Ways to have fun during Pandemic
It is weird that as soon as people are told they must stay in the house, they very badly want to go to the beach, night club or other crowded activity. They think “you can’t make me stay inside!” even though a month ago they were happily sitting on their couch week after week wishing they didn’t have to go anywhere.
It is time to reframe how we think about our home. Almost everyone has wished at some time in the last year for more free time. More time to enjoy your house and relax. Well now is the time to enjoy that me-time at home. Binge-watch some TV, read a book, plant a garden, reorganize the living room.
Sunday for only $73 I ordered online from HomeDepot all supplies needed to build a raised bed garden. For $35 more they would have delivered it, but I chose to drive the 2 miles to pick it up. Within an hour and 37 minutes I had the entire thing built. And it felt good to work in the backyard and get my hands dirty.
A couple nights ago I bought a Playstation and accessories.
During this pandemic you may be home a lot. Therefore make your home your castle. Animals do not contract coronavirus so maybe now is a good time to get a pet!
There is so much misinformation out there. Yesterday I saw a video of hospital staff using a forklift to put bodies into a refrigerated 18-wheeler at a Brooklyn hospital. An hour later a friend showed me a doctor estimated there will be a total of 81,114 deaths from COVID-19 by July 1st which was much lower than I expected. Today, April 2nd, 947 people in USA died from coronavirus, the number of infected people increased to 27,107 which is 15% more than the increase yesterday. Total number infected in USA is now 215,344.
I do not know what the truth is about the pandemic but I did write a Letter to Virus Deniers. I do know that as of March 28th California hospitals are already at 200% capacity. Most are forecasting that this coronavirus may be a danger for the rest of 2020. Let me rephrase that…. It might be considered wise to avoid unnecessary mingling with strangers for the next year or so.
My recommendation: start a garden, load up on games, get a Kindle, start a new hobby or craft. Binge-watching is a good temporary solution but also look for other activities. Gaming online can be fun. Many MMOs are now Free-to-Play like RIFT. Start a gaming group on Roll20.net which allows you to see and hear your friends as if they were in the room while you game.
Buy a Playstation or Xbox. Buy some board games. Subscribe to Hulu, Showtime, HBO, Acorn, or other video channels. Watch documentaries and learn new crafts on YouTube. I found some Playstation accessories are running out so if you are going to buy a console you might want to sooner instead of later.
Basically, get the supplies you need to prevent cabin-fever. Change your frame of mind to accept and enjoy time at-home with family. Plant some tomatoes and get some chickens. I’m not forecasting grocery stores will run out of food later this year. Gardening is fun, keeps you outside, and nothing is as satisfying as eating food that you grew yourself. Don’t know how? Then research it on YouTube!
Even after the first wave of this coronavirus has past, I believe the next couple years it may come back every spring and fall. Prepare now so you have fun options at home for you and your family. Sign up with NextDoor.com to find out what your neighbors are up to (safely without physical contact).
Consider getting a couple of chickens. You can get a chicken coop cheap on wish.com, craigslist.org or HomeDepot.com. Buy two or three hens (no roosters) and your neighbors won’t even notice. You’ll have eggs for free and entertainment in your backyard. Although they don’t lay the most eggs, silkies are adorable looking, cuddly, quiet and friendly.
Summary
Social distancing does not have to be a prison sentence! You can make your home and backyard into the nicest place in town that you want to be. Have a BBQ in the backyard and throw the frisbee around. Get a new pet and spend more time with your family.
Raised Garden Details for $73
Here is the blog that inspired this cinder block raised garden bed.
Home Depot shopping list
https://www.homedepot.com/p/6-in-x-8-in-x-16-in-Gray-Concrete-Block-100002879/100321956