Life in Lockdown - Week One

As we wake each morning to more news coverage of infection and deaths and as workplaces either stand down workers or the lucky ones are able to work from home I thought I might take a light hearted look on what life in lockdown looks like for the Peake family.

My first trial day in lockdown happened to be my birthday. Not being one necessarily for a lot of fanfare, it was fine with me to just have my nearest and dearest in attendance. Being a bit restricted at the present time, my present consisted of a series of vouchers signed off by my two very loud very active boys and Sarah. From a head massage to a voucher to call for 10 minutes silence each voucher was tailored to my personality and things that I would like. It will be a shame actually to use a voucher as I want to keep the book as a memento. That being said, let's see if I can get through a week without going stir crazy before making any bold predictions.

Working from home was surprisingly fine. The IT worked (well done Bron in getting it all set up) and the communication portals with staff through Microsoft Teams, Zoom meeting, Outlook and mobile phone text all got a workout through the day. All files in the electronic storage module were available, tax returns accessible and generally it was no different to being in my office apart from the interruptions.

Rather than staff interruptions working through this and that it was "the boys". Even though they had been worded up to be on strict best behaviour and not to annoy Dad they came in fairly frequently. I asked Ollie what he was doing on one occasion as he sat (on his bed as the office is taking over what used to be his room!). "Just bored Dad" came the reply.

The challenge was set, the Peake family entertainment complex (Sarah) has come up with a number of variants of letting them out twice a day to try and keep the family safe, healthy and entertained. Daytime exercise was a run around the botanic gardens followed by a couple of hours at the nets. Hope that doesn't get banned!

By night, we had an abdominal challenge watching survivor. Only two rules, hands must remain on the tummy and legs must remain off the ground. After the first and second ad breaks, it became apparent that the challenge was going to take a while. Isn't that what happens on Survivor itself, the simplest challenges become the most excruciating. Sarah suggested we switch to planking, "the boys" agreed so I went to turn off the video camera (phone video to ensure any touch of the ground was captured... competitive much?)

They all roared with laughter... stitch up. The rules were hands on the tummy and feet off the ground. By moving I had fallen for the Jedi mind trick and was out. Sarah laughed so hard her hands came away from her tummy toward her face... OUT! Not so funny now is it. Charlie rolled around and squirmed and generally looked in pain for half an hour whilst holding strong. Oliver was a squeaky, noisy competitor but in the finish too strong (surprising nobody). Charlie lost concentration and his foot touched the ground. Day one over and out! Not sure exactly how we are going to keep this up for 14 - 21 days to be honest.