So. Here we go again.
I mean, I don’t need to recap really, but for posterity’s sake, and in case I read back through these in years to come, this month has been a bit of a doozy.
Trump tested positive. Then it turned out half the Whitehouse tested positive because they didn’t mask up/distance. Of course their money means they all had the best care possible. I can’t help but wonder how many of those looking after them in any capacity weren’t so lucky. But that’s the cynic in me.
Then there was the new Tiers system. We were in Tier 2. Then Tier 3 – but not Tier 3 because (quite rightly) Andy Burnham and local MPs/Councillors were fighting for fair money to support us. That went into ‘negotiations’ where the Government saw it’s arse and offered to give us £22M (we’d dare to ask for £65M commensurate with the size of Greater Manchester).
So they put us in Tier 3. But then to be petty (again), they agreed to the £60M (where the negotiations ended) but split across the councils in the borough. Which is how it was going to be split anyway, so Burnham won, and the floppy haired bin lid looked like a tit.
Now we’re looking forward to lockdown 2.0 for at least a month, because rather than use the natural break of half term to close everything down, and have the school/college kids isolate a bit, again our petulant toddler of a leader put it off (aided and abetted by the Cabinet). Because to do that would be agreeing with the Opposition and we can’t have that, even if it would be better for hospitality, people’s mental health, people’s finances etc etc.
And that’s where we are. Lockdown is due in a couple of days. I knew it would happen again, and it’s needed. But I’m pissed. It should have been done earlier. The impact would have been better. And it’s timing is pants from a training perspective. I’m hitting PBs. And they’re comfortable, solid. And urgghhhhh. So the first thing I did when it was announced was hit the websites and hunt for more weights.
Yes, Charlie lifting in the stairwell version 2.0 is also incoming.
Right, that’s the current COVID/political climate update. Away from that, there have been nice things, honest.
As I mentioned, lifting has been going so well. My bench and squat are both back where it was before lockdown, if not better. 115kg squat is comfy. 62.5kg bench I can lift out and press on my own, and I’m pretty sure 65kg is there too (I’ll find out this week). Deadlifts are… Deadlifts. Progressing but not very fast.
I’m grateful to have gotten in a hotel stay before this came in, but if you’re struggling and it’s helpful to spend time away from home, I can totally recommend it. Even if you go nowhere during this time, and still have to work from your laptop. Just 24 hours away from the same four walls.
Similarly I’ve spent some time in different working spaces too. Though this will have to change in lockdown, Salut Wines have opened up their upstairs as a working space. It’s that balance between quiet and ‘people’ noises. I also headed over to Use.Space to make use of their working space. It’s gorgeous. And a hop skip and jump from the city centre. It’s also safe, clean and there is loads of space.
Subject to lockdown, I’ll be heading back to both.
Of course, lockdown means fewer trips out, so more cooking at home. Expect lots of lush autumnal stodge – especially now I’ve got an Instant Pot to review. Last night I made a roast dinner, pressure cooking the chicken instead with stock and veggies. It took 30 minutes. I might be in love.
And I’m thinking about the C-word (sorry). I’ve got a couple of posts planned around shopping with independents, for both food, drink and presents. If there’s anyone you would like added, or can suggest, feel free to drop me a line.
I guess that’s about it for this month. We’ll get through this. We need to. But while we do, be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. And check in on your friends and family.