The last 15 months have been life-altering for most people, so I thought I would capture some of the most significant changes I’ve experienced.
Working out at Home
Since university, I have worked out at a gym. I’ve been a member of a boxing club, spinning club and yoga studio. I’ve worked out at recreation centres in multiple cities. I’ve been a member of an all-inclusive club, and I’ve also worked out at gyms that are so gross you don’t want to touch anything.
In the past, I have toyed with the idea of working out at home but never thought I would feel motivated to work out on my own. Last March, I purchased equipment and set up a small workout area in my basement. Luckily, I started buying before the rest of the world realized gyms would close.
I now have everything I need to be effective on my own, and I enjoy the convenience of building a workout into my daily routine. Sometimes, I do a long and challenging workout. When I only have 15 minutes to spare, I can hop on the peloton or still be effective with weights. Flexibility has become one of my favourite things about working out at home.
Walking 30+ Kms a week
Before COVID, I would walk 2-3 times a week, often short walks around the neighbourhood. But during COVID, I walked almost every day and many times seven to ten kilometres. I walked to get exercise and be outside, but I found that the most significant benefit from walking was that it helped to improve my mood and mindset.
During walks, I would listen to a podcast or a playlist, and by the time I returned home, I was usually in a great mood, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Joining TikTok
I used to think that TikTok was for teenagers. I thought the app was for teenagers to learn dances and goof around. I was hooked when I realized it’s full of middle-aged and older people sharing humour, hobbies, life stories, advice, crafts, and talents.
TikTok entertained me endlessly during the pandemic. The app’s creators taught me life hacks, makeup tricks, the best cleaning products, how to make house plants thrive, cooking hacks, fashion tips, and skincare advice. I have been entertained and inspired by people I wouldn’t have interacted with.
Sending our kids to Private School
Our kids have gone to local public schools since they were little, and up until now, that has been the right decision.
In April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, we confirmed our suspicion that moving our son out of French Immersion would be the right move. We used that change to consider other schools in our area. When we realized COVID would be a reality for some time, we looked for a school that would adapt to virtual learning quickly and effectively. That led us to a local private school, which he began in September 2020.
A few days into the school year, my daughter realized that high school had changed and that the social aspect would be lost for some time. She wanted to be in a structured, full-time program that would prepare her for university. The following week, she joined her brother at a private school. Our kids did well at school and were happy with their decision to switch.
Miss Travelling For Work
Since 2017, I have held a global role, which means I am on a plane a lot. That may sound sexy to some, but it becomes exhausting quickly. My travel consists of time zone changes, jetlag, hotel rooms and restaurants, train rides, and taxi rides. Often, there is little or no time to explore. All the while being away from my family and home.
My last time on a plane was in February 2020, when I travelled to Singapore for four days. Since then, I have worked remotely from home with no in-person interaction. I miss in-person meetings, and I look forward to the time when I can see my team again.
Saying Goodbye to our Nanny
2004, after my daughter was born, we decided to get a full-time, live-in nanny. We had one for 16 years. We were blessed to find three sisters from the Philippines who became essential parts of our lives and lived with us for four years, six years and six years, respectively.
When the lockdown started in March, we obviously didn’t need childcare because everyone was at home. We began to care for the house ourselves, which, in full disclosure, was a significant change. It turned out to be manageable because we had time on our hands, unlike before COVID, when we were always driving to activities and had little time to relax.
Every family member had a list of chores to complete every week, and life continued. We miss Judy a lot and still get the opportunity to see her now and then. I am a huge advocate for having an in-home caregiver, and I feel very fortunate to have had so many great years of support.