Month: May 2020

Quarantine real talk…

On By konnichiwakitty-Hannah IRLIn Chronic illness, lifestyle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Quarantine day…. I honestly don’t even know anymore.
I’m not going to lie, today has been a slog and the days are just blurring into each other and are equally trying.
I thought that when uni work was out of the way I’d feel more relaxed and have more productive days. I thought I’d be super productive at home, maybe even turn into a “hincher ” (fun fact: I haven’t). I thought I’d stick to a semi regular blog posting schedule and add a heap of new items to my store and step up my shop game. I thought I’d become an Instagram worthy home schooler with Pinterest activities coming out of my ears and a child eager to learn.
The truth is I’ve been busy in one sense of the word everyday and don’t feel that I’ve achieved much at all. There’s still a heap of stuff I need to do. Homeschooling has been sporadic, Pinterest homeschooling activities have been put to one side and parenting has been hard work despite all the joy kiddos bring. Diys have been halted due to running out of paint (and steam). I spend most of the day just wishing things could be normal but the thought of rushing back to the new normal terrifies me.
I know this sounds trivial and don’t get me wrong I realise people are in far worse scenarios than I am. This isn’t to minimise their difficulties in any way, shape or form. The quarantine has blown minor things into more major ones and played havoc with things going on in my head. I’ve been experiencing intrusive thoughts, heightened anxiety and have become hyper critical of myself. I’m longing for some semblance of normality or the ‘new normal’ to be more clear cut. So this post has no real point other than to say, we’re all only human, we’re all living in difficult times one way or another . It’s ok to feel iffy, this is a super scary time. If you need to talk, I’m here, reach out.

Coping with quarantine: Not every day is easy

On By konnichiwakitty-Hannah IRLIn Chronic illness, lifestyle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

CW: mentions of MH, quarantine

I am feeling beyond disconnected. With friends, family, the local community and myself. I feel lost.

I’m struggling today. Even ACNH isn’t helping and normally it’s a great distraction . Nothing really feels real or right and my anxiety is sitting pretty high on average. The thought of coming out of quarantine is terrifying, the fear of what happens when we try to move forward is unreal. I’m afraid of what happens next. It’s hard to see what the future holds, or at least frame it in a slightly positive light

I’m angry that we’re being failed by our government, I’m angry that healthcare workers aren’t being adequately protected, I’m angry that key members of government have felt that they could take actions that many others haven’t despite difficult circumstances. My heart breaks thinking of the families who are apart and hurting, those at the end of their lives who have to be alone, those who can’t say goodbye to loved ones

Today isn’t a good day and I can only hope tomorrow is better, the problems won’t have magically been resolved over night but maybe I’ll be better equipped to deal with them tomorrow. Right now I’m going to throw myself in to enjoying the weather with my son. I’m so grateful I can be at home with him and stay safe. I truly hope our key workers can do the same, I am so so grateful for the sacrifices you are all making. Thank you.

Animal crossing is the distraction we all deserve right now

On By konnichiwakitty-Hannah IRLIn Gaming, lifestyle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

If you had told me where we’d be as a society (on a worldwide scale) at the end of last year I’d have responded with an overtly positive but extremely naive ‘no we’ll be fine’, But look where we are now. We can’t go out, we can’t see loved ones and friends, we can’t live as we once did. Life is very different and looks to be that way for the forseeable future. We needed a distraction and wholesome shining beacon of light in the darkness that is the global pandemic. That distraction came courtesy of Nintendo in the form of Animal Crossing New Horizons.

The shining beacon of joy in an otherwise dark time

My love affair with Animal Crossing started with New Leaf, but makes me wish it had started sooner. Usually games I play involve strategy, fighting, zombies and all things that get the adrenaline pumping but being in lockdown meant that I didn’t want to play games with dark content or violence. The world felt like a scary enough place, I just lost all desire to play my usual games. Luckily the day before my birthday Animal Crossing was released and it was the game I knew, loved and NEEDED to get me through quarantine.

My switch is more dressed up than me thanks to quarantine

The ability to play with others even whilst social distancing, the leisurely pace of play and new customisation features allow players to become fully immersed in the deserted Island experience like never before. And I have become not only fully immersed but fully obsessed. I’ve played with others around the world, traded goods, created an island paradise from scratch, took a risk on the stalk market and fallen in love with villagers (some notably more than others, hi Aurora).

Aurora is so precious

I didn’t realise how much this game would become a distraction from the world’s events and from being quarantined for an extended period of time (thanks chronic conditions), but it has become the beacon of light I and so many others needed. The community of players I’ve met so far have been friendly, helpful and genuinely lovely people. There’s a variety of active discords, Facebook groups and even WhatsApp groups to join to trade craft and even just water each others flowers. Another notable outside group is Nookazon for those hard to find goods, but occasionally the prices can be a little on the high side so perhaps cataloging parties will be a better option for trading goods and getting them added to the Nook shopping app.

I could rave about my love for Animal Crossing for hours, but the best way to understand the calming ability of such a seemingly simple game is to get involved. Who knew a game could help manage the overwhelming anxiety that a global pandemic brings? I certainly didn’t expect it to have such a profound effect but I’m beyond grateful it has. It’s the escapism I, and many others needed right now.

Truly, thanks Nintendo for this wholesome addition to the Animal Crossing franchise but pleeeeeaaaasssseeee Nintendo, please add some more worktops and surfaces!!!

The Sakura garden centre before it’s big makeover

If anyone is interested in visiting my island then please add me on the switch. I adore visiting other’s islands and I’m always looking for buddies to trade, fish and water with.

Add me for island adventures

Until next time, stay safe, stay at home (if you can) and stay well.

Take care x