Day ….?
Any idea what day it is? What the date is?
I am governed by which bin is going out and when I am changing the bedding.
I don’t think this is necessarily linked to lockdown (although it is a contributing factor!) I reckon it just my brain, my hormones, working from home and…..well….life.
More and more, I have found myself walking into a room and wondering what the feck I have gone in there for. I’ve found myself putting empty yogurt pots in the sink and my spoon in the rubbish. I am forgetting peoples’ birthdays – or worse – remembering them and then forgetting my mental note to buy a card or send a message.
Considering I am home 95% of the time (the other 5% is going for a walk or popping to the Co-op) I am still not getting things done. Don’t get me wrong, finishing work and not having to drive for an hour is bliss. I actually have SPACE in my life to do things: to call or text a friend; to make a nice meal; to go for a bimble on the fields; to have a shower before Darren gets home; or just to chuck the washing on and get it outside for a bit before it gets dark.
I am very grateful for this gift.
I guess it is human nature. A year on and I have completely adapted to my new routine and fill my day with everyday tasks. My normality is a version of what it used to be, just with less driving and seeing people virtually instead of face-to-face. And weirdly, I feel closer to friends and family in some ways, because I have had the time to video call or message.
I have also had more time for Netflix J
*****
For the past couple of weeks I have been addicted Ben & Jerry’s “Fairway to Heaven” ice cream. The first tub was devoured in two sittings – and that took some restraint I can tell you – but since then I have had to portion out two scoops into a bowl. It is far too easy to eat it straight out of the container.
The second purchase was actually by accident. Darren and I had mooched over to the Co-op one evening and I noticed there was an offer: half price on selected flavours for members only (yes, I am a proud membership card holder!). There were only a couple of options on the bare shelves, so I stepped away. My dessert-pondering caught the attention of one of the staff and he asked if he could help. I explained I wasn’t keen on what was available and continued down the aisle. But my ears picked up as he read the small print and listed the flavours on offer. He kindly popped into the back and found a six pack of “Fairway” and told me it must be a sign. I swear I heard angelic music as he passed me the tub of creamy salted caramel ice cream and shards of caramel bar (think Caramac bar circa 1986).
Meanwhile, Darren was hopping about at the front of the shop, wondering what on Earth I was up to, as I am usually following him around and adding treats to the shopping basket.
*****
Believe it or not, I am actually trying to be healthier (again). I have meal plans; I am getting up half an hour earlier to read/meditate/stretch; and I have even engaged in a couple of Pilates sessions on my lunchbreak (as it has been too cold to venture out).
Last night I swapped chips for parsnip fries and they must have been nice because Darren enjoyed them and he is a proper “meat and two veg type”. They were covered in parmesan, smoked salt and rosemary, but were still a healthier version and were bloody delish!
The night before, I made a classic spag bol and decided to use my spaghetti measurer to ensure we had the right portion per person. Plus I wanted some garlic bread, so had to make the sacrifice.
WTF
It looked like three strands of string.
Turns out, although it didn’t look much, there was plenty on our plates with the addition of the ¼ garlic flatbread each. Plus, it left room for pud (no prizes for guessing what I had).
PS. I have made a new, delicious discovery: salted caramel and double chocolate hot cross buns? Head to Morrisons my friends…..