Friends and I have been talking on social media about the social distancing. A fellow storyteller, John, came up with a better term, physical distancing. I replied that the people who invented the term “social distancing” should have hired him instead. It was brilliant.

We can still socialize, but it looks different. We have our screens, tablets, and our phones and Facebook to stay connected. There’s Skype, and those with iPads have the option of Face Time.

Yesterday, our Toastmasters club had our first ever meeting by Zoom, a virtual meeting space, where we listened to an Ice Breaker speech by Jesse, and had a Table Topics session (impromptu) led by Lynn. We gave evaluations as usual, though they looked a little different. Rebecca commented on how we appeared on screen. [I thought I looked a little washed out, could have come from facing the window] She suggested that I could lift my office chair seat a bit more.] And we even had timing lights, since Julie still had them at home for repairs.

We are fortunate in our club to have Sunlife members who’ve already used Zoom. Avi gave us some shortcuts that I’m eager to try out. I’m hoping to use that media in another venue. I’ll need some practice before that, so Doris and I have agreed to have a few meetings together to do just that. I’m Toastmaster next week so I want to be ready.

Our editors twig has already used Zoom to help members attend who are at a distance. We will continue to do that. No travelling time and no gas needed to get there.

My husband, though, was concerned how we’d fill the time. I had a list for him of household things that could be done, such as fixing the toilet on the main floor. We got the parts weeks ago and it’s a job I don’t have the skills for. And yesterday, he worked further on that toilet. We had  tank in one place and the toilet bowl sitting where it ought to be. Still a little work needed there, but it’s on its way.

There were other things too, waiting. We could have a cleaner house by the time this distancing is over. And I’ll take time to scrapbook since I have supplies and pictures on hand. That was Shelley’s challenge, my scrapbooking guru’s idea.

And since my winter hat accidentally got shrunk, I have yarn and knitting needles on my coffee table ready to start a new one. May as well.

There are jigsaw puzzles waiting to be opened, and piano and musical instruments available. Also books waiting to be read. Get some exercise too. I’ve been out for a walk nearly every day since this started.

I’m fortunate that I can work from home with my business, so there will be hours to fill with those tasks.

Apart from household chores and making meals, how will you fill your time?

And if you have children, how are you helping them fill the time? Do they write and do crafts? Share your answers here. They might help someone else.

Let’s do our part in this challenging time and stick together.

Doing crafts with your family is an option

[Several companies have offered resources, including Scholar’s Choice. Perhaps you’ve seen some too.]