July 11

We have been at home for nearly four months.  We began with a slightly longer holiday in which we couldn't do anything and then went into a school term in which we stayed at home and did everything online.  In that time, Sian and Ellie have seen friends on a couple of occasions, but for the most part have had to endure each other's company and have actually got on really well.  Now, it's the first day that both of them are on a break and they are at each other's throats.

Coupled with the rants at each other are the cries of 'I'm bored.  I don't know what to do.'  Isn't it funny that we often don't know what to do with freedom?  There is a security to be found in routine and following instructions. In the afternoon, they both go out and see friends.

We also decide to break with the mundane and go and visit friends in the evening.  It is great to get out and talk to real people rather than just messaging them.  One thing I have realised about myself over this lockdown period is that, however, much I might claim to not be a terrifically sociable person, it really doesn't do you a lot of emotional or psychological good to cut yourself off from the world completely.  A couple of people have asked me if I would ever give up my job as a teacher if I could make it financially as a writer.  I think the answer to that is 'no'.  Interaction with others is good for you.  I don't think it is beneficial to anyone to cut themselves off from the world.