Shielding to be paused on August 1st

A observation I have discovered during my time shielding... only other shielding people fully understand shielding people.
I've heard countless comments such as, "well, It's for your own good", "at least you won't catch it!", "you get to stay at home and don't have to go to work"

Well, here's some news... most people who are shielding would much rather be at work, would much rather be able to do their own shopping instead of burdening others with the responsibility. It's not like we're at home but we can just pop out if we feel like it! We CANNOT leave home.. Just put the shoes on and think about that for a minute, think about the effect that may have on someone's mental health.

Needless to say I was over the moon when "our Boris" announced that shielding would be paused from August the 1st in England.
That's not to say I am in any kind of rush to go anywhere in particular (except to the pub for a pint) *joking*, but knowing that that freedom of choice is now once again in my control or will be very soon, lifts an unbelievably heavy weight from my shoulders.

I've counted this morning the number of books that I have read since been told I have to shield and it's rocking in at a staggering 14!! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading every single one and find myself actually missing the characters... Hmmm what was I saying about the pub and a pint lol..

So today is our wedding anniversary... Three years ago we said "I do" infront of our family and dearest friends.. It's been a very quick three years and only feels like yesterday. But I wouldn't change Mr Tingle for the world, he's most definitely my absolute rock, and he knows when to give me the kick up the butt and motivation I need if I'm having a day when I feel like the whole world is against me. He works so hard and he truly is my world.

So what will I be doing with my new found freedom come Aug 1st ..... I will be trying to slowly build back the confidence to go a shop, to interact with other people, to hug and squeeze my family whom I have missed seeing so very much,  to feel 'normal' again, what ever 'normal' is.
Will I be taking precautions? of course I will. The virus hasn't disappeared just because shielding is paused! In fact I don't think that Covid-19 in its entirety will disappear for a very long time. 

But for now... To those of you reading this who are shielding enjoy your new found freedom albeit safely... to everyone else, stay safe, follow the new rules, they're there for a reason!

Shez xxx

Common sense and perspective!

Hi all,
I hope this blog finds you well..

So it would appear that we may have to live with Covid-19 for months to come if not years. So instead of feeling like everything is useless we need to learn to live with this fact - Covid-19 isn't going to just disappear.

I've seen and read some absolutely crazy stuff on social media of late. Such as drinking loads of hot water will somehow kill the virus, that you can catch covid-19 through food! Covid-19 is associated, like the flu, with drops of infection, but by all means but your food in the microwave if you so wish.  Also immune boosting foods such as cider vinegar, ginger etc whilst they are not going to harm you, they're not going to cure you.. they're for a stronger immunity not a cure.

I haven't been out in almost 11 weeks now. I think I must have read around 8 books and watched numerous programmes on netflix. one of which I really enjoyed called Anne with an e, a period drama about a feisty young girl fighting to fit in once she is adopted.

Trying to gain some perspective on on the whole debacle is hard. I mean I was so pleased when the government said that us who are shielding can now go for a walk but that doesn't mean it's easy just to throw on a pair of trainers and take myself off for a walk, there has been so much in the media stating how dangerous the outside world is at the moment for me that despite what the government maybe saying, it still feels too soon! And by all accounts Wales are now advising the shielded to shield until mid- Aug!

What's best for people individually is going to differ, how long it takes individual people to feel safe is going to differ. As for me, I will continue to shield until the end of June as per the current guidelines and then I will decide (using my common sense) for myself what's right for me and for my own mental health and sanity. Please don't assume by that that I mean I will be rushing off to any shops or busy places like I said I will engage my common sense, but perhaps a walk out in the open somewhere would be nice.

I'm going to leave it there for now, nothing much more to say other than stay safe, use your common sense and oh yeah wash your hands frequently - with soap - just average soap will do it's a virus after all so antibacterial won't make any difference.


Much love
Shez xx