April 29, 2025 by Clarissa Moen

I’ve always prided myself on being the calm one in a crisis. The one who doesn’t get sucked into the hysteria when a storm’s coming or when Twitter is lighting up about the next doomsday scenario. I’ve skipped every run on the grocery store, every empty-shelf apocalypse people lose their minds over. Toilet paper shortage? I just waited. Ice storm panic? I had extra blankets. COVID lockdown? I made it through the first month with half a bag of rice and a stubborn sense of pride.

But today? I cracked. Not because something major happened—but because, weirdly, nothing had… yet. I got off work, scrolled through my feed, and saw people bickering over tariffs, shipping slowdowns, and a vague sense that “things are about to get weird.” And for the first time, I thought: maybe I should just do it. Just once.

So I drove to the nearest store and started filling my cart like I was preparing for a year on a deserted island—but only for things I knew were made in China. That became my theme. Chargers, earbuds, water filters, skincare products, LED lightbulbs, batteries, phone cases, razors, socks, power strips—you name it. If it said “Made in China,” it went in.

And you know what? It was kind of… fun. Like a weird scavenger hunt, but with real-world consequences. There was a twisted sort of satisfaction in knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about replacing a toothbrush or buying face wash for at least the next 12 months. I even found a few items I forgot I liked. Stocking up gave me this rare little peace of mind—like I outsmarted a system that’s usually two steps ahead of me.

I don’t know if prices will skyrocket. I don’t know if there’ll be a shortage of the exact moisturizer I like. But for the first time, I’m not going to be caught off guard. And for someone who’s usually late to every disaster party, that feels like a quiet little win.

Here’s hoping this was just an expensive overreaction and not the smartest thing I’ve done all year.