The New Normal!

You'll be pleased to hear that the pity party is over and I'm feeling more upbeat today!

I still think the UK specific instructions are confusing. It was originally suggested that people in my category would be self-isolating for twelve weeks but now the advice is to be stringent about following the social distancing advice, which seems to suggest that you're not expected to stay indoors but just need to avoid situations with other people. I know that walking in open areas is fine for the majority but I am unsure of the specific advice for the over 70s and other vulnerable adults.

Anyway, I put my thinking cap on and, together with suggestions from some of you, have plenty of ideas for this abrupt lifestyle change. All of the clubs and associations I belong to have suspended all activities indefinitely so, with this in mind, I had a bit of a brainstorming session and have come up with the following list of ideas to keep myself occupied. I'll still try to stick to my normal routine, so chores will happen in the mornings, and I'm unlikely to get round to doing everything on the list, but it's good to have it in one place for future reference:

To replace the three key groups that are now suspended:

• I've found a mahjong app which follows the same rules I've been taught, so I can keep on playing,
• I have to complete the WPSH and then can set up a few mini photo projects for myself to replace the photography group,
• M, the director of the choir, emailed to say that she's setting up online singing activities for us. I don't know the exact details yet but that will replace the Monday evening choir sessions.

and to keep myself amused:

• I bought a selection of puzzle books to dip into as and when,
• I have some jigsaw puzzles in the cupboard,
• I can select a new piano piece or two to work on or can play any of my other instruments,
• Regular calligraphy/zentangle practice,
• I'm waiting for deliver of the wool to crochet a crocheted blanket,
• borrow eMagazines from the library, 
• I have plenty of books in the bookcase and on my Kindle,
• Watch a YouTube tutorial on using Lightroom (my photo editing software),
• virtual tours of museums and art galleries,
• Netflix, 
• Re-read the Harry Potter books or have a film fest, or both!!
• download concerts.

I have three bigger projects I can focus on as the decluttering is now on the back burner:

• the back garden, assuming I can order supplies online,
• continue research on the family tree,
• continue sorting and renaming my digital photo files

and I also need to review my 'When I'm Gone' folder. 

If I decide that it's okay to go out for walks, the National Trust has announced that they are allowing free access to all of their parks and gardens so that will provide safe photo opportunities if that's what I want.

In terms of self care, in particular my emotional well being, I can keep in touch with everyone via phone, text, Facebook, Skype, and of course the online blogging community. I've also decided to limit my exposure to the news reports. I will keep myself properly updated watching the Prime Minister's daily bulletin and by following the government website but will avoid the more sensational and often scaremongering newspaper articles. 

It all feels more doable today. We're all in the same boat and we're in it for the long haul and I'll do everything in my power to follow the government advice. As for tonight ... I'm off to the theatre! One of the London theatres has provided a free download of the Wind in the Willows musical, so I'm about to take my seat and lose myself in the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole.

See you tomorrow!