I’ve been working from home for about a month now (four weeks tomorrow) and while I talked a big game about stuff I was hoping to do, I thought I’d share a bit about what I’ve actually been doing.
I have watched entire seasons of shows and a lot of movies — enough that I decided I would get back to doing reviews, but in the quickest and dirtiest way possible because I didn’t want to spend time editing. I set up my phone on a tripod and realized that the front facing camera can’t easily be flipped (mirrored) so I wrote my title card in mirror writing. I didn’t care too much about the DVD cases. This has confused a few viewers as a result.
After the first few, I upped my light and sound game — so set up takes a few extra minutes — but I also tend to record 2 or 3 reviews at a time (changing my outfit in between). Adding a ring light provides a clearer picture and using a pair of headphones as a makeshift lapel mic has helped with the sound. If I screw up, I just record another take. I hate video editing so I just decided to skip that step and so far, that means I’ve uploaded 8 reviews (with more already waiting to upload.) I know that if I make it to arduous, I just won’t do it (as evidenced by the lack of Cloud and Silver Lining uploads since Alynda moved out of town).
You can see all my new reviews on the Page’s Picks & Pans playlist.
I ticked a couple of organizational and bureacratic things off my To Do lists: I cleaned and organized all my wigs (I have more wigs than I realized!) and dealt with some insurance and domain name stuff. There is still a lot of behind the scenes work to do with my websites, and I also need to file my taxes — maybe even on time this year since the deadline has been extended.
I’ve been baking, cooking, and crafting. I spent a large part of the long weekend sewing re-usable face masks and I am soon going to cast on a larger project than the dishcloths I’ve been knitting. The plan is to make a poncho because I got a HUGE box of yarn for Christmas (shared with Rey) and I’m always cold, plus I always wanted a poncho and why not? It’s just two rectangles sewn together.
And I’m still sort of being social. I’m keeping in touch with friends through Marco Polo and other apps; work meetings are through Zoom (with plenty of email in between); and loads of performers are hosting livestreamed content — everything from music and storytelling to full burlesque and drag shows (performed from bedrooms and living rooms around the Province). I even attended a whole conference from my living room! Since I’m still getting a paycheque, I’ve been contributing wherever possible to these events and performers, many of whom have no other income.
I’m enjoying the work I am doing from home (and have plenty left to keep me occupied and amused). For the most part, I’ve been here alone, with just the cat, as Rey has been at their Dad’s since the 19th (though they’ve discussed coming back soon). Emotionally, this has made it difficult at times but overall, I’m content to be on my own.