2 Months in...

It's Friday again, if you can believe it. I've just finished my final online music class of the week and I always feel a certain amount of relief, when I can take the headphones off and know that I'm done for the week.

It's been two months in lockdown and this week, as a slight break from the dullness of Quarantine Stories, I thought it would be fun to talk about those little highlights of your week, or things that you do to add excitement, to an otherwise shut-in existence. These are just a few of the things I've been doing to try and stay sane.

1. Fancy dress? It's an option. It certainly kept me and some of the children I teach entertained this week. I dressed as a ladybird for some of my Wednesday and Thursday classes, and most of the children dressed up too. What I do find hilarious is how seriously the children get into character. If you even attempt to call them by their own name, and not their character's, you get yourself some serious stink eye, tantrums and attitude. "My name is not ......, it's Gecko." I wouldn't have minded, but this kid wasn't even dressed up. It's a bit easier to keep track when you're wearing the costume, dude. Just saying. 
2. Have something to look forward to. It doesn't have to be something huge, I mean, how could it be, we're not allowed to leave the house, unless we have to, or unless we want to, but we shouldn't, but as long as we are being alert, then that invisible germ won't catch us. Hmmm. Anyhow, what I'm saying is, having something small to look forward to, whether it be a video chat with a friend, opening that nice wine you've been saving, or treating yourself to a new release film to rent, it can keep you going when things get tough, and can be really fun. Tonight, for instance, we will be getting all dressed up and having a cheese and wine night, as A decided to get a cheese delivery - as you do - and he's also just finished a huge assignment for his course, and this was his way of getting through the week. I may be limited in which dress I can wear, due to the lockdown diet, but we are going to treat it as an occasion and I may even wear some makeup. 
3. Find something to binge or re-watch. Finding a series that you can binge, can be a really therapeutic event - depending on what series you're watching, of course. And I'm sure Series 6 of Schitts Creek will soon be devoured. I'm finding I'm in the mood for re-watching stuff at the moment, and when else would you find the time? (I do realise lots of you have a fuller schedule than myself, but I hope you can find a little slice of time here and there to treat yourself to an episode of something you love or loved.) I have been revisiting some stuff I watched as a kid and teen, and it's lovely, looking back to a simpler time, a time without covid and social media, a time when all I had to worry about was school and practising the flute. I've been watching Round the Twist, Friday Night Lights and The OC. So there's a crazy family who live in a lighthouse, American high school football drama and flip phones and Oasis covers, in the sun of California. Yes!
4. Writing letters. Come on, let's admit it, we all love to receive post when it's not a bill or bank statement - although, really, you should have gone paperless by now. I had a nice letter from a close friend the other day, and it's just so nice, despite the fact that I can What's app, text, email or video call anytime, it's still wonderful to read what they've been doing and to know that this person took the time to write this for you. There's something inherently magical about receiving a letter, like you get this snapshot of a moment in time, forever logged and documented, and only for you. I have written to a few people over the lockdown and will definitely do some more, besides the fact that it means you get a walk to the postbox too. I mean, factor that in as one of your exciting things to look forward to. Whoop!
5. Laugh. I know the novelty - if there ever was one - has definitely worn off, but if you can find something every day to make you laugh, it will help. A funny video online, or a memory that you can share with a friend or loved one, something funny the kids did, or getting drunk and doing something silly. I freakin' love to laugh, despite being doom and gloom about 60% of the time, and I'm so lucky to have a partner who likes to laugh as well. We spend a lot of our time making each other laugh, though thankfully the giggle fits seem to have petered out. And if you find something funny, pass it on to a friend, share it with others: spread the laughter not the virus. 

I'd love to hear about your little sparks of excitement that keep you going through the weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds. Now, I'd better go and prepare for wine and cheese night.

Rants out.