What have you learned during lockdown? (Lighthearted and positive)

[Knocksomesense]

I've learned that money security isn't as important as I thought. (Weird one - we are financially screwed during CV but oddly I don't care).

I've learned that dishes in the sink aren't a problem but crumbs on my floors are.

I've learned that I don't need to do stuff with my boys.

I've learned that there is joy in being present in the moment.

I've realised just how important my mum is.

I've learned that it really doesn't matter if the kids interrupt my morning bath.

I've learned that if I don't martyr myself to the housework, my husband will do it. Ie. If I empty the dishwasher and leave the rest, he will at some point stack it.

I've learned that my youngsters do get bored of screen time.

I've learned which of my friends are the most precious to me and how few friends I need.

I've learned that if I leave my husband to it, he will come to me in his own time. This is nice because I have historically felt last on his list. But I know he WILL come without pushing.

I've learned that it really is a disaster when my kettle breaks.

I've learned that I really do drink A LOT of coffee to survive two preschoolers.

I've learned that despite the financial fuck that we are in, I really am very lucky and very privileged.

I've learned that foundation and bras are overrated.

That I can play stuff on guitar that I thought I couldn't, I just have to practice.

That drinking in my home made kitchen bar is cheaper and altogether nicer than spending £8+ on a cocktail 'out'. Plus the music is better, the toilets are cleaner and there are no drunken arses at the bar.

That I love having DH around all day every day (not sarcasm).

That looking at images of empty roads on live CCTV traffic cameras is addictive and two hours can easily disappear while I do so.

I have learned that I actually enjoy not eating takeaway and that dieting is a doddle when you have to cook for yourself all the time.

I have learned that I’ve been wasting too much money and am enjoying the surplus in my bank account when the next pay day arrives.

I’ve learned that I don’t need people so much and appreciate peace and quiet.

That feeling connected it important to me

That birdsong is my favourite sound

That doing nothing is also valuable

That my kids are nocturnal if left to their own devices

How lovely my neighbours are

That magpies bully jackdaws but can’t bully pigeons

Same as @howdidwegetheremary I have realised how much money I am wasting and have seen how much a pound here or there (every day) can add up to over the month.

Also yes to drinking way too much coffee to get through the day and the thought of a broken kettle... well maybe I should buy a new kettle for just incase

That the skies are so clear and I love hearing birds sing.

That drinking in my home made kitchen bar is cheaper and altogether nicer than spending £8+ on a cocktail 'out'. Plus the music is better, the toilets are cleaner and there are no drunken arses at the bar.

^ this.

How little we really need and how wonderful time as our little family is.

I've learned that you can freeze mushrooms if you saute them first.

And, yes, how lovely my neighbours are.

I've realised that it is not a lack of time at home that makes it difficult for me to clean my bathroom. I just don't want to do it.

I'm waiting for my kettle.to arrive and it's just been so painful!!

These are lovely lessons.

That I can cope quite well without having a Costa coffee everyday.

That we really don’t need to pop into town every weekend, wasted far too much money.

I’ve learned that I can take a bit of time away from my twin toddlers to have a bit of ‘me’ time and not feel guilty.

I’ve also learned to get out of the habit of pre-empting my DH when it comes to what our DC need or what needs doing around the house, I would always instruct him rather than just let him decide what to do and when (didn’t realise I was doing it half the time!) since he’s been working from home, I’ve noticed he really doesn’t need me too! But happy to note he never once reacted badly to me doing it.

I’ve also finally learned to stop worrying about my twins in terms of how much they eat, how much they’re learning from what we do etc and just enjoy being with them

I’ve learnt that, away from school, 14yo ds is actually quite a nice person and I’m enjoying having him at home, less stressed and grumpy.

We can easily manage week to week with just one shop. I don’t need to nip to the shop most days if I just plan a bit better.

That I’m actually quite unsociable. I find going on nights out etc quite stressful and I’m actually not missing it at all.

That I love not having to stop and make small talk

I have realised how much I love a good walk. I'm really, really enjoying my daily walk, even though it's not very far, but it takes me into the woodland near my house and I just love it. I've seen lots of squirrels, and even a deer one day, and I'm learning about wildlife. I actually prefer it when dh and dcs don't want to come, but I can't say that to them because I'm trying to encourage them to leave the house as well.

I've also realised how much I love doing craft. I always knew I enjoyed it, but never really have the time/an usually so tired I just flop on front of the TV or play games on my phone. Since lockdown I've made a cushion, done a couple of cross stitch kits (small ones obviously), crocheted quite a lot of a blanket, and done 2 diamond art pictures. It's so relaxing, especially while listening to an audiobook or watching some TV. If like to keep it up even when things go back to "normal"

That I can cope as a Co parent and spend extended time alone.

That my children are resilient.

That I love cycling and getting back into exercise.

That I live in a gorgeous part of the world now.

That my cat is a lot happier when i'm WFH.

That I enjoy walking and there are lots of nice walks in my area. There are lots of horses and sheep.

That I don't enjoy watching tv, even when I have a lot of spare time.

That it's really relaxing to be creative. I have been knitting and painting.

DH and I are approaching retirement and although he is fully retired and I only work 2.5 days a week I have been dreading 24/7 with him. Well my biggest surprise has been how well we have got on during the last 8weeks.
I have been back at work this week and it has been a relief but DH and I have had so few arguments. We had been looking forward to a summer of days out to local visitor spots this summer while DH was at school but will have to do that next year by the looks of it.
DS is yr10 so a bit of a worry but school have had excellent online live teaching approach that has encouraged independent learning, a skill he is developing well.
Housework is not my thing and never will be.
I had decided to lose weight this year and started off well. I was worried that lockdown would mean boredom snacking but I have managed to continue to lose weight. I have successfully maintained healthy eating habits.