Games. Books. Food. Music. Activities to keep the kids happy. Activities to keep the adults happy. Star staff offer a wealth of ideas for making it through day-to-day life in the age of coronavirus lockdown
In this age of knowledge work, there are suddenly more people working from home than ever before. For some people, it might be the first time they haven't regularly reported into the office to do their jobs. On top of that, kids across the globe are now attending school from home, many probably also for the first time. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a lot of change at a lot of people in very short order. StarCompliance staff are dealing with this drastic change in their personal and professional lives, as well. As such, we thought we'd devote this week's blog to the numerous approaches to life on lockdown and activities undertaken by Star parents and kids to see them through it all, with the hope it gives you some ideas you can put into practice.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Melissa Macatuno—Star Director Of Marketing and avid board-gamer—kicks this section off with a long list of games her and her husband are playing to keep themselves entertained:
Star Director Of Professional Services Jeremy Stonehouse offered Cards Against Humanity as a way to pass the time. The game's own website describes it as "a party game for horrible people." Is there something you're trying to tell us, Jeremy?
BOOKS—ONWORDS AND UPWARDS
Whether read on a Kindle, an iPad, or the good old printed page, books remain an ideal way to pass the time. Whether transporting you to exotic places or keeping you firmly grounded in the here and now, a good read can keep you engaged and offer sharp observations and insights.
MUSIC—THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
People have long turned to music to lift their spirits. Star Team Lead and Developer Robert Gammon offered the following FREE online performance opportunities for those currently "missing the pleasure of attending live [classical] performances:"
WHAT'S COOKING?
Senior Sales Executive Paul Geishecker and his family have also been busy in the kitchen of late. Crispy Tacos, a.k.a., Tacos Dorados, are currently popular in the Geishecker household, as is some authentic Texas chili. Danny Holwerda has undertaken to teach his 11-year old son Jack how to make scrambled eggs—a recipe that should always be part of a cook's repertoire, no matter his age. And in Controller Jonathan Stone's house, making dinner has become a family enterprise. "They seem to really enjoy being part of the preparation process," says Jonathan.
Finally, Star CEO Jennifer Sun is not be outdone when it comes to lockdown-driven kitchen efforts. "Life on the road is part of my job," says Jenn. "But now that I'm working from home, I have far more opportunity to cook. I’ve been working on my ethnic cooking—getting back to my roots—and also trying out some new dishes." Below is a shot of Easter brunch. Do you have any leftovers available for shipping, Jenn?
TELEVISION & FILM
Never far from the mind of a person simply bored out of her gourd or trying to catch up with the latest bingeable Netflix series, television and film are high on the list of "fun things to do when you're housebound" for Star staff.
BEYOND THE SOFA—EXERCISE!
All that extra time spent in the kitchen cooking tacos and on the sofa watching Tiger King might require extra time spent getting out and exercising. And if you can't technically get "out" to exercise due to lockdown restrictions, Sean Bowes offers the following: "I do a lot of powerlifting but don’t have access to a gym, so I’ve had to get very creative with a 50kg kettlebell. But I plan to build myself a squat rack in the coming weeks."
Your Star blogger makes sure he gets out on a brisk, two-mile walk every day, ends his day with some yoga and stretching, and tries his best to get the family out on a bike ride every evening. Senior Developer Richard Coates says he is "taking advantage of the quiet roads to go on bike rides through the villages and countryside." Jonathan Stone notes that less fast food has led to some very welcome weight loss. And Data Warehouse Developer Tony Brenton offers: "I have fitness gear at home, predominantly weights, and I still get out for an unsociable walk most days."
Melissa Macatuno and Jonathan Stone are staying fit using Mirror, the latest in home gym experiences. Per a very tired Melissa: "Mirror makes it feel like you have a trainer in your house telling you to work harder! It’s been a great way to break up the day. I tend to work out during lunch so I can come back for the second half of the work day with a clear mind, ready to get back to it." Just make sure you maintain proper social distance from your reflection, Melissa.
HELPING OUT THE HELPERS
We're all acutely aware that medical personnel around the world are now working numbingly long hours in extremely hazardous conditions to take care of those sick with COVID-19. SDE Team Lead Fran Pickford and a friend have taken it upon themselves to alleviate some of the suffering these heroes themselves are experiencing. "The personal protective equipment they all must wear causes great discomfort and soreness," says Fran. "The alcohol gel and constant washing of hands is making their hands very dry, sore, and painful. The face masks and hats are rubbing, bruising, and irritating their skin. We set out to raise some money in order to buy and then donate hand, face, and barrier creams to them."
If you're so motivated, now is the perfect time to do those things that need doing on the property. "I renovated my garden and built a picnic bench during my lunchtimes last week," says Sean Bowes, "which will be nice once we’re allowed back outside."
Senior Developer Richard Coates offers: "I've taken this as a good excuse to get on top of the gardening. I bought my house towards the end of last year and it had a pleasant but boring back garden with lots of grasses and bamboo. I've now started to turn it into a cottage garden with lots of flowers and wildlife friendly plants."
LAST BUT NEVER LEAST, KEEPING THE KIDS OCCUPIED
Kids are home from school. Parents are home from the office. Lockdown restrictions can mean more limited opportunities to keep your kids from not complaining about how bored they are. Keeping the kids off of the stranglehold of devices can also be a challenge in such circumstances. Here's how Star parents are coping:
From the Star family to yours, we hope you’re staying safe and staying healthy. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to try a few new things to fill your time at home. And finally, for no other reason than devastatingly cute animal pics are what the Internet exists for, here's Jeremy Stonehouse's dog: