Off Topic Lockdowns...

You been bro ?

 

No mate. Sharks.

 

Fairy muff then.

 

I’d actually love to go Japan tbf.

 

Yeah been wanting to do it for a while, obvs the last year has been a no go.

We'll probs do another house swap if we can arrange it, like we did in Canada. Saves a wad of cash and you get to stay in a proper community, rather than in tourist-ville.

 

I can live without exotic trips to far off places if I have to. Would ****ing love to go to the caff tbh, then to the barbers; currently rocking the “decrepit acid casualty who refuses to accept the 60s ever ended” look.

Also, the movies. Maybe even a live band, in a pokey venue like The Forum in Kentish Town. A summer’s afternoon falling asleep at the Oval.

 

The things we take for granted when you are a baby boomer

The millenniums have nothing to look back on except angst

 

My generation was absolutely blessed, I’ve always said so. I was born in suburban South London in 1961, and throughout human history you’d struggle to find a better time or place to be born. And no, we didn’t have much, not even central heating or double glazing, but we did have the feeling that life was full of hope and promise. Wtf happened to that?

Also, I got to see Led Zeppelin, The Clash and The Specials, when they were at their best and so were we.

 

My generation had rationing to begin with

Musically I feel the late fifties to the end of the sixties was the best era ever and being a teenager during the sixties was a unique experience

 

not sure that will happen. I'm not sure UK is such a popular destination for japanese tourists and i'm not sure Devon is the biggest pull for them. If you can get it though it would be great as accomodation in Japan costs an arm and a leg.

 

as for lockdown, i'm managing it fine still. Miss seeing my family and hanging out with some friends but computer games and tv is probably mankinds biggest waste of time and i love both so it's been easy to pass the time alongside my work.

Also reading this forum still takes a lot of time even if i haven't been posting much

 

The house swap site I'm a member of has quite a few Japanese looking for UK swaps, but I would imagine London would be the biggest pull. The Yanks love Cornwall and anything to do with Poldark etc, but yeah not sure about the Japanese.

I'm a glass half full type of person though, so I'm confident I can make this happen

 

Cracking business opportunity staring you in the face there mate:

"Ponkdark's" - authentic Cornish Pasties, Cream Teas and surfing lessons for Weight Watchers.

 

Would say that I (us as a family) have coped OK overall.

Was nervous at first with a missus in the high vulnerability category and the intermittent infection and death rate surges... but now that she has had her first jab the biggest worry of all has been reduced (although taking nothing for granted).

Have been able to work from home throughout and just had my first anniversary in the current job. Surreal as only had the first 30 days in the office.

Pluses:
Don't miss the daily commute into London and have saved on train fares (and don't have to get up so early).
Great to go on daily walks with the family and the dog.
Lovely to spend a lot more time with the family.
Getting to know the neighbours more than we ever have - Street WhatsApp group was a great idea, particularly when food delivery slots were problematic at the start of the first lockdown.
Constant footie on the box.
Chatting **** on here.

Negatives:
Going a bit stir crazy - living in such close proximity for such prolonged periods builds tensions ... and also living with 3 women ... PMT is VERY ****ing real.
Tough on the girls. Middle daughter had her 21st birthday with just us. Youngest had her 15th birthday in Lockdown and could well have her 16th. Lack of social interaction for them is causing concern - as is impact on education.
Eldest girl has moved into a new house with her boyfriend - just before Christmas- but we aren't allowed to go see her.
Drink - was fun... but certainly over indulged over festive period. Now doing a dry Feb and possibly March too - saving a fortune.
Miss the office interactions of normal work.

 

Did you schlep in from Bedfordshire to Central London five days a week? No office worker is ever doing that again. **** commuting at all more than twice a week again and I have a leisurely 40 minute drive.

 

Hertfordshire - but the Bedford - St Pancras line, yes.

 

Used to live in Borehamwood and even from there it was a **** of a train.

 

Do you get Clint out in the WhatsApp group?

 

The 1st one had plenty of nice weather plus a strange novelty to it .
The 2nd one was short but this one feels eternal .
Like has been said it's just like constant groundhog day .

 

Always tended to get early trains - grab a coffee and get a seat ... much better than having to stand in a crowded aisle for 30-40 minutes ... and I'm lucky that my line of work isn't constrained by office hours