Reflection
Answering 12 Questions About My Lockdown Experience
Freedom's just another word…
The origins of this challenge began with Keno Ogbo writing the “12 Questions to Make Sense of Your Lockdown Moments” story, which was picked up and answered by many people across the world. My friends, Tim Maudlin and Alena Powell, challenged me to answer the questions.
I’m a little late to the party, so here we go:
- What have you missed the most during this lockdown?
I miss seeing my sister. I lived in Florida for 25 years, and she lives in Tennessee. I only saw her and her family once a year at Christmas. After our mother passed in 2002, we made a pact to try to see each other at least twice a year. I think we only missed a couple of times over the years. Last year I moved to Tennessee — 3 hours away from her — and I’ve seen her about every two months since then. I haven’t seen her since early February.
Freedom! I am a homebody but tell me I can’t go anywhere and suddenly I need to go places!
I also miss watching sports on TV with my dad. We like to watch football (college and professional), hockey (pro), basketball (college), baseball (college), golf (pro), and, occasionally, NASCAR.
Finally, I miss some alone time. I lived alone for a long time and now I live with two other people. It has taken some time getting used to it, but it’s been okay. My dad played golf twice a week and his step-son works so I’d get some alone time then. But, my dad had hip replacement surgery in October and by the time he was ready to start playing golf again, the self-quarantine was in place. He started playing again last week and I did the dance of joy!
2. What is the best thing about being in a lockdown?
I live with my dad and we hang out together. I enjoy his company and, as far as I know, he enjoys mine.
3. What has been the worst thing about being in lockdown?
I worry about my dad. He’s 81 and in excellent health but has no spleen. Having no spleen (the spleen detects damaged red blood cells and unwelcome bacteria and viruses in your blood) makes him immunocompromised. His step-son, who also lives with us, works at a Kroger Marketplace. I worry that he will bring the virus home. He’s cautious and other than dinnertime stays more than 6 feet away from us.
I miss seeing my family. My youngest great-nephew turned one in April and we couldn’t go see him. His brother turns five in October so I’m hoping we’ll be able to go then.
4. Who would you have liked to host in your home during the lockdown and why?
Keanu Reeves, Peyton and Eli Manning, or my favorite author, Lawrence Block, would be good choices. But seriously, I would love to host my mother. I just want to see her and talk with her again. If that can’t be arranged, then 3 of my friends from Florida so we could play Canasta. I haven’t met people here to start another group.
5. What have you discovered about yourself in the lockdown?
I discovered that I need to get out of the house more often than previously thought.
6. What did you eat (or drink) the most during the lockdown?
Wine. I like white wines. My favorites are Riesling and White Zinfandel. I do like the occasional Pino Grigio.
7. Apart from sleeping and working, what activities did you undertake the most during the lockdown?
I’ve done more writing during this time than at any other time. I published 9 or 10 articles on Medium and have a few in draft form.
I’ve also played more videogames than usual. I enjoy word games, coloring apps, and simulation games.
I’m usually a big reader but I haven’t read much during the lockdown.
8. Will you come out of lockdown heavier or lighter?
Probably a little heavier. I sit at my computer a lot during the day and in the recliner during the evening. We have taken the occasional walk but that’s the extent of my exercise — no, wait, my bedroom is on the second floor, so I climb the stairs often every day.
9. What resource has helped you the most during the lockdown?
My iPad: I play my videogames on my iPad. I also get updates on the virus and as much of the news as I can stand on it. I like being able to control how much of the news I hear!
10. What is your top tip for other people in lockdown right now?
One of my favorite sayings is “This too shall pass.” The situation we find ourselves in is not permanent. It will end and we will be okay.
11. How has lockdown changed you?
It hasn’t really changed me at all. I lived alone for over 40 years and did just fine. I’m happy as long as I have coffee, books, wine, and my computer or iPad.
12. If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?
Heed the words of the physicians and scientists, not the politicians.
One last question, where are you?
Franklin, Tennessee, USA
Prompting some of our shared friends, if you completed this already, my apologies: JeffHerring.com, Margaret Eves, Desiree Driesenaar, Trista Ainsworth, Terry Mansfield, Salam Khan, Joan Kent, PhD, Melody Campbell, Cynthia Charleen Alexander, Larry Nowicki, MaryJo Wagner, PhD, Linda Halladay, Trapper Sherwood, Kathleen N Hoagland, Peg Duchesne
Tagging some people who completed this long before me: Keno Ogbo, Tim Maudlin, Alena Powell, Helen Boss, Michele Thill, and Henery X (long).
Thank you for reading. Please allow me to introduce myself.
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