I'm not diminishing the gravity of the Covid crisis at all, but it's human nature to find a laugh in even the most dire of circumstances. Cass and I have been fascinated by the emerging labels around assistance given to people during the crisis: it seems that even extra funds given by governments need to have jingly catchphrases and quick media bites these days. The most obvious examples are the government assistance programs of Jobkeeper and Jobseeker, along with the obliquely rhyming, Jobmaker. All of these have merit, and actually describe quite well what they are seeking to achieve. We've wondered, however, if the government advertising gurus could go even further.
How about Jobreaper? It could refer to those part time workers who have scored a bonanza of work during the pandemic in those areas of the economy that have seen a notable uptick, like the gig economy, delivery and takeaway etc. Those folk who have embraced the lockdown as a chance to leapfrog others at work into higher positions due to their ability to keep working, while others are hampered by restrictions or commitments could be Jobcreepers. Much like a teabag in a cup, how about those who keep ties to their employers even if they're not tied officially to them by Jobkeeper: Jobsteepers perhaps? Job-beepers could be going backwards in their careers like a reversing truck, Jobdeepers are doubling down at work and being twice as productive working from home, while Jobleapers are cheering the loudest of them all! We've decided that the most accurate description for our current situation, leaving paid employment of our own accord at the time of our choosing, could be suitably labelled Jobleaper. We're lucky to be in this position in these very uncertain times.
A quick glance at the above photos gives a slightly skewed snapshot of our activities of late. We've had various meals with Cassy's parents along with a country luncheon with Kristin for her birthday, yet have mainly confined ourselves to our daily walk of wonder along the Bather's Way and methodically, if slowly, sorting out our day to day lives. We've had to attend to many long neglected matters, including building and apartment concerns that we've had for many years, but have been unable to fix satisfactorily due to the fact that we didn't live here, and we couldn't get people to deputise for the myriad duties that have subsequently cropped up!
We've had tradesmen and deliveries and commitments many days, each of the tasks fairly small, but requiring our attendance and diligence. Quotes and jobs have been sourced, adjusted and supervised. We're starting to get on top of our apartment unpacking, but tell-tale sheets and dustcovers still drape across artworks stacked against walls and unpacked boxes lurk threateningly in dark cupboards! We'll get there: we've just made a pact not to get too frantic about these things and let them be a slow burn. The chaos in the basement carpark space is not even worthy of mention here, lest my OCD tendencies start really kicking in!
We've read a few books lately. Cass read The Nickel Boys and rated it an A-, which is fairly high in her discerning scale! She's tackling Hilary Mantel's quirky Wolf Hall at the moment and I'll await her verdict upon completion. I read The Hunted, an Australian thriller by Gabriel Bergmoser, after reading it had elements of Michael Connelly and Lee Child. Let's just say, it didn't, and leave it at that!
We're going to watch the Knights play St. George today in the last home game of the season....Go the Knights!