My partner left me this shopping list:
- Whiskey
- Butter
- Chipotle Tabasco sauce
- Habanero Tabasco sauce
And that’s it. We already have meat in the freezer, plus extra eggs and toilet paper. However, we’re missing some essentials, like fresh vegetables. This list is a snapshot of our lockdown reality amid the pandemic.
With COVID-19 cases rising across the UK, we’re advised to remain at home until mid-February or longer. A typical day in lockdown looks like this: we wake up and linger in bed. My partner reads while I do a bit of reading and writing. Our child jumps on FaceTime, then transitions to Microsoft Teams for remote schooling.
My partner and I shower and slip into our day pajamas. Our lockdown attire could be described as cozy-chic: oversized fleece hoodies and sweatpants. We all have these hoodies; my partner got them at a bargain on Amazon. I don’t usually endorse Amazon (after all, Jeff Bezos is astonishingly wealthy), but I must admit that these sweatshirts are incredibly comfy.
I brew coffee (sometimes it’s my partner who does). I feed the dog and let him into our tiny garden, where I’m no longer concerned about him doing his business.
Breakfast rolls around. My partner works from the kitchen while our child continues her schoolwork in her bedroom. Occasionally, I eavesdrop on her classes, but not too often. We were once very involved parents regarding education; now we just hope the Internet stays connected.
I take the dog for a walk, wash him, and even blow-dry him. At some point, my partner goes for a run, and I try to write something like this.
Lunch is sometimes prepared by me, or I’ll order takeout, like Domino’s pizza. Occasionally, I instruct my daughter to whip up something simple with carrots, cheese, and fruit. If she’s lucky, there might even be some prosciutto. When I’m not looking, she sneaks in chips and a chocolate bar, and I turn a blind eye.
Once upon a time, I was the type of person who folded towels right when they came out of the dryer and swept away leaves that blew in through the front door. Now, I struggle to remember to pay bills and keep track of appointments. I jot things down on a calendar, but with so few events, I sometimes forget to check it.
I skim through countless emails from my child’s school. With children attending classes from home, we parents have taken on the role of classroom aides. More often than not, I find myself calling my friend Mia, another parent at the school, to get a quick rundown.
By 5 p.m., we wrap up our work. My partner and I used to enjoy a glass of wine around 7 p.m., but now it’s a cocktail in a chilled glass by 6 p.m. (or earlier). My partner has mastered the art of making martinis and found a fantastic recipe for an old-fashioned kind. I’m sharing it here because the martinis are simply divine.
RECIPE
- 3 parts gin (we use Brixton Gin)
- 1 part vodka (we prefer Grey Goose)
- 1/2 part secret ingredient (Cocchi’s Americano aperitif)
- A twist of lemon peel
Before dinner, our child hops back on FaceTime. Sometimes she bathes, sometimes she skips it. Every few days, I wash her hoodie at the highest setting possible.
We play fetch with the dog in the house and try to stop him from chewing our rugs and slippers. Occasionally, we work on a puzzle, and my partner strums his guitar.
I remind myself how fortunate we are (and we truly are). Sometimes I cook, but my partner is the real chef. Just last night, we enjoyed mussels in a red sauce with chorizo, garlic, onion, and coriander—guess who was the chef?
We play Rummy during dinner. This surely counts as family time, right? After dinner, our child returns to FaceTime and Roblox. I worry less about her screen time; she’s navigating another lockdown, missing her friends and a school she loves. I want her to connect with her peers in any way possible.
My partner and I have taken to watching “The Durrells.” We never watched much TV together before, but now it’s become our evening ritual. Sometimes, we binge two episodes while sipping whiskey and soda. The dog curls up with us on the couch, breaking our rule about him being off the furniture.
“The Durrells” tells the story of a British family relocating to Corfu before World War II, living in close quarters in a chaotic home. They bring laughter into our lives and make us feel a little less disorganized.
Then it’s back to bed for reading before lights out. Repeat.
If you’re interested in learning more about family planning, check out this insightful post on home insemination or visit Make A Mom for expert advice. For a detailed guide on IVF, don’t miss this excellent resource from the Mayo Clinic.
Probable Search Queries:
- How has COVID-19 affected family routines?
- What to expect during lockdown family life?
- Tips for managing remote schooling at home.
- Easy meals to make during quarantine.
- How to create family time during a pandemic?
In summary, as our family navigates the challenges of lockdown life during COVID-19, we’ve relaxed our standards and adapted to new routines. We’ve embraced a more laid-back approach to parenting and daily life, finding joy in small moments and making the best of our situation.
Keyphrase: Family Life during COVID-19
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]