Dear Diary, a day to day look at self isolation

[quirkywords]

Hi

I have gone into self isolation . I will be alone and not seeing any friends or family.

I know we have other threads, but I would really like people to share their day to day thoughts and activities:

the highlights

the fun things

the frustrations

he things you can change

I think each day it would be good to share On thing that surprised me to day.

I would like you to share your ideas because it will help us all work out how.

So here is my first entry bit will be back later.

Dear Diary,

Day 1

I am not sure whether I am excited or a bit unsure.

I know I will need to distract myself and hide the chocolate biscuits.!!

I have a list of what I want to do but I think it is too ambitious.

One thing that surprised me was how much noise I like to have when alone. This may change.

Quirky

[PhoebeWings]

Hi Birdy,

You were so sweet to me on Pepper’s 30 second thread - just wanted to say I hope this lost feeling doesn’t last too long for you.

Doesn't it seem that our lives have all been dealt a shock in some way or the other? Oh boy.

Thank goodness for the little moments we look for, the little life saving moments of joy in our natural world... you know?

Just wanted to send a kindly thought to you and a little hug, if I may.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Quirky & all,

Mary & Quirky: Thank you for taking the time to write to me 🙂 I appreciate your kindness & desire to help me.

Sorry, I wasn’t very clear. I realise that was my own fault. I didn’t mean a literal manual, but I can definitely see why it was interpreted as such.

Sorry, it was a (poorly worded) figure of speech. I just meant that I wish there was more general guidance & help in a broad sense, not necessarily a manual.

I‘ve seen a lot online about routines, regular exercise, using technology to keep in touch, distractions, activities, etc. I completely agree that all helps and it’s important to maintain, but at the same time, I also don’t think that’s everything.

For example, I don’t think there’s much available about how to deal with the psychological fallout. I haven’t found much online about how to deal with our own minds, in & of itself, during the pandemic.

Also, I don’t think there’s much available online for workers who handle positive cases in some capacity; I think that can be its own kind of stress.

I, for example, don’t always know how to do my job sometimes anymore. I know as restrictions are lifted, things will only get more intense at work.

But it is what it is...and it’s no one’s fault either. Just how things are right now.

Everyone is figuring it out as we go along...

Thanks again for making time for me and chatting. You are both appreciated 🙂

Beautiful birdy: I would like to join lovely Phoebe in giving you a hug.

I know you’re hurting & struggling, & I know words sometimes have limited power, but just know many of us here care deeply about you.

You matter very much xoxox

[quirkywords]

Dear diary,

I can feel the anger and frustration of people keen to get their routines back.

plans I cant plan ahead as my plans always get changed so one day at a time.

[quirkywords]

Just thought I would sya hello and see how people are coping with the changes.

wnet on my first train in 3 months, well first public transport in that time. I was so excited I almost forgot to ap on!!

I had to sit on a green stickered seat but a woman did not observe that.

I simple trip on train seemed so exciting.

I think when we have not done something for a while the ordinary seems so special.

I wonder what you have enjoyed recently which you have not done for months?

Quirky

[Elizabeth CP]

Yesterday visited my brother for the first time in months. A couple of times during lockdown he came here so we could go for a walk but kept our distance but haven't been to his house . It was nice to relax and catch up with him & his wife. He put on a couple of funny videos he thought I'd like. One was a British comedian really mocking the British. I am English so I found it very funny. Today I feel guilty because I haven't done much. got up late. Rang my daughter to see if we could get together but her youngest is sick so unsafe for us to visit. Should go for a walk but waiting to see if my husband is able to go. He had a nasty coughing episode. I thought he was going to need hospital but eventually stopped & took medication to help him breath which worked so I think he is OK. I still worry about taking him to hospital because of the risk of them thinking he might have Covid rather than dealing with the real issue.

Quirky your train trip reminded me of our trip into the city by train recently for an appointment in a city hospital. It felt strange trying to do the right thing but not being clear because everything is so different. The hospital visit was also strange. I had to keep close watch on my husband as he can't see the signs so was trying to walk in the wrong way because now there is entrance & exit at the doors & temperature tests. I needed special permission to go in as they only let in the patient but because of his blindness I needed to guide him. It was nice that staff went out of their way to accommodate us & make us feel comfortable with the changed circumstances. We had thought the procedure would be cancelled but the lifting of restrictions allowed it to go ahead.

[quirkywords]

Elizabeth

thanks for sharing how you have spent your time.

You dont need to feel guilty as you have so much to do each day.

whathave others been doing,?

[quirkywords]

Hi everyone

just thought people maybe interested in doing a dear diary post highlighting the things that are good and working and the things that you want to change, or write how you feel.

dear diary,

I am worried about the people in Victoria,,

I find volunteering in a op shop helps me.

i find uncertainty hard,

[Elizabeth CP]

I am worried about our situation in Victoria. I hope the authorities can stop people breaking the rules & spreading the virus to other areas in Victoria & interstate.

I worry particularly about reports of increased numbers of people in hospital & hospital workers & aged care care facilities being impacted. I feel for people who have treatment delayed for any health issue due to staff being infected at hospitals. I am also concerned about people in aged care & their families in Victoria where they are unable to see loved ones because of the risk.

I wonder when it will end if ever.

I spoke to me sister today. It was nice to speak to her but I worry I may not see her again because she lives overseas.

[quirkywords]

Elizabeth,
How is everyone coping..
Has anyone started a hobby or a project and given up.

i noticed at the op shop many sketch books coming in hRdlt used, colouring books and lots of sewing and craft items.

[Elizabeth CP]

This 2nd wave in Victoria is far worse than the first. the first seemed to be controlled fairly quickly & people tried to do the right thing to get through it quicker. this time seems never ending with more & more bad news with no end in site. The problems seem to be caused by people doing the wrong thing ignoring the rules & the industries with the big cases are aged care, hospitals & food industries (meat works suppliers etc) so they are essential so can't be shut down.

I haven't had the time or energy to take up a new hobby.