Week 1 - 22.03.20: Self Isolation

So it’s one week into Self Isolation, can you believe it? What a year 2020 is turning out to be. It’s taken me a while to come to terms with what’s going on. It just feels like I’m in a movie or something, anyone else feeling the same? I mean let’s take a moment to think about what’s happened already this year… The Australian Bush Fires, Taal Volcano Eruption, Kobe Bryant helicopter crash, Storm Ciara & Dennis causing large floods across the UK and now, a deadly virus spreading across the world and causing a global Pandemic. That brings us up to date, and yes…it’s only March.

I thought it would be a good idea to start documenting my weeks in isolation. I mean I'm going to be spending a lot of time at home and trying to find things to do so why not write about it? Even if nobody reads it, it'll be good for me to have as a sort of diary, as this is definitely something we are going to be talking about in years to come.

Both myself and husband are lucky enough to have jobs that allow us to continue our work from home and we have been doing so for a week now. To be fair, it hasn’t been as bad as I first thought it would, but we are only a week in and I have read that 88 couples have divorced in China from self isolation #slightlyconcerning. We will be trying to avoid that as much as we can!

All jokes aside we have put a couple of things in place. They’re only little things but I have found that they help;

1. We both get showered and dressed daily so it feels like we still have a bit of routine, although I have to admit, I’m taking a break from putting makeup on…I think it’s a great time to cleanse and let my skin breathe.

2. We make each other teas and coffees when taking a little break.

3. The hubby has set up his own dedicated work area in the house, as he prefers to work from one place.

4. I use different areas of the house to work as I prefer to move around and be a bit more mobile. While we have some sunny weather I recommend setting up in the garden if you are able to. That’s where I have been sat all week, working and tanning at the same time (well burning when it comes to my lovely fair skin), but it’s good to get some vitamin D.

We are trying to spend our mornings together for breakfast and we’ve had lunch together every day, which never happens, and it’s been lovely.

I think it’s really important to be taking advantage of this time we’ve been given to spend with loved ones where we can. When will you ever get another chance to have this much quality time with your husband, your family, your children, your pets… It’s definitely something that I’ve taken for granted in the past.

Being at home does come with it's perks...anyone else's fur babies loving life at the moment? Our dog Frank has no idea what’s been going on this week, but he’s been completely in his element having both of us home all day, every day. I love getting to spend my days with him around, his tail is constantly wagging and he’s just super duper happy. It’s one of my drivers to staying positive during this scary and uncertain time.

His little legs has never had so much exercise. Being home, the Hubs and I have been taking him out daily, on longer walks than usual, sometimes twice a day. One so that he gets some exercise, but two, for us to get out of the house and get some fresh air (over 2 meters away from anyone of course).

Now did anyone else have plans for the weekend? I bet most of you. I actually had a bottomless brunch planned with my girls from school. It’s been in the diary for months and months, so was pretty gutted when we had to cancel. I thought to myself, if I can’t make it to my brunch, why not have my own? I know the girls wouldn’t be there but I decided to have one for me and the hubby. We had so much Prosecco left over from 30th birthdays and the wedding so why not use it? I made some fresh brownies, sandwiches, scones and added some additional nibbles. It was more like an alcoholic afternoon tea to be honest, but so much fun. We played some card games, got involved in a virtual quiz, drank lots of Prosecco and watched our wedding band on a Facebook live.

Just on that quickly … who is loving social media at the moment? I’ll be honest at the start of the year I found social media a very negative place to be, but being in isolation I’ve definitely seen a change. As our real world has been getting scarier, the internet has started to get a bit nicer. I am loving how so many people are coming together as a virtual community. Celebs hosting live workouts, live gigs, readings…the list goes on. I just feel like, well mainly Instagram and TikTiok at the moment, are becoming such positive places, I love it! #Positivevibes. TikTok has become a good friend of mine during this time as I’m sure it has for many of you. I feel a little old to be putting my videos on there so I decided to create an account for Frank…sad I know, but it does entertain me when boredom hits.

Anyway, I've digressed...back to the brunch. Since recreating it at home, I’ve decided to recreate other usual outings, date nights etc and try and make isolation fun. I’ve got a few things up my sleeve already… garden festival for two, gameshow nights, quiz nights, cinema evening. I’m actually quite excited. Why not give it a go? Plus host a games night with your friends or family, stay connected. The technology we have these days is awesome and allows us to still be able to see and talk to our loved ones whenever we want, I know it’s not quite the same but it is a close second best and I think it’s just amazing.

I know it’s a scary time at the moment and it’s very hard to be separated from friends and family. I miss a hug from my parents, or a chat over a coffee with my nan, outings with my friends, but try and stay positive and think… the quicker we all listen and stop going out the quicker it will be getting back to normal.

Anyways let’s see what week two in self isolation has to offer.

I'm taking a bit of me time this evening. The facemask is on, the bath is ready and I've got my cuppa and an episode of liar! #selfcare

Sending happy thoughts and positive vibes <3

Josie

XoXoX