The world has changed

March 2020

Another month vanished but how life has changed. The world’s in lockdown! My dis-ease last month could have been the virus after all, though I’ll probably never know. 

What was the loo roll thing all about? I couldn’t get my head around so after some Google research: It’s to do with feeling out of control, stuck and purposeless. By buying simple, affordable items it gives you the feeling that you’re doing something useful and protecting yourself and your family. It’s not the need for loo roll specifically, they’re just one of many symptoms of a ‘gathering in’ mentality, a way of maintaining order and control over a situation that we have no control over. The other reason is; as animals we are natural hibernators. Storing is instinctual especially in a crisis. I felt a bit less grumpy about the situation when I heard this and my compassion towards people panic buying grew. 

The first week of lockdown felt very discombobulating. I used that word a lot that week. I couldn’t settle until I decided to spring clean - that sorted me out! Physical hard graft. That’s what’s needed in times of discombobulation. My house is oozing order and cleanliness - it wont last!

Thank GOD for my shed! There was talk that my husband or daughter might nab it for their work but I hung on with gritted teeth. It’s mine, my haven and a tiny piece of normality in this madness. 

My bounty of donated goods.

The second week felt like I was on holiday. The weather was superb here in London - positively balmy. I joined ‘Zoom’ communities: Play-writing, yoga and coffee mornings. I was enjoying myself, too much if I’m honest. Should you be enjoying yourself this much whilst people are suffering? But I was. I felt relaxed and life took on a new, slower pace and I liked it.

This week is a different story. I am very VERY tired and eating a lot. I have no idea why. I’m sleeping well and exercising regularly. Walking 10,000 step most days, yoga via Zoom and have tuned in to Mr Joe Wicks but a general malaise is setting in. The weather is less summery, deaths are on the increase and I know a few people with quite serious symptoms. I’m limiting my News intake to just once a day. It’s not good to fill up on too much doom and gloom. 

There are the positives though. My neighbour peered over the fence - ‘Do you want some vegetables, they’ve delivered double’. She left a bounty on the front door step, enough to feed the entire street for a week. Then the next day, the same thing happened but this time: cheese, yoghurt and eggs… “That’s when Neighbours become good friends”…  yes, I am singing out loud!

I particulary enjoyed washing my hands at a newly installed sink on Clapham High St with bonus feature; soap and hand drier!

My hair was long over due a cut before this all began, feeling whimsical I asked my husband to cut my hair - not sure it was the best move. Afterwards he said - “I can’t believe you let me do that, it’s not great is it?”. No, it wasnt - my daughter tidied it up. It’s a bit short but it will grow.

There have been many amusing memes going around too - I particularly like these:

This is the best one in my opinion. It makes me laugh out loud everytime I hear it.

Finally: Just for fun. There’s a thing called ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response) - it’s weird, but people go on You tube and watch other people make sounds such as whispers, scratching sounds, crackles etc, it stimulates some kind of response that people seem to enjoy. It’s bonkers. One day last year me and my friend decided to do our own version. We didn’t get very far because hysteria took over. I hope it makes you smile.

Look out for my blog tomorrow, it’s Anthony’s turn, he’s 82. I’m now carrying out my interviews on line, so if you fancy nominating someone you know - get in touch.

Week 3 of lock down is looming, what will it bring? I’ll be clinging to a routine of sleep, yoga, Mr Wicks and plently of food for the foreseeable future. 

Good luck and I wish you well.