The Saturday List #366 - Ten things that have changed since Lockdown in my life

 This week has seen the culmination of the lockdown enquiry. What really disappointed me was the fact that they didn't look at how Lockdown changed the everyday lives of people in the UK. So here are my findings, in a list, and it hasn't cost the public a billion pounds. 

1. Cash. I rarely use cash and often don't have any on me. I was reminded of this last night. We visited friends and picked up a takeaway from Tangs at Apex Corner. They only take cash, so I made a special trip to the ATM. I couldn't remember the last time I went, I think it was before The False Dots played at the Dublin Castle on the 2nd November. I had to go then as my barber only takes cash. I had a look at our studio income. In 2019, 25% of our business was cash, now its less than 5%. It feels wrong, but TBH cash is a bit of a hassle. When the banks security are hacked and our money all goes up in a puff of smoke, we will regret not having a suitcase full of tenners under the bed, I assure you!

2. Puzzles. I never used to do them. Now I am a bit of a Soduku addict. I used to see it as a complete waste of time. I still do. But during lockdown, I had time to waste. I am jsut pleased I didn't get into heroin instead!

3. Binge watching TV series. Again, I never really used to do this. However during lockdown, we caught up on fifteen years of telly (I don't watch much). Now, if I start watching something, I want to watch the whole lot!

4. Eating habits. I did a lot more cooking during lockdown. As a result I rarely, if ever get microwave meals anymore. I nearly always prepare fresh food.

5. Calmness. I had worked like a lunatic since I was 21. Building studios, working in IT, playing in a band, I always felt on edge. I realised that I am actually a lot calmer. An enforced break was good for my mental health. I think I am also more lazy. I don't like this, but I find it harder to motivate myself to do things I don't want to do. 

6. Appreciaton of natural beauty. We did a lot of walks and I took a lot of pictures. This is a good habit and I enjoy looking at them. I think I've become a better photographer.

7. Driving less. During lockdown, we almost never used the car. Some of this is because I am now an OAP and have a free travel pass, but I tend to walk far more. We did a lot of walking in lockdown and I do tend to enjoy it.

8. Holidays. We are taking far less holidays than we used to. This is not by choice. Lockdown devastated our finances and our business. We do not have the same spare cash.

9. Business. In 2019, our business was thriving. Now it is just about surviving. All of our plans to expand have been shelved. For the first time ever, the last five years has seen me seriously think of chucking in the towel. Although I am past that at the moment, the business is not in the position where it could survive another financial shock. There is a budget this week and the last one destroyed our small profits. I am dreading it. My business is a passion so it hurts.

10. Family. I think we became closer during lockdown. I lost an auntie and a cousin my age to covid. It hurt.

I'd be really interested in how your life has changed.