What's changed?

 

I can hardly believe that it's almost 5 years since the first COVID lock down. It was a bit exciting at first until people started to get really sick, and thousands died. The stress for everyone was real, though definitely harder for some than others. The sun shone and I have a lovely garden. I didn't have a job (I resigned the day we were sent home early - and just a couple of days before furlough was introduced! D'oh) and found things ok. Meeting up for coffee with neighbours in the garden, when allowed, even on freezing cold winter days. Queueing to get into supermarkets was mental, and those supermarkets running out of food and loo roll was surreal. Trying to get hold of flour was impossible. Apparently everyone was making banana bread (yuk). 

We (the human race) are resilient. Changes were made to allow us to adapt. And some of those changes didn't change back. Working from home became a way that meant we could return to work in a safe way. Mark still WFH and we both love it! So much better than driving to Aberdeen for 12 hour shifts. Zoom was suddenly a way to hold family quiz nights lol, and hold remote meetings which is still really popular for workers. I used to occasionally get the odd pint of milk for Gill and Alan next door. And they'd get eggs for me. We didn't bother swapping money quid pro quo. But when they sheltered in lockdown I'd get there groceries when they couldn't get a delivery. I also got my mates shopping and sometimes my in laws shopping. Buying for 4 households was chaotic but I was a professional (I've always loved grocery shopping) but I needed a calculator to get through the huge receipt to tot up what everyone owed. I still frequently get bits for others and it's just habit to tot it all up by the penny. Funny isn't it how habits form. The worst thing, in my humble opinion, is trying to get to see the doctor! Video or telephone consultations are still normal and I don't really approve, but hey ho. COVID left such a legacy but most of us got through the difficulties. I hope we never have to experience it like that again! 

This weekend picture - a work friend took it at the 80's bingo. I think I look so happy, I love it. The joy!I was going to chat about joy but I've written so much about COVID I think I'll keep it until next week. 

Thank you for reading my waffling. Have a great weekend. Isaac and I are off to Newcastle to see my mum, dad, sister and friends (not necessarily in that order). A flying visit but the nights are lighter so the driving window is bigger which is good when we only have a couple of days. I asked Isaac if he'd like to drive but I got 'No thank you!' lol. So that'll be me driving then, as usual. 

You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you, if you realised how seldom they do.