Normally, in a situation like this, I’d be bragging about cheap gas. I’ve done it before.

But the cheap gas is, in part, due to a drop in demand because of coronavirus. People are worried. Some are losing their jobs, and oil rigs in Texas are slowing down. 

I, for instance, cannot drive to work because crowds at offices are discouraged. I now work from home. It’s a shorter commute, but I sometimes get a bit stir crazy.

I even downloaded an app today, so I can record phone interviews on my cell phone instead of driving into the station.

Even though most of the Metroplex is now under a “shelter in place” order, our founding fathers have declared me such an essential part of the nation’s infrastructure that I must not be bound to shelter in place.

I just have to carry a form with me.

Grandma Scaia, an Italian immigrant, would be so proud. And also terrified that her idiot grandson represents the nation’s “critical communications services.”

Fun fact: I was planning to make a “wop” reference, but I just learned “wop” does not actually mean “without papers.” So me walking around with this form does not make me an Italian stereotype after all.

As part of the critical infrastructure, I have been supporting small business. The Omni in Dallas may not be the smallest business, but it’s got a strong message.

This morning, the Omni Dallas preaches, “Work from home” and “Flatten the curve.” Live report on Dallas County’s latest steps to slow the spread at 6:30 on @KRLD. pic.twitter.com/cO2shnzFNo

— Alan Scaia (@scaia) March 23, 2020

I also tried to catch some sort of critter in my attic this weekend. I had heard it skittering across the ceiling for a couple days, but it outsmarted me, and I couldn’t locate it.

I called an exterminator who explained a rat had likely busted into the attic because of all the trees around the house. He suspected the rat had been there a while, but I’m only hearing it now because I’m spending so much time at home.

“Ew,” I replied. “But that reminds me. I should probably get into the attic to change the furnace filter.”

As part of my critical infrastructure duties, I also decided to get some frozen custard. Not for myself, mind you, but to support small business.

The sign in front of Curly’s Frozen Custard also preached a strong message. In fact, right now they’re running a 25% sale on quarts.

“Stock up for your quarantine!” Curly really does advise.

Curly is right everyone: We will beat this. Together.