Me, Myself and PDA

So tomorrow (Sunday 12th April) marks 3 weeks since I last left the house. I’ve not even been in the garden and do you know something – I’m loving it! 🥰 I know I shouldn’t brag but this isolating malarkey is actually my idea of heaven. I’ve had all social demands removed, good and bad ones, and I’m no longer expected to attend things like dentist appointments. My world has shrunk massively and at the moment I don’t mind at all. I’ve also had to make very few changes to my home life. I’m pretty much in a bubble and I like that. My home has always been a bit of a bubble but more so now.

You see I’ve always worried about germs and counted days since I might have last been exposed to something contagious but I don’t have to do that so much now as I’m not attending meetings or socialising. Lovely.

I’ve also always washed my hands when I get home, just in case, and I’ve always been mindful of who might have touched something before me. I’ve certainly never directly touched toilet flushes, door handles, hand rails or buttons when I’m out! Hand washing is second nature to me.

I’ve also been practicing social distancing when out for years! 🤣 I don’t want people to get the wrong idea and think that I don’t enjoy socialising and meeting friends – nothing could be further from the truth actually. I love being around people and attending social events but it takes a lot out of me. An easier way to explain it would be to imagine for a moment that PDA is a physical condition that limits the amount of energy I have. Instead of it taking physical energy though, socialising takes a lot of mental and emotional energy out of me. I love it but can’t do it for long or very often. Before Coronavirus I did often have to make excuses but now that is removed. Thank goodness for social media. Might be a different story if I didn’t have that!

When the virus hit I had already booked 3 weeks of food shopping as I always do so we’ve only just been affected by the chaos in getting a food delivery slot. I couldn’t get one for this week but Paul was able to collect some bits from the local farm shop donning his gloves and mask.

I’ve also bought enough food and “stuff” to last us at least a week. Saves constant trips to the shops and actually saves money in the long run. We’ve also been sharing our delivery slot with friends in the village by getting them bits that they need. I think everyone should try to do this if they can.

Like I’ve already said all external demands have been stripped away. Don’t get me wrong, I’m missing my friends and going to things like the WI but I’m also not if that makes sense. I’ve been so busy “out there” over the last few years that the break is most welcome. I’m sleeping more and eating less! That’s got to be a good thing, right! I’m also toying with the idea of starting up the line dancing in the kitchen again. It really feels like my life is literally on pause while I get to take time out and relax. That’s a lovely feeling. Normally when I take time out from life I miss so much and disappoint so many but not at the moment.

No one is expecting me to go here, be there or attend this meeting. No parties, no meetings, no appointments and no feeling forced into things for fear of disappointing others or having services/support removed. It really is a break from life. ⏸

I’ve even had enough in the tank to tackle a few jobs almost daily around the house and keep on top of the mess I create a bit. I’m not perfect but it’s better than nothing! I’ve also thrown myself into crafting again. My head is still jam-packed with ideas but I’m actually sorting them and will crack on with them in the next few weeks. Watch this space!

So Tuesday (7th April) was my birthday. I had a small PDA-friendly gathering at home planned but obviously that couldn’t happen. Paul and I just spent the day together and a few friends dropped presents off and we chatted briefly with them over the big distance of the front door and end of the driveway! That was nice. Yes I was sad not to be able to invite them in or be able to see my family but I know it’s not forever. Life is just on pause for now.

On a funny note I baked my own birthday cake (not an unusual activity) but had the worst baking fail I’ve ever had! (See photo below!). I think I know what happened – I went solo. Paul was mowing the grass and I thought “yeah I can bake this on my own” and “it’s not like it’s an unfamiliar recipe” – boy was I wrong! In true ADHD-style I appeared to have fucked up and baked rubber! It actually held together and I was able to bend and flex it! 😳 I must have missed something out or added the wrong quantity of something! 🤣 Thankfully we had enough ingredients to bake something else and Paul came to the rescue with a chocolate cake. Phew! 🤣 I’m going to try shortbread tomorrow – what can go wrong? It’s only 3 ingredients and I’ve made them countless times! 🙏🤣

I’ve also had an interesting thought – those following the rules and isolating are in fact living my life. The life I’ve always lived – worried about germs, counting days, hand washing and only going out when absolutely necessary! Yep, that’s pretty much my life! 🤣

Yes I’m a bit put out that Neighbours is now 2 days a week instead of 5, that my beloved Snooker isn’t happening and that Keith Urban has had to postpone his May tour (we have tickets) but it really could be much worse. I’m happy to have a bit of disruption – think of the bigger picture.

I want to end this post by reminding people to stay home. It’s not a joking matter and will save lives, maybe even your own. Remember that next time you complain or are tempted to meet people. This thing is bigger than just you. Stay home, stay safe and save lives please. 💜