Anyone enjoying lockdown at all?

[Paperdaisychain]

Hopefully a lighthearted thread to relieve the doom and gloom but I just wondered if anyone is enjoying the current lockdown? After the initial shock it’s been nice is some ways. Admittedly we are not badly affected my husband is able to work from home as am I (which I normally do). We are ok for money, have a car, and are able to get our shopping delivered for the time being.

It’s nice to be able to eat lunch together, we have also been going for a daily walk together. We live locally to the country so that’s been good. I’ve been teaching him yoga which he’s actually enjoying! I’ve been having “Tea and Cake” meets with my friends using zoom which I’ve really enjoyed and have even played some online games with some which has been great fun.

As a couple we have been playing board games in the evening, doing jigsaws and watching films (I recommend The Truth, streaming on Curzon at the moment).

I’ve been reading more and I’ve rediscovered long soaks in the bath, something I haven’t done since I was a teenager! I’ve also been getting through my house hold to do list which isn’t as fun but more bearable with the help of audiobooks and podcasts and it’s satisfying to see my clean, tidy cupboards!

We are also spending time helping out older relatives and neighbours. Even just being available for a chat or to get some shopping for them is lovely to be able to do.

I know that nobody is immune to the effects of this pandemic and we are very lucky, also we don’t have children which makes some of this possible and maybe easier but this thread is just a way of trying to focus on the nice things.

So go on tell me what you are enjoying about life at the moment?

@TheLadyAnneNeville, no of course, no hard feelings. I appreciate that everyone will be dealing with it differently and will be in different situations. It wasn’t my intention to upset anyone but I can see reading my post back now in light of what some people have posted that it might have seemed smug, and obviously nobody can be smug about the current situation as it could affect anyone rich or poor.

I’m sorry for your loss and I hope that you are able to get through this safe and well with the rest of your family.

@Stupidanduseless... I know it’s not ideal but there are reams of free books you can buy. Keep your chin up, love. Many of us are really really struggling to stay positive. I can do it when my son and husband are about. We also have my step daughter with us who is lovely so, that’s nice too but later on, when I Facetime my sister, I do it alone, so I can have a bloody good cry.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but, I think I’ll try to plough through some of the free “classics” on my iPad. Books I always said I’d get around to reading and haven’t.

@Paperdaisychain... thank you. All the best to you too 😊

@Stupidanduseless... meant “loads of free books you can READ” obviously!

I'm just liking the not rushing about bit, homeschooling 3 kids while juggling a baby is a killer and thanking my lucky stars I'm a. on mat leave and b. have a garden. I keep thinking how I should be enjoying it more than I actually am, but I guess we'll settle into it a bit with time. I'm thinking it's time to reread In Praise of Slow to reset my head somewhat.

I think what’s getting me down the most is the lack of space.
The dc are up at 7am and don’t go to bed until 10pm (nearly 4 and 11) and my 3 year old has started waking in the night repeatedly too - which she has never done. I think it’s because she’s so bored and not tired enough. We’ve been going for a 2.5 mile walk and doing yoga and keep fit but it’s not enough. She’s bored.
I don’t have time then to call anyone or talk to anyone cos the dc are always here and dh wont let me go and talk to anyone in private anyway. I feel like I’ve got no privacy at all

Great thread OP.

It's a terrible situation out there, but the silver linings are:

1. I can get lots of rest. I am living so bloody knackered that lockdown is enforced rest!
2. The kids love school because it's fun and so empty right now. I never thought I'd live to hear the day my children are excited about going to school.
3. no homework fights.
4. Kids just have stopped fighting each other. It's a miracle!
5. My house has never been so clean and organised, I'm living loving it!
6. No after clubs activities, means no taxi service, means not rushing round like a headless chicken! Back to number 1!

But truly the world wide situation is beyond awful and if I could spare it happening I'd trade all of the above; of course I would.

I'm ok but I'm very luckily that we have a decently sized house and enough laptops/pcs for everyone to work on - everyone has a seperate space to work if needed. We've helped out friends locally with spare laptops from DH's stash (he works in IT and has old ones) who aren't so lucky. School work can be challenging with teens but it's getting easier as we get into the swing of it. Going out doesn't bother me and we are tending to go in the garden for fresh air instead of walking.

My kids are 2 and 4. They both seem very relaxed and happy. It's hard to know whether it's the weather and the fact that they basically live in the garden now or they're enjoying more time with both parents.

I’m trying to use my days off from being a ccu nurse as downtime but it’s difficult as there is news about covid everywhere. I also
Am checking emails from
Work a few times a day as there are things I can help with from home. I am enjoying a daily walk with the dog though.

Nope. Not enjoying it. Not coping.

I don't notice much difference in daily life. I often work from home anyway and I'm an introvert. I've moved recently so no local friends. I SO don't miss the commute I have to make when I do go into work.

I do miss seeing my Mum (extremely vulnerable - if she gets this it will be the end) and my partner (stuck elsewhere).

Because I grew up with stories of 'the War(s)' this just seems oddly familiar.

I have lost my job, however things have taken a turn for DP job so his is looking safe again now! I'm really enjoying being at home with my son! its made me realise how much I have been missing out on! we are having a really lovely time together and I love that I don't have to clock watch and rush around! also that I won't have any unannounced visitors is amazing.

What day is official lockdown to in the UK?

It is until April 19 in Ireland. That is 3 more weeks and 3 days.

We will be 5 weeks lockdown total

I quite like the fact I’m being forced to relax, I’m usually constantly on the go wether it’s work, gym or running around after people. It’s a bit like a holiday but without the change of scenery 🤣

I’m less stressed as I don’t have the stress of work. Home schooling has been a bit hit and miss but who cares. We are spending more time together, getting things done around the house and garden, co9ing and eating together. It’s not all doom and gloom.

Things maybe a different story in a week or so though.

Officially must be about 12th April but we will be extended and extended. I’m predicting October at the absolutely earliest but I think even that is unlikely.

No, I dislike it intently. I work from home anyway, so my social life is important to me, and going out and doing things, I just feel like I’m locked up. I can’t go and do normal stuff, I can’t plan.

I think if working from home was new to me it would be different but it’s not, I’ve done it for about five years, and have learned the way to cope is having a social life, seeing friends, going out for dinner, seeing my daughter etc, and without that I find it difficult.

So no I don’t enjoy it at all.

I HATE it

@Stupidanduseless as a fellow book lover, your post really jumped out at me. No one should be deprived of books. I found this site which should be of some use to you. It has the free kindle books on there
uk.dailyfreebooks.com/free_ebooks/c/?&cs=40cd750bba9870f18aada2478b24840aeifjjiowf3nnr3r3&ck=eNpLtDKwqq4FAAZPAf4=

I hate it - so utterly depressing

I'm an introvert and usually very much enjoy cutting myself off from the world. What I'm struggling with in these circumstances is the lack of an end point. It's different in the school holidays because there is an end, plus when you go to work you appreciate the time spent recharging at the end of the day. Just feels a bit overwhelming at the moment and I'm finding it difficult to focus on the things I usually cram into my spare time

I think it is the horrible feeling of some one else having control over us

@Amymayapple Definitely that too

They are talking about six months of restrictions now - hope you will all be equally cheerful come September.

Pretty blue skies don’t pay the mortgage.