Learn something new they say

With all social commitments on hold, I know that this presents a great opportunity to take a step back and use this extra free time to do all those things that we keep putting off or wistfully wish we could do if only we had the time.

I am not short of jobs that need doing. I even came across a job that I didn’t even know needed doing. I opened up my wardrobe and had a good look at the mish mash of stuff shoved in there since we moved into our current home a year ago that is still waiting to be sorted out. So far, I’ve re-Marie Kondo-ed my t-shirt drawer, folded all my jumpers neatly, cleaned the oven hob so that it sparkled nicely and sorted out some jars on a shelf in the kitchen. It may not seem that obvious to anyone else but I know these areas are looking that much sparkier in joy…

As we near towards the end of week three in lock down, I recall an article I read on all the great positive activities we can engage ourselves with during this period of downtime. Learn a new craft, skills share, read as many books as you can, cook mindfully, dig up your garden – basically anything you fancied. It filled me with such ambition for our back garden that I bought a spade and some seeds that are waiting to be potted into the many toilet roll tubes I’ve been collecting. The spade is still sitting in the shed. I’ve given the back garden a bit of a prod with it but Husband (ever the practical one) has suggested I do ‘research’ on how to dig up your back garden first. And the toilet roll tubes remain in the bathroom.

Instead of clearing old jobs, I fear I may be at risk of adding to the list. Especially when I noticed whilst others were stockpiling tinned goods, I had been stockpiling laundry.

In all fairness to myself, I don’t think I’m going to learn how to play the piano in the next few weeks, though I really would love to. I’m still working out the balance between work and when not to work and check on the amount of school work that #3 has been doing when she nods blithely at you as you ask how many pieces of work has been done. Then believing it to be true until you do an end of week audit and the figures don’t match.

So I thought about it some more and concluded that I should try and become better at something I really need to improve at. Hence I dug out my still rather shiny bike I’ve had for about five years now. Previously mostly ridden by Husband, but that has now come to an abrupt stop after I generously let him borrow it last week and he proceeded to do bunny hops and cycle in a manner that I can only call reckless.

Respect the wheels.

I can ride a bike if that’s what you’re wondering. If only in a straight line. On a flat would be preferable. For 30 something years, I’ve still not been able to indicate left or right. I tried again at the weekend and it’s still not happening. I marvel at what magical force keeps you upright. And the speed and carefree manner people whizz down a hill. How is that not utterly terrifying?

I’ve always wanted the confidence to ride my bike places. It looks so amazingly liberating. And naturally, because this is not something I can do well at all, I want #1, 2 and 3 to be suitably proficient. And they are. Well #1 and 2 are but #3 less interested.  And because of them, I’ve had to push myself way beyond my own comfort zone. On my bike, on a real road and not pavement at that. My only saving grace is that during this lock down period, there has been no traffic on the roads at all. It’s my safest chance of cycling around the streets of my local ‘hood.

I’ve had a really great time out there, taking up the whole road as I pedal uphill and floating downhill at a pace I would be able to overtake myself at if I were on foot. I think I’ve been out on my bike six or seven times in the past two weeks which is more than in the rest of the whole five years since I’ve had it. I do think those who have witnessed me on a bike would still give me a wide berth if they saw me pedalling from a far. But Husband says I’m improving. He probably has to say that. So let me tell you that #1 and 2 have been complimenting me on my cycling proficiency. Their confidence has definitely grown and it is a lovely adventure to share with them. I particularly value their encouragement and these memories of cycling around our neighbourhood, discovering new routes and things to see, struggling uphill just to wave at dear friends through their windows. Arriving out of breathe and with thighs that are burning from the effort, wondering why on earth we didn’t think about taking the car when pre-lock down that mode of transport was perfectly acceptable.

And I am a bit proud of myself too. I doubt I’ll ever be super speedy or have the stamina for mile upon mile but it’s a start. So if you see my out on the roads, please don’t be offended if I don’t wave at you. It’s best that I keep both hands on the handlebars for your good health and mine.

Whilst there should be no pressure at all to manage everything at home and work and all other commitments, I hope like me, there is something that you are enjoying doing to fill this time. Something that just makes you think that was time spent well, whatever you choose it to be and adds some sparkle to your day.