Broke Girl in the City’s Lockdown Diaries
A couple of people asked me to resurrect my Broke Girl in the City’s Lockdown Diaries – so from today, they are back!
November 5th, 2020, is the date that the UK ‘locked down’ again. I write this in italics because as much as the UK have closed the pubs, restaurants and other non-essential places to be. London might be more careful than before, but it hasn’t truly locked down, and we are all wondering why?
What’s worse. Despite the fact that people had all been told that they would not have to shield again (this group includes me) due to the fact that it had been bad for our mental health, an email from Matt Hancock told me that I had to shield once again because I am in the ‘Extremely Vulnerable Group’.
MY SHIELDING MESSAGE WAS SENT AT 7 PM – THE NIGHT BEFORE NOVEMBER 5TH.
I received this message on the way to work the next morning. How can the Government justify their ridiculous comms and messaging? It’s unfair to everyone, including me, who is trying to cling on to their jobs and lives, to issue these notices under the radar and out of work hours.
Many people have become complacent, frustrated and even angry. My feelings – I was upset. How could a Government reassure the nation one minute, then send an email which has massive consequences on people’s lives the next? It was covert, even cowardly. Where was the announcement saying that shielding people were in danger once more? Where was the reassurance the Government would help those who were so vulnerable? Whilst no country has ever been prepared, the UK is losing faith in a nation which seems to be dismissive of the number of u-turns they have performed in recent months.
As for me…what was I supposed to do that day? Do a u-turn of my own and not attend work?
Technically – yes. Realistically – no.
November 5th Lockdown Measures
How have you felt about the new measures? I happened to go on the tube to work that morning, which was busy. It isn’t the media hyping this up – lots of people were on the underground, including a group of men on the overground – without masks.
The night before, people flocked to pubs around London, desperate for one last drink before the pubs closed. Not exactly the behaviour of a nation worried about catching COVID-19. I feel for friends in the hospitality industry right now who are worried about their livelihood and jobs. Those people who can’t see friends and family, people whose lives have been affected by this virus, and those of us who are still worried about how this might still impact our lives.
London is NOT under lockdown right now.
Strictly Come Dancing is back!
On a more positive note. I love Strictly Come Dancing, which is now back on TV! I watched it for my friends Laura Whitmore, Melvin Odoom, and Vicky Hope (the MTV gang).
Also, I have watched it with my mother and Grandmother. A show to bond generations and inspire conversations with friends and family. I think of watching it with my family every time I watch it. It is a rather moving tribute to those who lost their lives, fighting for generations of people they had never met. Let’s not forget.
This year Strictly hasn’t disappointed. It’s Movie Week this week, with Dianne and Max reimagined as Homer and Marge Simpson, Frozen, Grease, Star Wars, and Ranvir Singh topping the scoreboard. I can’t wait to see all of the dances over the next few weeks.
My Top 3 Lockdown Diaries Tips
1. PHONE A FRIEND
I spoke to one of my best friends today, who I haven’t spoken to since before lockdown. It was so nice and reassuring to hear her voice again. I spoke to another one of my friends in the evening, who, again, I hadn’t spoken to before lockdown. Texts are all well and good, but it’s important to talk to someone in lockdown. The video is even better!
2. PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS
I have noticed there has been a lot of pressure put on people to spend money on Christmas in November while they can, which is absolute rubbish. Plan for Christmas, but only spend what you can afford right now. Planning ahead might take the pressure off spending last minute, so swap ideas. For anyone who has lost their jobs, has been made redundant or is simply being frugal, we all need each other, not expensive gifts. Let’s face it…none of us really know what’s going to happen next.
3. START A REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR
I am one of the UK Money Bloggers who have again decided to create a ‘reverse advent calendar this year.’ The way in which it works is that I put aside an item of food for 24 days and then give this to a Food Bank with the Trussell Trust. So many people are turning to food banks to get through Christmas, and I am a firm believer in giving back where I can.
That concludes my NEW Lockdown Diaries 2 series!
