I fear the circumstance has created a monster as I am now waking up each day thinking "what will be delivered today?"

For the record I have not become a shopaholic...yet.

Some of the deliveries have included groceries as I have taken advantage of online ordering. This includes pre-prepared, home delivery meals ordered on occasions in an effort to support local businesses that continue to work through the current restrictive times.

A real boost to the treats left at my front door of late is the fact that I had a birthday recently so there were some gifts and bouquets of flowers also delivered.

Add to that a couple of regular monthly orders and I have managed to rack up at least one parcel a day delivered to my door for almost three weeks.

I've come to look forward to, and enjoy, the daily drop off. So much so that I'm now wondering what I can order online next to ensure the deliveries keep coming. I fear there is potential for me to become a shopaholic, although my bank balance should help keep that in check.

It has occured to me that these deliveries have helped me remain connected to the outside world while bunkering down in response to the current stay-at-home orders across NSW.

I look forward to encountering different people - even if I am only calling out 'thank you' to their backs as they walk away from my home after dropping off a parcel. Sometimes I get a turn of the head, a wave and a "your welcome".

What I have noted with almost every person who makes a delivery is that they are always rushing away. I've come to the conclusion that it is not me they are rushing away from, they are just really busy. Clearly home deliveries are helping many people feel like they are still connected with the outside world and a sense of normal which involves a bit of shopping.

The more recent announcement from Australia Post that it will stop pickups in lockdown states for three days so it can process a backlog seems to support my suspicion that online shopping and subsequent deliveries may be the new version of social connection for many.

I also note that for every purchase made, every parcel delivered, we are helping to keep the economy ticking over and people in jobs.

I'll take that as validation for the importance of shopping online. However, I have to admit I look forward to the day when I can step back into a store, browse casually through the items available, maybe even try something on for size before purchase.

How are you maintaining a sense of normal in lockdown?

Stay safe,

Jackie Meyers

Editor