Simpler Time

Not So Simple

There is plenty about the COVID-19 quarantine that is terrible. The fear and anxiety people are feeling, sharing, and amplifying across social media is palpable to me. Knowing that the quarantine could have been over months ago if our elected representatives had acted when they first knew about it. (Back in November by some counts.) Knowing so many of my students are struggling through this, and there’s not a lot I can do about that, really hurts.

But the quarantine itself? If isolated from the rest? I’m rather enjoying it. It feels like a break.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Rewind to pre-COVID now. I’m a teacher, and I started that profession in January 2015. There’s a lot of that pressure to always be doing something. You could always be making a lesson better. You could always call all of those parents you should call. As a teacher, I’ve gotten better about managing my work hours. But I still end up working some evenings, after a very busy and hectic work day.

Prior to becoming a teacher, I spent two years working on a Master’s thesis, and then five years working on a Ph.D. dissertation. I was a Graduate Teaching Assistant while doing my research and sometimes taking classes. (I took a lot more classes while working on my Masters.) I worked all the time. Every day. I might not have done eight hours of work every day, but there was always the pressure to do something.

That series, from Masters graduate student to current teacher covers a span of 12 years. You could say, “You get summers off.” That’s not true. During grad. school I taught and I was working on my research. As a teacher, I’ve taken a side job every summer. (I think. There may have been one I didn’t.)

Twelve years of no real vacation. Twelve years of pedal to the metal work.

Yeah. I need a break.

Simpler Time

So how are things different?

• My workday starts at a reasonable hour. No more getting up at 5:30 a.m. to get ready to work. This alone makes a ton of difference. I get up, make coffee, make breakfast if I want it. I can ease into my day.
• I’ve been much better about honoring my work schedule. I have worked a bit on the weekend, but otherwise I shut my computer down at the end of my workday. Then I do other stuff.
• I sneak short naps into my day. Typically one 30ish minute nap. (Normally it would be an hour, because I felt exhausted.)
• Other than my 30-minute nap, I’m up and going. I feel refreshed. I go to bed at 10:30 or 11:00 because that’s when I feel tired. As someone who nearly always feels exhausted during the workday, this is an amazing feeling.

So what sorts of things do I do to fill my day?

• Making DIY face masks. I’m working with a group called FacesofLove.US. They are helping to pair mask makers with those requesting masks. I’ve made 23 thus far. I’m getting better and faster at making them though. Since I have a long weekend, my goal is to make 50 in these three days.
• Creating art. This could be anything from doodles to paintings. I had quite a streak going on for a bit. The face masks have taken over, though I’ve been working on small drawings lately.
• Journaling. I don’t do it every day, but especially in times of strife journaling is something that’s incredibly important to my mental health. Getting out those thoughts and emotions with no judgment really helps me process things.
• Reading books. Right now, mostly feminist books. I’m feeling a strong urge to smash the capitalist patriarchy in all of this madness. (Current read: The Seven Sins Necessary for Women and Girls by Mona Eltahaway. On deck: Read and Riot: A Pussy Riot Guide to Activism by Nadya Tolokonnikova)
• Watching Netflix. I don’t want you to get the impression that I’m a 100% eager beaver. (I’m not an eager beaver at all. I’m doing the things I need to so I can stay mentally healthy.) I’m watching a fair amount of Netflix right now. Rewatching Star Trek: Next Generation, in fact.
• Fixing up an antique sewing machine. Since I’ve been sewing so much, I got to looking about scratching an itch I’ve had for a long time. Buying an antique, treadle, sewing machine. I found one on Craiglist that I negotiated down to a price I could handle and brought her home. She needs some work. Wasn’t fully functional when I bought her, but I was confident I could get her working. My birthday is in a couple of weeks. There won’t be a big shin-dig with friends, so hopefully I’ll be sewing face masks on my new lovely by then. (Trying to think of names for her. She definitely has one.)
• Cooking. I’m actually cooking my own meals. I ate out entirely too much before the quarantine. Nothing fancy, but it is satisfying. (Now if I could just get the cats to wash the dishes.)
• Playing with cats. I’ve always considered myself more of a dog person. But these cats are amazing. I’ve seen social media posts that suggest cats hate that you are home all of the time. I’m getting no such indication from mine. They are snuggly and want to interact. Which can be a problem when I’m sewing… All of that movement on the machine is quite intriguing to a cat!
• Moving my body. I’ve been sluggish in this area lately. I haven’t been getting out enough. But walking and biking have been my two primary ways, with a little yoga thrown in the mix. (And moving a 80 lb (?) antique sewing machine up a flight of stairs by myself. I’ve got some colorful bruises from that.)

Summing Up

I fully honor that others are struggling during this time. Finding stillness when we are so used to moving and being busy is an adjustment!

Of course, I realize I have the privilege and luxury of writing this post at all! Those who are still working at their brick-and-mortar locations are definitely having a different experience than those of us who are able to be quarantined. My heart goes out to every single one of them, as they put their lives at risk to do that job.

But I’ve had a strong itch to share my truth. So here it is.

I guess I’m writing this because I’m not seeing many (if any) post similar stories on social media (my primary method of connecting with humanoids). Yet I know there have to be others who are having a more similar experience to me. Who maybe feel a little guilty about not being so fraught and dismayed by the quarantine. Who might be a little glad to slow down and live more simply.

No matter how you are coping or where you are, I wish you health and safety. Stay home as much as possible. Wear a face mask when you go out.

We will get through this together.

But since we are in a moment that requires some stillness, please think about what parts you want to go back to. Pre-COVID ‘normal’ was not healthy. Let’s create a future that honors our humanity.