Locals share what they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic and talk about their worries, habits and hopes.
Communications specialist Trisha Lees, owner of Rep Lab Communications, is isolating with her daughters and her partner Simon.
“I have an unusual scenario where I move between Fairfield and Vic West on a week-to-week basis,” she says.
What has been the biggest change for you since COVID hit?
I really miss going to my office, but the biggest change is playing a teaching role to my kids with their schoolwork (and they are in French Immersion and my French isn’t great!)
What does your typical day look like?
I’m still working almost full time, so a typical day usually involves a morning run, lots of Zoom meetings, some kid homework, a walk or bike ride and usually some cooking and baking.
What are you most worried about?
As a small business owner, I worry the most about my clients not being able to proceed with their business plans and activities that in turn will directly impact my volume of work. Prior to the pandemic, I was working on a variety of exciting projects and I hope they get to proceed for everyone’s sake.
How do you de-stress?
I go running, talk to my best friends via Zoom, cook with my boyfriend and play this hilarious Just Dance Now video game with my daughters.
What have you been reading/watching/listening to?
My sister, mom and I have a robust book exchange system; I’ve been reading what I refer to as ‘easy’ fiction — a recent favourite is Where the Crawdads Sing [by Delia Owens]. Before bed, I’ve been watching adventuring videos on YouTube about traveling, sailing, climbing exhibitions and also taking in some trashy Netflix.
Have you rediscovered any hobbies?
I recently got a really awesome road bike so I’ve just started that as a new hobby and I love it.
Is there anything from this time you hope carries forward when this is over?
I feel that this drastic change in lifestyle has given people time to reflect on what’s important to them and the incentive to get back to the basics. I’ve realized how busy I usually am in ‘normal’ life and I don’t want to go back to such a frenetic pace that prevents me from enjoying all that I have around me. I’ve reassessed my values.