Confinement : Jour 1
Mar. 17th, 2020 02:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
castalieBack in France, guys, and not a day too soon, considering last night Macron announced a national lockdown. That was an interesting development, alright! Except for how we all expected it. We actually all thought we'd be ordered to stay home for the full 45 days but, so far, it's just for the next two weeks. We'll see how it goes. Like in Italy, you have to download/print a little "pass" and keep it with you if you go outside so that you can explain the reasons why you're not at home (groceries, going to a medical appointment, other special cases) but even with those restrictions, I think Italy went at it much harder than we did. We'll see if we follow their suits soon or keep that way.
In the meantime, we're asked not to go outside so it's work from home for those who can and it's "forced vacation" for those who don't have to be at work because their job isn't considered "essential" but can't work from home per se (Cookie's situation, for instance. She can't go to her workplace but she can't work from home, not exactly the best kind of situation but what can you do). I can work from home myself and I'm actually pretty busy right now (unsurprisingly when you work for the distance learning department of your university and an outbreak happens) but things should calm down after a while so I might be on forced vacation too if the confinement turns out to be extended.
This is such a surreal situation, you guys! But you get fun surprises, too: this morning we found out that two major paying platforms will be completely accessible throughout the whole confinement period. I just had a look and they have some shows I always meant to try but never really bothered to download, namely Westworld, The Leftovers as well as Missions. So that's my tv program for the next weeks :) (In addition to Prodigal Son and Picard, of course - but I think Prodigal Son only has only three episodes to go, the rest was being filmed when they had to stop production). I also have a pile of books to read. I'll study German and Italian on my own. Cookie and I have board games we hadn't played yet so it'll be the perfect opportunity to do so! We've both started the day with a Yoga session... we'll try to keep busy. Plus we'll be able to go outside for groceries - who would have predicted that groceries would, one day, become the most exciting activity in our lives lol
As for the most important part of the lockdown, now, namely the familial and social links. Being unable to see our families and friends is going to be tough if we do end up going the full 45 days but we live in a time and place where technology is there to help you not severe the links: we've been talking nonstop over Whatsapp, we obviously can and do call each other and we've already planned some skype!afternoon teas or skype!lunches so we can have activities "together". It's not the same but it's still something. We are not used to it at all, we see each other quite on a regular basis, but some families do live long-distance and they deal with it just fine, so... it's just that, as I said, a) we're not used to it and b) the reason behind it makes things Just Weird and Uncomfortable.
I'm blessed that I live with a loving partner (I couldn't help but think of all those people who have very difficult, even violent, relationships with their families being locked with them 24/7 for a whole month, what a nightmarish scenario!), I have close family and friends to keep in contact with, a home I love in which I feel comfortable, so far all of us are healthy... obviously, the outbreak and the confinement are making Life Complicated but so far, so good *fingers crossed*
Hope you're all keeping healthy, flist.
In the meantime, we're asked not to go outside so it's work from home for those who can and it's "forced vacation" for those who don't have to be at work because their job isn't considered "essential" but can't work from home per se (Cookie's situation, for instance. She can't go to her workplace but she can't work from home, not exactly the best kind of situation but what can you do). I can work from home myself and I'm actually pretty busy right now (unsurprisingly when you work for the distance learning department of your university and an outbreak happens) but things should calm down after a while so I might be on forced vacation too if the confinement turns out to be extended.
This is such a surreal situation, you guys! But you get fun surprises, too: this morning we found out that two major paying platforms will be completely accessible throughout the whole confinement period. I just had a look and they have some shows I always meant to try but never really bothered to download, namely Westworld, The Leftovers as well as Missions. So that's my tv program for the next weeks :) (In addition to Prodigal Son and Picard, of course - but I think Prodigal Son only has only three episodes to go, the rest was being filmed when they had to stop production). I also have a pile of books to read. I'll study German and Italian on my own. Cookie and I have board games we hadn't played yet so it'll be the perfect opportunity to do so! We've both started the day with a Yoga session... we'll try to keep busy. Plus we'll be able to go outside for groceries - who would have predicted that groceries would, one day, become the most exciting activity in our lives lol
As for the most important part of the lockdown, now, namely the familial and social links. Being unable to see our families and friends is going to be tough if we do end up going the full 45 days but we live in a time and place where technology is there to help you not severe the links: we've been talking nonstop over Whatsapp, we obviously can and do call each other and we've already planned some skype!afternoon teas or skype!lunches so we can have activities "together". It's not the same but it's still something. We are not used to it at all, we see each other quite on a regular basis, but some families do live long-distance and they deal with it just fine, so... it's just that, as I said, a) we're not used to it and b) the reason behind it makes things Just Weird and Uncomfortable.
I'm blessed that I live with a loving partner (I couldn't help but think of all those people who have very difficult, even violent, relationships with their families being locked with them 24/7 for a whole month, what a nightmarish scenario!), I have close family and friends to keep in contact with, a home I love in which I feel comfortable, so far all of us are healthy... obviously, the outbreak and the confinement are making Life Complicated but so far, so good *fingers crossed*
Hope you're all keeping healthy, flist.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-17 07:06 pm (UTC)NZ isn't up to lock-downs yet, and we're taking distancing measures, but my work is such that I'm likely to be the one who brings it home, and that upsets me a bit, I must admit. But my work is health-care adjacent, and yeah.... We'll see how policies shake out.
Good luck and good health to you and yours. :-)
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 04:27 pm (UTC)I can see how the situation might be even more complicated for you seeing what your job is. Hope everything turns out ok *hugs*
Good health to you and your family too!
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 06:28 pm (UTC)That's such a good thing about the paying platforms and I approve of all of your plans.
You're right about it's a blessing living with a loving partner. Being stuck with someone you don't get along with, or alone, would suck.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-19 08:09 pm (UTC)It was such a lovely surprise! And I found out that one of our other networks broadcasted famous Operas too so we have some more evenings sorted out :) We might even dress up lol
We are both lucky in that regard *hugs*