I’ve had it easy in lockdown: I live in a two-bedroom apartment with my husband, we have no children, and our work is doing well. Even for us, though, lockdown has been tough. Here’s a look back at some of the distractions we’ve found, given marks out of 5.
Baking & Cooking 5/5
Growing up in a half Italian, half Texan household – food was comfort, the dinner table a sanctuary. Tough day at school – let’s make a tiramisu; boyfriend trouble – you won’t be able to think about it while enjoying this steak
In lockdown I made three course meals, extravagant desserts, Whatsapping my mum for Nonna’s Italian recipes, trying every TikTok trend (that tortilla wrap challenge is so dumb and so addictive), to scouring the internet for recipe for a Peruvian stew I had once 10 years ago so I could remake it for my husband to try.
A recipe we’ll be taking out of lockdown, and into future rainy Sundays is homemade pasta (rolled out by hand with my Nonna’s rolling pin) with a beef shin ragu.
Starting a collage TikTok account 2/5
Yes, cutting out from magazines, and sticking with glue on paper – that collage. It started simple, posting on Instagram – then because of my work (and love of social media) TikTok.
I had a set up in our living room with my phone camera on a tripod, filming myself from above, then in-post, speeding up the footage and adding music. I loved learning animation in After Effects and it’s something I’m able to help out with at work (because you know, if you can’t look to monetise your hobby are you even a Millennial?).
Here’s one that got the most views: and you know what happened? The models from the photoshoot got in touch with me over Instagram, and then the photographer, saying how much they loved it and reposted it. Then I got a few requests for music artworks from artists. I love the reach of social media!
Hate-Watching Netflix Programs 3/5
- Tiger King
- Unsolved Mysteries
- Emily in Paris
- That Love Island rip off
Hated them – but watching them all with a Facebook group of friends, all trying to hit play at the same time, made it better. It also meant I understood my Twitter feed and was able to be part of the cultural zeitgeist, an essential when the actual news is terrifying.
Audio Books – Specifically Long Series 5/5
There is no better way to escape reality than by reading a book. But hear me out (pun intended); when you have dishes to do (you’re telling me that each of the three meals a day need a dish to eat from with cutlery?!), or you’re hanging laundry, or you’re cooking another ridiculous meal, or you’re riding your exercise bike to ride off the calories from that cake you made, and you don’t want to have any intrusive thoughts about the pandemic, or worry for your family, the economy or the environment – get an audible account!
Tie-Dying 1/5
What are we going to do with all these tie-died hats, and duvet set and socks?
Overall…‘Staying home and staying safe’ was not easy, but trying new things helped ease the panic. I’m not sorry that things are starting to improve, though…