COVID19, WFH and me
As we all are knowing the outbreak of COVID19 has changed both personal and professional lifestyles and routines for at least the rest of 2020 and the early part of 2021, however, it’s impossible to inflict a definite timescale on a pandemic.
This is posted as here, in the United Kingdom, we enter week 7 of our initial 12-week lockdown – which is reviewed every 3 weeks, our first having already taken place with the next on the horizon – and here’s a snapshot of how I’ve adapted myself to the current situation.
Health and Lifestyle
Since the lockdown, we’ve all been subject to essential movements only. Now for a few, I’ve not been able to undertake athletic activity i.e. running / jogging as my breathing capacity has been wrecked following a mental breakdown back in 2016.
So, each day I’ve been doing an hour’s walk of around 5km. These daily walks are largely based in the afternoon, but occasionally the odd morning or early evening walk has taken place. Each day I’ve been using Strava – something I’ve not used for a few years – as a guide to distance and the duration. If you’re on Strava, why not give me a follow (external link, opens in new window).
In addition to this, there’s also been the weekly foray to the supermarket which even though I walk to it, isn’t counted to towards the exercise allowance.
My sleeping patterns have not been affected too much, but I’ve been managing to get a good rest period – sometimes even an afternoon nap.
Mentally, I’ve been ok with that with no issues – in essence, the daily walk help clear the air – however, there was one evening where there was a little wobble; but think that was more to do with a few family issues bobbing around.
Health, again all been fine here – backed up by the daily walk – however, there was a serious wobble when I was floored one Wednesday with a 24-hour bug – let’s say waking up with the chills and chattering teeth wasn’t what I was excepting at 0420! However, that passed and I’m fighting fit once more.
Workspace
Before the lockdown; I largely worked out of the chain of Café Nero’s dotted around (other coffee shops and independents are available) – with a small fold down desk available back at home when needed – however Laptop, comfy sofa…you get the picture.
When the lockdown started that changed…a bit of a reorganisation of my 8ft x 8ft bedroom saw the wardrobe put into my sister’s room (she’s moved out – but that could change after lockdown) – as there’s space but it’s not suitable to convert to an office setup.
After the move of the wardrobe; the fold up table was set up in the corner next to the window an improvised ‘top shelf ‘was created running across the frame of the shelf so that a repurposed HP monitor could be used at a suitable height; together with a suitable desk lamp and ‘acquired’ faux plant.
Additional purchases made during the lockdown:
- Safemore Vertical Power Stacker – Euro model – to give additional power 8 3-pin mains outputs plus, and the main reason, 4 powered USB outlets
- LG UltraFine 4K Display. Now the HP monitor was, and still is fine to use, however, given the laptop display is retina and the quality difference showed when switching between the two and also screen fatigue was occurring more
- Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Webcam – a separate camera is required when I use my mac in Clamshell mode – i.e. closed lid – and I’d rather look face on during Teams/Zoom calls rather than look down at the audience.
And from workspace to…
Work
Like many of in the freelance world, I’m in that black hole where the Government support is very sketchy, and you do – with risk – or don’t apply. I’ve gone down the road of not seeking help and continuing as-is.
In fairness, I’ve been chasing up some POs which have been should we say got stuck in the system and these are now crediting over.
In short, there has been :
- An offshoot of Keolis-Amey Metrolink’s DMP to work up to concept – ironically the 3rd edition of the DMP was delivered from the printers just as the lockdown was starting
- Adaption of various items for Northern including…
- Cumbria Coast information updates as a result of the closure of the line due to storm damage at Parton during February.
- Engineering work information for major works renewal scheme at Euxton on the West Coast Main Line from what would be pro print and posted at stations on the routes to basic print off at ticket office and display.
- A few bits for TVend owing to the near close down of the business except at keyworker sites to advertise home delivery of snacks to reduce stock (external link, opens in new window) and offers for KeyWorkers (external link, opens in a new window).
There are a few other little bits in the pipeline for Northern to complete/workup when that information is sent through.
As a side-line thing that I also do, as a Personal License holder, is work a Friday and Saturday at The Sun in Bradford – Bradford’s LGBTQ venue as a senior staff member. Obviously, that has now stopped; however on that Friday when it was announced that all bars and clubs were to close – that was a weird evening indeed when it came to that evening and in effect closing the place down especially when it was announced late in the day and leaving the various premises and authorities in a state of flux.
And that’s about it, in the words of Churchill… ‘KBO’.