Monthly Archives: March 2020

03.30.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 5

Hi team,

We’ve made it through the first weekend. Some better than others I am sure.

Forgive this indulgence – It’s a record of my thoughts and observations (and possible a documented decent in madness) that I can look back on when I’m VERY old. I’m doing ok – but didn’t maintain my stepcount as I’d originally planned to. I’m back in to the work-week routine to compensate and catch up.

Of course, I have my walking outfit sorted. It’s a nod to perception and expectations of my fellow CBD-dwellers. Don’t judge!

This weekend, I spent A LOT of time on the couch. Netflix (Penn and Teller, Fool Us binge), finished the 8 Harry Potter movies. Watched Knives Out (I missed this in the theatre. Quite enjoyed it. I did struggle with Daniel Craig’s accent though!).

I loved catching up with my parents (via phone), my teenagers (via text), my close friends (via all manner of methods). This lockdown would be a lot tougher if we didn’t have the technology and infrastructure we have access to.

I spent waaaaay too much time wandering around the No Man’s Sky universe. It’s actually quite meditative and calming – well, that’s my justification for it. I cooked a roast chicken that will feed me for a few days. I made a Thai dry curry paste (to have in stock alongside my Thai green curry paste).

I really need to clean though. Being home all the time does encourage a degree of environmental neglect which actually makes things a little more mentally challenging. I’ve also bought some methylated spirits so I can do a decent surface cleanse, and also bought some oven cleaner. My oven has been annoying me since I moved in. It’s time.

I don’t see many people walking the streets still. The occasional homeless person still sits and waits. The interesting thing is that they’re wearing masks and their signs address Covid-19. So they’re certainly aware of the world around them. They must be doing it tough.

There’s also the occasional fight. The occasional time when the pressure-valve pops. I saw a couple last evening fighting on the footpath – well, by ‘fighting’ I mean I saw a woman beating the crap out of her male partner. Hair-pulling, face-punching. Screaming abuse. He just went to ground. Didn’t respond. Didn’t defend himself. Kept quiet. I don’t know what the outcome was.

And we have more than three weeks to go.

Be kind to each other. Wash your hands.

03.28.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 4

One incredibly fun aspect of this Isolation is time to binge.

In my workday it’s back-to-back music. In my office, under normal circumstances, listening to music is frowned upon. My office mate can’t handle it. So at home, I am indulging!

So far, I have listened to all Toto albums in chronological release order. I have listened to all Aerosmith albums in chronological order. Now thinking about what to explore next. Recommendations accepted. And expected. I do have some ideas (Prince, anyone), but I’d love yours. Also, Nine Inch Nails just dropped a couple of albums unexpectedly. Excellent.

Bingeing movie series is also fun. Star Wars done (RIP Carrie Fisher). Harry Potter is underway (RIP Alan Rickman). I might do The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings next. So many options!

Maintaining my routines in the day has been valuable. A regular break/walk every couple of hours to clear the head. Being in the CBD is surreal. It’s just amazingly quiet.

The queue to get. Into Countdown is quite bizarre, and the 2m distancing is very amusing. Shopping under these circumstances is fantastic. It’s like having the supermarket opened just for me. Like I’m a famous person. Who’s yet to contract COVID-19.

03.27.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 3

One of the more irritating things I’ve noticed so far, and it’s been going on for weeks, is the steady stream of media reporting about how ‘[famous person] has tested positive for Covid-19’.

Why do we need to know that [famous person] has tested positive? What purpose does it actually serve?

This reporting leads into a darker place too. It disturbs me when I see comments from people based on their perception of who [famous person] is. Tom Hanks is loved. Prince Charles less so.

But who the hell do we think we are, playing God? Making a call that some people are worth more than others? Making a judgement that someone doesn’t deserve to be infected whilst another is? Or worse, wishing the demise of the person less loved.

That’s just a bit shit and a little inhumane, in my opinion.

We need to be more empathetic. We are all under stress at the moment. Be kinder. It’s not hard.

03.26.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 2

And we’re off. The lockdown is in place. It is a bit surreal in the CBD today,. Very quiet.

Our company is operational through this event which helps (me, and those we support), so I will maintain my work routine. I will get up at the same time. I’ll make the bed. Start working at the same time. Go for walks at the same time.

I’m increasing people-contact by phone/video which is actually quite awesome. It’s also nice having my imaginary pocket friends in full conversational flight.

Our political leaders spoke of our ‘bubble’ of community that we will be living in for the next four weeks. Living by myself, I’m in a bubble of one so I will need to make the most of it, but also make sure I don’t go a bit peculiar. Well… more peculiar than I am anyway. The voices in my head will keep me company. If they say anything interesting I’ll be sure to let you know.

So to you all, take care. Be safe. And if you need to talk to someone I’m here.

03.24.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 1

So far, 2020 has really not turned out the way people thought it would. Whilst I had an excellent 2019, I know many did not and were really looking forward to a new broom being taken to the new year.

And then COVID-19 happened. Unbelievable.

We are living in historic times.

So, as soon as a Level 3 > Level 4 response was announced, my company acted. I was working from home within a couple of hours.

I do have an advantage that I’m quite used to living by myself and also I am quite used to being productive working in my own space, so the next four weeks should be ok.

My heart goes out to those impacted by all that is going on. I worry about those infected. I worry about the wellbeing of my octogenarian parents who are at risk. I worry about my friends who are in business and are hurting because everything has stopped.

But in the interests of reducing my own stress and making sure my resilience is holding, I will make some of my own fun when I’m not working.

I’m starting with an Isolation Beard. Think Castaway with a less attractive and somewhat fatter lead.
Food exploration. I am thinking about what is something I’ve not tried to create before.
I should have my stock of green coffee beans replenished today (phew) so my daily caffeine requirements will be sorted.
Books to read – I have plenty and I still have my goal of reading 100 this year.
I will make more phone calls. More video calls.
I will check in on more people. Well, I actually already do, but will make a more conscious effort to do so.

So, if you want or need to chat, I’m here. Let me know your digits and we’ll do it.