The View From Here – Forgetting How To “People”, Living Off The Land And Summer Clothes Make Me Cry

I’m worried.

I’m worried that I’m going to get used to NOT being around people.  I’m a shy person.  Always have been.  I’ve had to fight to not be so shy – especially working in radio, where you’re not only talking to people, but sometimes have to be in FRONT of people.  It’s taken a long time to break that habit.

It’s really easy to stay home for us shy folks.  It’s easy to avoid people and easy to say no to going out.  Now we have to, but I think it’s going to be hard to go back to being around people and not being that shy girl.

I’m getting used to working at home and the quiet of home.  I’m enjoying the relaxed pace, and the casual dress code.   I love that I can get dinner started in between songs.  I love that I get time with my kids.  I can make them a sandwich and check in on them.

I’m worried that in not being around other people, I’m paying more attention to things like houseplants.

I even discovered how to grow celery and romaine lettuce from scraps.  Who knew?

So far it’s working.  Chop off the bottoms, stick in an inch or so of water and wait. You will see new shoots come up the middle, and roots at the bottom.  Now that the weather has warmed up, I’ve transferred them to the garden.  Fingers crossed they grow.  I’m turning into my mother.  Talking to the plants.  Sweet talking them.  Hoping they grow.   More like pleading with them.  “Please live.  Please don’t die.”  Currently taking names for the celery and romaine.  Chris?  Roger?  Yep.  That’s the point of quarantine life that I have reached.  Have nothing else to do?  Read the 40 Funny Tweets that sum up quarantine life.

I’m honestly not sure what I’m doing with all this extra time at home.  My house does NOT seem any cleaner.  I don’t feel any more organized.  My books are still sitting on the shelf waiting to be read.

I talk about characters on Netflix shows like they are friends and family.   I’m worried.  (smile).

I dared to search out my summer clothes this morning.  Not my favourite thing.   Winter hibernation always sees a few extra pounds accumulated.  Throw in the “quarantine 15” and it’s a moment of dread and fear – the thought of trying to put on those summer shorts, or sundress.  Don’t make me do it.  Then I’ll cry.  And go eat whatever is in the kitchen to make me feel better.  And the vicious cycle repeats itself.

Trying hard to stick to a good routine while working from home.  Not easy.  It’s distracting.  The sound of Fortnite

downstairs.  Youtube videos.  Listening in on classroom chats.  Shout out to Mrs. Core (Sir John Moore Community School) for being so awesome with your grade eight class.  For reaching out as more than a teacher. For challenging our kids to not only stay on track with home learning, but to do things to take care of their mental health.  You are making such a difference to my daughter, and I am positive, every other student in your class.  My daughter looks forward to your video chats, seeing your smiling face, and hearing from you.  Thank you.

An article on CTV news says we’ve reached a point of “isolation fatigue”.  We’re tired of following the rules, and social distancing.  We miss people.  We want life to go back to normal.  That’s why we’re seeing parks crowded and people seeming to “break the rules”.  Have you reached that point?  Do you think it’s time to just go out and see what happens?  Not me.  I think I”ll stay at home as long as necessary with my family, and my “Schitt’s Creek Family”.   Actually, growing attached to the cast now from Sweet Magnolias.

I know we are all eager to go back to “normal” but I’m starting to really enjoy life at home. Anybody else?

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan