So typically I take the stance of not discussing depressing world events in the content I create in case people consume it to escape such a reality, but given that my monthly blog posts are part of my Tombstone Project line of life writing, I’m just going to go ahead and launch right into the topic which we’re all so painfully aware of already. But fear not, the usual assortment of more mundane topics and last year’s retrospective lies at the end of these grimly patterned words.
Coronavirus is currently sweeping not only the country, but the entire globe, and has brought with it changes to our day-to-day lives, the likes of which I’d expect to read in a banal science fiction novel. Don’t get me wrong, we’re certainly not on the verge of apocalypse and I’m not about to be dramatic about something which already has millions anxious. I just mean to say that the measures in place to stop the spread of Covid-19 are eerily similar to scenes in many fictional worlds regarding the limitations on where you can go, what you can do, and how people are acting. For example, when I took a rare and necessary trip to the store the other day, areas had been closed off, queuing areas marked and restrictions on the number of items purchasable put in place. I don’t disagree with any of this, I only mention it as a source of unease.
I have never in my life seen such a break from the ordinary day-to-day running of things, and as someone who is fascinated with the concept of society and the expectation of normality that it entails, I must admit that I’m just as intrigued as I am uneasy. To witness people I know react to a global crisis is depressing, yes, but also an answer to a “what-if” scenario that I never thought to – and hoped to never – see. It is, as is the case with many unfortunate aspects of life, a chance to witness a different side to humanity. And while the media – social or journalistic – is bound to focus on people behaving badly and sowing discord amongst others, it’s important that we recognise how many more people are making little sacrifices and looking out for each other, because therein lies the true boon of humankind: empathy.
As for me, I’m homebound for two weeks as a member of the household developed the unfortunately all too common symptoms of the Coronavirus. Luckily it seems to have been a false flag, but both government and workplace – and common sense – dictates that we remain isolated for the time being. I’m lucky enough to be the kind of person who does well in such circumstances due to my love of gaming, writing and plenty of other introvert favourites, but I’ll admit that on day two I felt somewhat impatient and listless. We’re currently on day five though, and although it feels like day twenty I’ve mostly been fine at occupying myself. In what way, you ask? Well mostly – Animal Crossing!
I cannot imagine a more perfect time for a game like Animal Crossing to have launched. For those of you who don’t know, Animal Crossing is a cute little life simulator which places you on a deserted island with some animal villagers for you to develop in real time, day by day. It’s also a multiplayer game, so you can visit your friend’s islands and enjoy some measure of socialising during everything that’s going on right now. If you have a Switch I cannot recommend it enough. I’m just over a week into my deserted island life and I’m documenting it every week over on my gaming blog, for those interested.
Aside from Animal Crossing, I’ve also passed the time by playing Destiny 2 and UNO (digitally) with friends, exploring Disney Plus by making a start of The Mandalorian, The Clone Wars and a long-term re-watch of The Simpsons, creating, editing and uploading the usual assortment of videos to my Youtube channel, re-discovering a long forgotten love of racing games by way of WipeOut, Gran Turismo, and Trackmania, reading through my backlog of PC Gamer magazines and enjoying this season of the Overwatch League! Well, I was desperate for some time off, so I’m happy that I got it, if not by the means of which I did.
And now let’s take a look at what was bugging past Kristian, back when the world was normal.
Ah, the week where I’d seen The Good Place and was having the crisis of just how ethically corrupt most aspects of our society are. This is actually still in the back of my head a lot of the time, I expect it will be for the foreseeable future. That being said, I do miss being able to worry mainly about ethics instead of, you know, the mortality of those around me.
Not really much to add to this one. Remaining mindful about mental health is still important, and not self-diagnosing is still a worthy endeavour. We do get to note the first ruminations on the Halo games coming to PC, though, which is neat. We’re currently in that exact same stage for a Mario collection on Switch, though I hope it doesn’t take as long.
Seems like I had a pretty good week! Fun to note that I forgot this version of the lottery existed. I don’t even know if it still exists. I guess that’s what happens when you stop working at a convenience shop. Also, the prospect of limitless free time seems a little ironic now…
I could have done without reminding myself that Article 13 is still- wait.
Wait!
AN UPSIDE TO BREXIT!
I FINALLY FOUND IT!!
Ah who am I kidding, we’ll probably pull some similar bollocks soon enough.
Perpetually Perturbed 