Covid-19- stuck in limbo

I'm pretty sure that everyone's fed up of hearing about Covid-19. It's dominating the news and has stopped the world. So I apologise for bringing it up. This virus has stopped the travel industry in its tracks. Flights are cancelled, hotels cancelling reservations and the US embassy in London has also temporarily closed. For myself, it means that when I get my J-1 visa documents, I can't book my appointment until they open. I'm not too worried; I was placed just over two weeks before my start date for Hawk Mountain, so I had two weeks to get my visa. Usually it takes just over two weeks, but because I paid a lot extra for first class postage, I got my documents back within 6 days.

I'm not worried about the visa, but I am worried about flying out. Even though I'm working in Pennsylvania this summer, the flights were a lot cheaper to fly to JFK in New York. New York state has a high number of cases. Unfortunately, I can't fly to Philadelphia or Newark in New Jersey on the same day that I need to. Currently, people who are planning to work at summer camps can still go. So, all I can do is wait.

Whilst waiting around to hear if I can still go this summer, I'm not doing much. I have been furloughed from my bartender position until the restrictions in the UK have been lifted. My plan for the year was to go back to America then look for another job when I got home. However, I'm stuck in limbo. Until I know if I can go to America, I can't look for other work, and I currently can't work. So what am I doing to keep myself sane? Here are some things I'm doing in the meantime.

Watch Programmes

I watch Netflix whenever I can. I don't know how many shows I've watched but it's plenty. My top programme has to be Sex Education, a British comedy about kids at school learning the ways around the awkward subject. I haven't laughed so much in a long time! Alongside Netflix, I'm also watching movies on Disney +. I got it as soon as it was launched in the UK and I've nearly watched all the Disney princess films already. My favourite Disney princess is Merida from Brave by the way.

Workouts

I prefer going to the gym to do my workouts, but as it is a strange time, I've had to adapt to home workouts. I use some weights that I had at home, and use videos on YouTube to help. My motivation isn't the best, but it has helped keep me occupied. Just doing some simple leg exercises and walking my dog is keeping me going, as you an only have an hour of exercise outside your house currently as part of the restrictions.

Craft work

I found a lot of camp photos that I printed off to stick on my wall at university. I bought a scrapbook alongside some craft stuff so I can create a scrapbook for my camp photos. I've found this most fun as it's keeping me occupied and it's enjoyable. It's nice looking back at the photos and that's helping me stay positive during the lock down, and giving me something to look forward to if the summer goes ahead. Luckily, my scrapbook is big enough to leave space for photos of this summer if I get to go.

Sewing

I have always enjoyed sewing! My gran directed a lot of kids drama performances in my village so she always helped make the costumes and I'd be there to watch her make them. I also did textiles at school and got a B, so I was very pleased with it. It's been a long time since I sewed so I bought myself a jumpsuit pattern to make. Unfortunately, I can't go and ask my gran for help if I get stuck and she's not great with technology, so I may have to wait until the lock down to be over before I get started on it.

Currently, I have six weeks until I'm meant to be leaving. And there is no sign of the lock down being lifted. It's nerve-wracking just sitting around waiting to see what will happen. But, I'm remaining hopeful!