So, week 1 of full-time telework + social distancing and I’m hanging together.
It’s not been total lockdown – I’ve taken a couple of walks in the park though it’s tricky finding a time when everyone isn’t having the same idea. I think everyone is still sorting out the difficulties of keeping 6 feet distance (the entrance to the park is narrow enough that really only one person can go in or out at a time, so pauses to sniff the roses hold up everyone). Also it’s still rainy and chilly. So I’m still doing a lot indoors. But I’m making good use of my time (because anxiety hates idleness).
Yes! This is biweekly links with a theme! First off, keeping active:
Rockville Fencing Academy coach Aklesso’s at-home workout (YouTube): the footwork in particular works up a sweat. The blade work I’m not sure I have enough room to do – I risk both my basement wall and ceiling trying the “around the back” infighting seen at 18:00.
Vermont Fencing Alliance’s cat toy fencing drills #1 (YouTube): because I have cat toys…everywhere. Though I will likely make a tennis-ball-in-sock target of my own I may well find my cats chasing it because it’s in the house, so it must be theirs.
Keeping my brain moving:
Masterclass: Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling: this link probably shows up on your social media all the time and so may not need more props from me but 2 lessons in I think it’s worth the hype. This is also social – I’m taking it with a couple of friends. And if it goes well there are any number of other writing classes to take (hey, look at that, I posted a writing thing!)
Helping out:
Calling All People Who Sew And Make: You Can Help Make Masks For 2020 Healthcare Worker PPE Shortage: there are some mask patterns floating around out there for homemade PPE. At first I was skeptical as there’s no way I can make something equivalent to the protection of medical-grade filters. But, a friend who works in public health (hi Lydia!) assured me it’s necessary due to shortages – something is better than nothing. And sewing is something I can do. I’m using Mark Lewis’ pattern because it includes a pocket for additional filters. Not sure where I’ll send them yet but there are plenty of options.
MarylandUnites: I have reservations about Governor Hogan but overall I think he’s handling the coronavirus crisis well—in part by consolidating ways to help on this one handy page. I’ve made two donations: cash to my local food bank and blood to the Red Cross (which is safe and desperately needed). I’m sure every state will come up with similar efforts in the coming weeks if they haven’t already – Google is your friend.
