Life in quarantine, has been challenging to say the least. Staying pretty much around your house and residence has been tough. I am lucky enough, (possibly) that I am able to work at a Dry Cleaners one day a week, other than that, I haven’t left my house to do something more than three times. Today, Thursday 4/2 was one of them. I went to my local Giant Eagle to stock up on some groceries for my family. I spent $47 on essential items such as meats, milk, eggs, toilet paper, frozen foods, a few different desserts, coffee and tea. Giant Eagle is a more expensive place that you can get your groceries but I do believe it pays out well enough because of the quality. My resulting day was slow other than the trip to the store. When I first pulled into the store plaza, I was quite surprised that there were only a few cars there. (Maybe less than a quarter filled?) Normally you have to find a spot on the side or in the back of the lot. When I walked in people were wearing masks, hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and most of the departments were closed. Starbucks was closed, as well as the meat department, and prepared foods were pretty much shut down. (See video 3).
“The store has been busy and slow all at the same time. Each day flies by and people are trying to “come together” (socially distancing approved) and help one another. Its really nice to see how involved people are getting now.” Gregory Santos, 37, Warrendale, Grocery Stocker at Market District. Gregory did not want to go on camera, but he told me that life will go on and things will get better.
Life other than the grocery store has been tough, I have only gotten one paycheck in the last month, It was a PTO paycheck that I was able to use from this year’s work that I have already accrued. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t a lot. As of Thursday I am waiting for a pin in the mail from the Labor department so I can file for unemployment. I cant wait for those checks to come in. I had to pay my rent, for a place I am not even living in. As well as paying for electric that I didn’t use. Money has been tight to say the least, and that doesn’t even begin the cry for my parents. Their small business has been barely staying afloat, all of their clients are not working right now. This is a problem everywhere for all small businesses! It is quite the shame, I know with my brother and I living at home at the moment, and both my parents trying to figure out the financials, its going to be another tough couple weeks. I am looking forward to seeing my friends soon.
“Upwards is always in sight” this is a quote from a book I have recently read. A powerful statement at a time like this. Thing will get better and all we have to do is stay safe and stay healthy. (523)
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