The Final Furlong

savingholmes

Hi Dottles - glad you have people making sure you have what you need. Hope the rest is doing you good and your windows with a clear head increase.

Dottles1

Thanks Savingholmes, I just wish my body would catch up with my head  
Feeling a bit sad today, not sure why, probably just an amalgamation of everything going on and not feeling well.  I just wish the media would show some of the positive things and the kindness that is going on instead of focusing on the crazy and the selfish.  I'm planning to have an early night tonight so that might help.
On a more positive note, I haven't spent a penny since my grocery shop on Saturday and shouldn't need to until the weekend.
Work is preparing for teaching online as it's not if but when we need to, and this is causing a lot of stress among staff.  I'm sure it will settle down but I think not knowing puts people on edge. I have been marking and planning while I'm off because I don't want t.o go back and not be prepared for what may come.
I heard today that our local food bank relies heavily on older people to staff it and with the new measures many won't be able to volunteer so I think I will go along and see if I can help in any way.  It opens on one of my non working days so it won't affect my employed work.
I really feel for those who have to isolate themselves long term as I know how much I've relied on those who have rang and face timed me while I've been off and it has only been 5 days.  I hope that people won't forget about their older neighbours and family.
I'm going to sign off now and promise to be a bit more cheerful tomorrow
Dottles x

savingholmes

I think that's why diaries like this are important and help people feel connected. Glad you have what you need. 

Dottles1

HI all
I'm back and in a much better mood.  I have felt anxious most of the day but have been working all day (9.45 to 9.30) and have had 2 online meetings and now feel much better. I've realised how much I need structure and contact with others.  All my work, both private and employed, is to do with talking to people and so I'm happy to spend time in my own company and sometimes look forward to a solo weekend in the garden or with a book.  However, when it is enforced it is not so good.
You are right Savingholmes, these diaries do help to feel connected and less alone.  Today was a long day due to preparing for working online for the next couple of weeks.  We have been told it will be until April 20th but I can't see us being back then somehow.  Students are anxious, especially those approaching their exams and I've bee replying to frantic emails all day.  They want answers that I can't give them just yet - this must be how Boris feels (but in a much smaller way of course).
I feel like my old positive self is back and I like her much more than the anxious one who has been in my house the past few days.  Each New Year I decide on a mantra for the year and this year it was "it is what it is and we'll deal with it".  I didn't realise how apt it would be.
I've made a few calls to older or vulnerable friends around the country to check in and have agreed frequent calls/ face time/skype until this is over as 12 weeks is going to seem like a long time.
I feel fortunate that my family and friends are all well and healthy.
Keep yourselves safe my friends
Dottles x

Chrystal

Glad you're feeling more positive Dottles, and think your Mantra should be the National one!
I also think that barring a miracle that it's going to take quite a long time to get back to anything approaching normal, but I'm hoping that maybe, just maybe, it will give humanity the big kick up the backside that it's so in need of.... we can but hope.Xx

beanielou

Have a good day 😊

Dottles1

I absolutely agree Chrystal, we just have to look at the acts of kindness and selflessness that are quietly going on in our communities.  If the media focused on these rather than the panic buying, people might feel less anxious and more hopeful.  We can all do something to help each other no matter how small.  Just making a phone call to check on someone can make a big difference.  Hopefully being forced to slow down and consider each other will bring about a new and kinder way of living  together.  My fingers are firmly crossed
I will be working 3 days a week from home and am currently planning new ways to teach online to keep it interesting.  Other than that I will be writing a list of jobs that I've been meaning to get round to but never have, I have a pile of books still to read, films to watch and hope to get a start in the garden if the weather allows.  That should keep me going for a while if/when we go into lock down.
What plans are you all making ?  Perhaps we could share ideas.
Stay safe everyone
Dottles x

Dottles1

I gave myself some time off from work yesterday, even though it's not my working day we had to pull together as a team to get things ready for going online next week.  One good thing that has come out of it is that our small department team have been having daily online catch up meetings which have really helped.  I didn't realise how much we each get from those passing moments where you can ask a question or pass on information.
I've limited how much I watch the news and concentrating on Boris' dailies and have stopped the worst of the social media sites (you know the ones that should be called "we are all doomed") and feel much better for doing so.
I went shopping, had my hair cut and walked Tilly yesterday, it was sooo good to get out and feel independent again.  Tilly let the whole of the village know she was out by barking for the first stage of our walk and must have sniffed every blade of grass we passed.  Anyway I bought her a new toy for being so good during our isolation period.  As for my grocery shopping trip, it was much better than I had expected (via the we are doomed site) as, though the stocks were clearly lower than expected I could get most things I needed and even saw evidence of toilet rolls (I didn't need any).  I am making a concerted effort to use smaller, local shops at this time as they need the custom more that the large supermarkets.
Plans for this weekend are:
Meal plan with what I have and what I've bought
Make a structured plan for working from home
Do some housework
A nice long walk with Tilly
Ring British Airways to see if GD1 can fly home with her assistance dog if her summer internship is cancelled
Make a start and a plan for the garden
Read my book
That should keep me busy for a while
i hope you are all keeping well, remember this is temporary
Dottles x

beanielou

Take care 

savingholmes

Glad you are keeping well. I like that you are trying to make lessons interesting and have found a way to increase social connection without putting yourself in danger. I am so glad we have pets - they offer real companionship at a time like this.