Pandemic Meme

 Stolen from Rachelmanija

 1.        Are you an Essential Worker?

I seem to be considered so for the moment while the courts still have work for us to transcribe, but we are warned of a huge slowdown to hit next month.  That’s when we hope to be awarded the Job Keeper package.

 

1.a.     Are you in a vulnerable category?

No, except now Rachel has me worried because apparently being female is a help with not dropping dead.

 

2.        How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?

Nothing alcoholic but lots of tea (and coffee, because I’m trying to help keep my favourite coffee shops afloat.  Go, The Caff and East!).

 

3.        If you have kids, are they driving you nuts?

I don’t have kids.  The neighbours’ kids are driving me nuts but I have to remind myself that a jury would convict, however long it is until we have jury trials back.

 

4.        What new hobby have you taken up during this?

No new stuff, just more of old stuff.  Trying to do some writing.  Reading.  Watching.  I am working on memorising some new poetry no one will ever want to hear me recite.  I figure “Lepanto” will keep me out of trouble.

 

5.        How many grocery runs have you done? *

I do one a week.  We’re allowed to shop, that’s about all that’s open.  Numbers in some stores are limited, but basically I take a look, decide if it looks doable, go hunt and gather supplies and get out as quickly as possible.  Which is basically always how I do a food shop.

 

6.        What are you spending your stimulus cheque on?

I’m not getting one.  But I seem to be spending what I’m saving (riding/not catching trains) on books, because the libraries are shut!

 

7.  Do you have any special occasions that you will miss during this quarantine?

I don’t have much of a social life anyway, but I’m missing the gaming sessions.  The local sf con, Swancon, has been cancelled and so has Worldcon, not that I could have afforded to attend that this year.  I also like to attend the Anzac Day gathering, totally fail to understand what the local minister (who’s Vietnamese) is saying and pat the horses.

 

8.        Are you keeping your housework done?

Sure.  I’m a neat freak.  And the garden is getting a lot of attention.

 

9.        What movie have you watched during this quarantine?

Blade Runner 2047.  And a lot of series on Netflix, dipping in and out.  The Walking Dead (that one not on N).  Unorthodox.  Doomsday Preppers (to see if any of them got it right.  So far, one).

 

10.      9 months from now, is there any chance of you having a baby?

I still can’t eat a whole one on my own.

 

11.      What’s your go-to quarantine meal?

I’m not doing much any differently, except from buying meat from the Coles because my local butcher is only doing online.  Probably rice, mushrooms, broccoli and salad.   Or ice cream.

 

12.      Is this whole situation making you paranoid?

Not noticeably.  I’ve always believed that our civilisation is no more disaster proof than any other that has come along.  Though I did kind of hope there would be zombies.

 

13.      Has your Internet gone out on you during this time?

Not yet.  Don’t give it ideas.

14.      What month do you predict this all ends?

Well, we keep hearing six months, though when that is supposed to have started, not certain.  I’m hoping for September.  Maybe sooner if Australia keeps doing as well as it has been so far.

 

15.      First thing you’re going to do when you get off quarantine?

Go gaming!

 

16.      Where do you wish you were right now?

Here is ok, but Helsinki would be fantastic.

 

17.      What free-from-quarantine activity are you missing the most?

Going to the library. 

 

18.      Have you run out of toilet paper and hand sanitiser?

Not of loo paper.  Never had any sanitiser.

 

19.      Have you run out of anything else?

Soap, but I got a liquid version from the Wasteless Pantry.    It now sits in my bathroom in what was a container of honey.

 

20.      Do you have enough food to last a month?

It wouldn’t be very interesting but probably.

 

21.  Has anything major happened in your life since the lockdown?

The estate agents/owner stopped trying to sell the house and have left me in peace.  Not even any inspections!

 

22.      What are you grateful for?

See above.  Also the fact that work is still going, pay is still going, and people are bugging me less.

 

23.  Is there anything you’ll miss about lockdown life?

See above, the last point.  Also with everyone in the same boat, I don’t feel bad for not having a social life/seeing people most of the time.

 

* This question for me echoes the mantra from The Walking Dead, used by the characters to gauge those they meet.  "How many walkers have you killed?  How many people have you killed?   Why?