Based on the popularity of Blake’s COVID-free blog post last month, we’re following up with two more related topics. For this post, we asked our team to tell you how they’re spending their time differently now, i.e. activities they’ve picked up or rediscovered during the social distancing/quarantine phase. Here are our responses in alphabetical order:
Audrey – Our dog, Bella, is going on walks more often! Depending on the weather I take her in morning and/or over lunch, and if the kids need to “run” around the block she goes with them. I’ve also found myself using my son’s air pods often, and I will need to buy him a new pair. Didn’t realize how handy these would be!
Blake – I’ve taken time to get myself and my family outdoors more often. We have spent a lot of time fishing and we built a bird house together for the backyard. I’m pleased to report that birds have taken up residence in the birdhouse and we’ve watched them carrying in twigs for their nest!
Dan – I have spent a bit more time in the hydraulic-tracked excavator honing my tree removal skills (out at the farm). Digging a pond deeper so it holds fish for the grandkids to catch, as they are becoming more proficient at casting and catching fish without help now. Working on a new dock that I know will last a lifetime.
Diane – More time cooking and baking…channeling my “previous life” in culinary arts and rediscovering my passion for baking.
Elizabeth – There has been a lot of binge-watching shows but besides that, we are using our time to get things done around the house. Finishing the basement, putting up a retaining wall and pool, keeping up on the routine cleaning/chores (I got a new cordless vac and it is life-changing). We also have been taking the side-by-side out trail riding down in Kansas or even just down the country roads. Since we are already sort of isolated in the country, not a ton of change for us! Steve picked up a second job driving trucks for the big farming operation down the road on the days Sysco doesn’t have a route for him, so he has been busy, busy NOT working from home.
Hannah – The first activity I’ve picked up is outdoor exercise. At the beginning of work-from-home, I rode my bike religiously around the neighborhood after work nearly every day. Then I picked up interval running a few weeks later thanks to a new accountability partner keeping me in check. The second activity I didn’t “pick up,” per say, but I’ve increased it in its frequency and variety – cooking. I’ve felt like I’ve had more time and mental space to make full breakfasts, lunches and dinners, what with being home all the time, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed getting to do so and try new recipes in the process.
Kristin – I’ve finally joined the 21st century and purchased some earbud headphones, so my dance moves have hit a whole new level at a low external decibel. Am I a good dancer? Ask my husband (while I’m not around) for an honest opinion. We have been spending a lot of time outdoors, weather permitting. My 15-month-old has learned how to tell us she wants to go outside, and we’ve only been inside to sleep ever since. We plan to spend some time fishing in the coming weeks.
John D – I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on my lawn and garden. Not only can I get outside, but this extra attention may increase my tomato yield!
Jon S – Last weekend, I taught both my kids to ride their bikes, which was a big proud-dad moment. We’re doing a lot of fishing, card playing, board games, long put-off house projects, and spending more time outdoors. And I no longer have “busyness” as an excuse not to work out more regularly.
Pitt –
This coffee pouring skill took about 3 minutes to master…but I still spill a bit.
Once this was mastered, I spent most of my free time cross referencing Netflix and Prime movies by genre and actor. Actor has been the most productive. I am exhausted.
Shane – Not much different than before, but instead of working out at the YMCA, we splurged on a Peleton bike and that’s been a ton of fun.
Trey – We spend an hour or two every evening playing board games. It has been great as we otherwise have not been able to take the time to do so. The most popular one has bene Settlers of Catan, which is a great game that involves building and developing holdings while trading and acquiring resources. The game can be played in an hour and is best for ages 10+. We have also gone on many long family walks…stopping to talk to neighbors periodically (staying 6 feet away) but not feeling rushed to have a quick conversation in order to “get to something else.” Personally, I have gone from 2.5 to 5 on the handyman scale (not going to quit my day job though). Time has allowed me to be more patient, research and follow directions without feeling rushed.
Lastly, we wanted to share an entertaining video with you. Maybe you’ve seen it. It’s most likely been around for a while, but like many internet things, keeps getting shared. It’s from a group of guys known as Dude Perfect, who happen to have 51 million subscribers to their YouTube channel. Hope you enjoy it!
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