I usually only post once a week but things are changing daily and Covid-19 has affected my life in so many ways. So I decided to write The Coronavirus Diaries – Part 2. You can read part 1 here.
I felt lost and confused a few days ago and that feeling has continued in to this week. The Prime Minister has rightly announced further measures and even though it’s for our own safety, it’s been difficult.
I’ve been working from home this week and that’s mighty difficult, with Sukh and the kids being at home too. My house is generous enough to allow space between us but we still keep finding ourselves under each other’s feet.
HOME LEARNING
Shalini and Shivam have begun their home learning journey and they’re doing well so far. It gets frustrating when Shivam constantly calls from the other room because he needs something setting up or he doesn’t understand a question. The school has been great and are posting plenty of activities and lessons online to keep him busy.
A friend of mine posted a reminder on Instagram, that this should be seen as home learning and not homeschooling. The school has said the same thing; to ensure the kids learn but not to enforce strict rules, as they don’t expect a completed book when they return.
I created a timetable for both kids though, because while they’re busy with their work, I can do my job.
THIS IS NOT A HOLIDAY
As much as we’re trying to stay optimistic, it’s difficult. We are not on holiday because if we were, we would be making the most of this gorgeous weather and going to picnics or on days out. We would be visiting family and friends and making plans to enjoy the sunshine together.
None of that is possible right now and we all understand why. It doesn’t make it any easier though. I went out for a long walk with Shalini yesterday. Thankfully we have a park down the road, so we completed a whole circuit at a brisk pace.
Shivam and I also tackled Jo Wicks’ online PE session to get some exercise in. And because the weather is so good, he’s able to go outside to kick around a football or play a little cricket.
SUPERMARKET SAFETY
I went to do a fruit and veg shop at Asda yesterday and was so pleased to see they had a queuing system. There were around 20 people in the store at any one time and people were also respectful of the social distancing guidelines, with everyone standing a few feet apart. I thanked the staff member at the door, who was calling one customer in as one left.
She was grateful for my feedback and said it had been working well all day. I totally understand that just because supermarkets must remain open, it doesn’t mean we gather there in large numbers. After all, the staff are exposed to so many different people in one day. They also need to protect themselves, as well as their customers.
WHAT IS NORMAL?
We’re trying to keep busy and live life normally. But nothing is normal. You only have to check your social media platforms or switch on the news to be reminded of that. It’s easy to fall down a social media rabbit hole of depression but it’s also important to stay in touch with family and friends. Not only that but I’m getting so many ideas from other people on how they’re spending their time.
I’m enjoying watching people cooking up treats in their kitchen, I like seeing how people are staying active and keeping their kids entertained. To be honest, Tik Tok is my saviour right now. I love watching people’s comedy videos and creating some of my own too. It’s a way to kill time and do something fun when I clock off at 4pm every day.
A KIND OF DEPRESSION
Sometimes a few minutes goes by, at others an hour might even pass before I remember what we’re all going through right now. I try to stay as positive as I can and keeping busy helps me achieve that, to some degree. But when I have a few moments to myself, I find my mind drifting again.
When I watch the news and see the death toll rising, I feel sick knowing that so many lives are being lost daily. There are people stranded all over the world because flights home have been cancelled. So many countries are on lockdown. Seeing and hearing all of this constantly leaves me with a heavy heart and I know that’s how you’re all feeling too.
I can’t believe I haven’t seen my in-laws for over a week now. I’m not allowed to go and see them of course, and even though I totally understand why, they must be going out of their minds with boredom. We’re in touch but it’s not the same.
My parents will be in India until April at least and with the country being locked down for the next 3 weeks, I know they will also struggle to cope.
My friends and I are messaging every day but it’s not the same as seeing their faces.
STAYING ACTIVE
As I sit here writing this, the sun is shining brightly outside. The sky is cloudless and I’m itching to be outside. I can’t wait to get out in to the fresh air for a run.
I’m usually out for no more than an hour in the day because we still all need to be careful. Whatever you’re doing, make sure you get out for some exercise. It helps to clear the mind and staying active is important. But always stay close to home and maintain the social distancing rule. This is not a long holiday. It’s your job to keep yourself and others around you safe and healthy.
I’ll be back soon with my next post in The Coronavirus Diaries.
WHILE I’VE GOT YOU…
If you’re at a loose end and want to watch something, why not check out the trailer of Sukh’s Rickshaw Run in December 2019. 90 people took on the adventure of a lifetime in a journey across India. You can read more about it here too.
It’s strange – only a short while ago he was doing so many things we aren’t able to right now – travelling abroad and cross-country, mixing with people, attending large gatherings. In a matter of months, the world has completely changed.
Finally, I’m just posting a picture here of Shalini and I on the beach in the Dominican Republic in 2018. Reminding myself of a happier time helps to lift my spirits.
It’s certainly strange times isn’t it?! We are kind of settling into our routine at home. We are all shielding due to Craig being a heart transplant recipient so even going for shopping is out of the question. I am loving the quality time this has given us though.
Sending big hugs to you and your family. Stay safe! x #MMBC
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Sending big hugs back to you all. Yes you have to be careful around Craig. I know it’s hard with not being able to go out shopping and online shopping is difficult too right now but at least you’re putting your health first. Stay safe x
I hope you and your family are keeping well. It is such a worrying time. It is hard not to think of it as a holiday but my girls are working hard with their school and college work. x
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It’s good that they’re keeping busy. It’s a horrible time for everyone right now. Stay safe x
These times are definitely testing, stay safe #dreamteam@_karendennis
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I hope you and your loved ones stay safe too x
It’s so difficult staying at home where the whole family are in one place getting under each others feet. We also have a bit of a schedule going. #MMBC
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I think I would be lost without my schedule – although now it’s the Easter holidays, I’ve relaxed the rules a little. Stay safe x
tough times for sure. I think that we are all struggling more than we let on and its OK to say so. Wishing you and yours the best #thatfridaylinky
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Yes it’s difficult for everyone right now. The world is a strange place right now. Stay safe x
I haven’t left the house in 2 weeks as my asthma has been bad. The longer I leave it, the more I’m worried about it. Our neightbour was taken away by paramedics in hazmats suits in the week. Feels very scary right now. Hope you are all staying safe.
Please update your #DreamTeamLinky badge
Author
Oh my gosh, Laura. That sounds really scary. I hope you’re OK. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay safe and healthy x
The weather is getting much nicer where I live in Canada and it is hard to not want to take the kids to the park. We live close to a wooded area with walking trails so we try to make the most of nature walks.
#KCACOLS
Author
The weather is so much nicer here this week in the UK too. We have a park and walking trail a minute from my house, so we try to get out for a bit of exercise too. Stay safe x
I hope you’re continuing to stay positive Rosie, it is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions at times. I totally understand that. It’s down to all of us to put a stop to this awful virus and I fully believe that we will get there. It’s just really hard at times unfortunately. Stay strong x #globalblogging
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Right back atchya, Tracey. We have to look for the positives where we can. Hopefully we will soon be back to normal. Stay safe x
Thankfully the weather here has been good and I’ve been getting out in the garden every day. Sounds like you have a good balance of work for yourself and school for the kids, you’re quite right not to try to recreate a school environment at home, stay well. Thanks for linking up with #pocolo and hope to see you back in 2 weeks after the Easter break
Author
Thank you – the weather had been better this week so a bit of fresh air helps. See you soon. Stay safe x
I feel like I could have written this, lots of the same feelings and considerations. I am trying to make everything a new normal, working and watching the sun out of the window. Teaching the children from home, trying to stay grounded, its a lot. I am hoping it will also bring positive changes. Take care #KCACOLS
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Thanks Jade. I do hope it brings about a positive change in everyone. We have to look for the silver linings. Stay safe x
These are crazy times and glad to see you are finding ways to muddle through. Hopefully it will not be too long until we can all have our lives back now. Thanks for linking up with #KCACOLS
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Thanks Steve. I hope it’s not too long away. I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy x
We are all muddling through, so be assured that you are doing brilliantly. Such a strange time we are living in #KCACOLS
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Thanks Jo. Stay safe x
The news is both fascinating and terrifying. I still haven’t left the house since the schools shut but I’ve seen from local FB groups that there are people not respecting the guidelines and endangering us all. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
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I have seen so many people breaking the rules. It’s so upsetting and infuriating that they would risk the lives of others by being so selfish. Stay safe x
It is a very strange time isn’t it? Sounds like you are settling into routine. Home learning is very different, I know. I homeschool my son so for us it wasn’t so much of a shock, but the whole lockdown thing is certainly harder to get used to. Thanks for linking up to #stayclassymama
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We have a decent enough routine going, but it won’t ever be normal, will it? Stay safe x