper and face masks as they could so they could up mark the prices online, which then caused a shortage and more fear which led to more actual empty shelves.

The virus didn’t do this, we did this. The collective “we” of course─some of us actually care about our neighbors and communities and don’t run around acting like idiots.

Some of us already had a little stockpile because we know that nothing is ever guaranteed.

Waiting until the last minute to stock your bomb shelter is irresponsible and dangerous. If you want to truly be prepared you need to gather supplies little by little BEFORE they are needed.

Who knew, proper planning can lead to better survival options.

#Wow

Covid-19 isn’t the first or the last pandemic that’s hit us.

Every few years there is a scare, but never have I personally witnessed such ridiculous behavior.

I survived:

• The hysteria of Ebola
• The “end of the world” that was 2012
• The fear of H1N1
• Avian Flu
• Mad Cow
• Y2K
• AIDS (which we were all sure to die of)
• And the list goes on

Far more people have died of the flu this year than covid-19

Covid-19=5K

Flu=50K+

In truth you are more likely to die of pretty much all the normal “killers” than this virus: (Again take precautions, but the odds are in your favor)

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Respiratory Infections
• Alzheimer’s
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Car Crashes
• Diarrhea (yes, you read that right)
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria
• HIV/AIDS
• The flu
• Accidents (insert death by stupidity joke here)
• And the list goes on…

If you’re concerned or the mass hysteria is starting to get to you, remember, humans are resilient. We suffered actual plagues, world wars, natural disasters, and the 2016 election here (here in the U.S.)

When restaurants and service jobs start closing, it’s the perfect time to look into the Pell Grant and other scholarship opportunities to go back to school for a field that offers more job security. Nurses and doctors will always be needed.

The medical industry is handling their shit right now.

We need to praise these workers and give them bonuses for handling situations that many couldn’t stomach.

It’s scary when something like this messes with our livelihoods, our money. I feel so damn lucky to work for a local small business that affords me the opportunity to write for a living. Small businesses that serve the community directly are the pillars that will help sustain everyone right now. They don’t take in mass groups and so they can still easily operate without worry. Again, they are taking the proper measures by keeping clean, but shopping local is a great way to protect yourself AND not give up your life right now.

Also keeping physical media is a great way to ensure you have a source of income.

How?

Well, digital media has no value once you purchase it. But CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, comics, books, toys, and collectibles all hold some value. When things get rough, you can sell those items if needs be.

My husband and I have turned to selling media plenty of times in the past few years and it saved us when the belt got too tight.

Also having a skill that benefits yourself and others matters. If you can fish or grow food, those who cannot will turn to you for help and it is up to you to offer a trade or a good deal that brings in slight income without gouging the people in your neighborhood.

Imagine that, usefulness will always come in handy.

Knowing how to sew, knit, or crochet is something that can easily be taken for granted until you run out of money for clothes and have to patch items up or make something new.

Instead of freaking out, now is the time to listen, learn, and come together. Check on your neighbors and family members. Reach out to those who look lost or terrified. Share and spread some skill and love to combat the fear.

My family and I were sick the past couple of weeks. I had saved up my time off because I knew something would happen, something always happens. We stayed home and rested.

I’m not rich.

I’m not a genius.

I just don’t assume that everything is always going to be safe and secure.

You can enjoy today and still plan for tomorrow.

Yesterday my husband and I took the kids hiking in the woods. It was a bit chilly but the paths welcomed us and the trees warmed our lungs. We didn’t cram into a store infecting others or being infected. Instead we let the fresh air guide us and cabin fever isn’t an issue.

Getting out in the open puts everything in perspective. These trees and forests have seen far greater things than the latest pandemic.

This whole situation makes me laugh.

Some people say I should be more serious; some people are also unhappy dried up hate bags that couldn’t laugh if a joke were tattooed on their big toe.

Find whatever helps you get through this pandemonium and stay balanced. Do what you can but don’t forget to live and smile and accept that you cannot control everything that happens, nor do you have much say over what others do. (I have to keep reminding myself haha)

For now, I’m going about my days like nothing has changed.

 Spring is almost here. The sun still shines. The grass is still growing. Flowers will continue to bloom.