My whole plan to do a blog every day has kind gone out now the window recently. However this is my attempt to get myself back on track. I'm covering three in one and then I'll be back to doing this daily. Obviously my plan to show you around the delights of Texas and Louisiana is a bit scuppered by the latest developments - and no-one should be surprised that I'm maybe the only person who can come for a year to the USA and spend possibly 6 months of it quarantined or unable to go out properly. I don't want pity, but a quick look at the last couple of years doesn't show me to be the kind of person you'd bet on to get lucky on the toss of a coin.
This virus is taking its toll on the world already. I've no doubt we'll come out of it but the world may be changed beyond recognition. There will be some many businesses that go, so many habits that change and so many things we take for granted that might need re-assessing for the long term. I'm not going to lie, it is scary. And very lonely being so far away from those that I love. Watching from a distance is always the hardest thing, and not being able to be there for Katie when she needs me.
But you must try to look for slivers of light in any shadow, because they are always there. Perhaps this enforced change of pace might allow us to take more time for ourselves, more time to spend on less hectic and intense pursuits. There is also the possibility that it drives people farther into social isolation and more frequently (if possible) onto their devices. However I choose to believe that this will encourage people to find more ways of staying engaged with each other - for the sake of companionship rather than ease or laziness. And there are individual activities that we can do as well to keep ourselves entertained during this difficult time, some internal but also some external.
I've not included obvious stuff like Netflix binge or PS4 nights as I'm trying to expand my horizons, but I have put together Tom's 10 Point Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide of Coolish Things to Do. Or, to give it a better acronym, TTPZASGOCTTD:
1) Learn a language. I've been full steam ahead learning Spanish on Duolingo and it is a great way to pass the time and pick up a new skill. I'd recommend getting a verb book as well (I picked up this one from Amazon) because Duolingo isn't quite as structured as it could be. But I've picked up loads in the last few months and it has been relatively easy to do so with just 10-15 minutes each night.
2) Listen to a book. Those who know me know I'm a pretty avid reader. But now might be the time to jump on Audible and grab something different to keep you entertained. I listen to Audible at work, in the car, in then gym, whilst doing chores and it makes the time pass very nicely.
3) Yoga. I've just signed up for this (Day 1 is tomorrow) so I'll let you know how it goes. A good way to start the day if the gym is no longer an option. Plus if you twin it with a little work-out blast in the evening (see below) you'll be invigorating body morning and night.
4) Jigsaws/Puzzles. Another way to keep the mind active is jigsaws and puzzles. Everyone has one lying around the house somewhere, or if not you can get one delivered in by Amazon (amongst others) if you need to keep your social distance. I've been hammering through Nonograms most nights and they help to both keep the mind busy and also defrag from the busy work days.
5) Movie night. There are a whole host of movie projectors going on places like Amazon for less than $100. Grab one, WhatsApp Video (or FaceTime) your mates and you can recreate those cinema trips despite the current social isolation. And no-one is going to steal your popcorn either!
6) Correspondence Games. Not everyone's cup of tea but there are loads of websites where you can go find yourself a partner for a spot of chess (amongst other games). What used to be done by letter over a period of months can now be played almost instantly through the magic of the Internet. But try and find one with humans on the other end so you can keep the grey matter intact and interact at the same time.
7) Set yourself a physical challenge. There are millions out there. Literally. Go find one and use the time at home to work through it. I've got this one on the go at the moment. It's helping with my back pain and also trying to get my abs back to pre-2000 levels. Not eating out and having a beer in the bar at night also helps!
8) Bonsai! That's right. The Japanese art of cultivating mini-trees is perfect for those days and nights in. Mine is on the way. I'll keep you posted with how I get on but don't hold your breathe - I've never been particularly green fingered.
9) Plan a trip. It won't be like this forever. Plan a trip. Plan two trips. But be adventurous. Don't just pick a simple 2 weeks all-inclusive in Mexico. Go big. Travel Coast-to-Coast. Walk the Great Wall. Hike the Andes. Throw all your imagination into the biggest adventure you can think of. You might even get to do it if you save all your pennies.
10) Do something spontaneous. Go find your own and let me know in the comments.
Safe safe, love each other and remember what is important.
Till tomorrow, Tom
