What are you using as your "coping mechanism" to get through this?

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
03/28/2020 at 22:24 • Filed to: Legolopnik

I’ve been trying to stay on the positive signs of this mess that we’re in right now. So, let’s talk about what we’re all doing to get through this jibba-jabba. I know some people are following Bluto’s advice, and drinking heavily. I don’t drink (never have) , so that’s out for me. My wife has actually been drinking less ... maybe she’s just rationing.

I’ve been working as much as I can on my house, with the supplies I have on hand. It’s so tempting to run out for a yard of mulch, or some electrical conduit and junction boxes, but I’m not gonna do that. I’ve taken a crappy wall down in my basement, and cleaned a lot of it out. I drew up plans for what we’re going to do with it long term.

What I’ve really been enjoying, is building Lego. I’ve built one set, which was an !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . What I really love building though , are customs of my own design. Thankfully I stocked up on pieces before the shit hit the fan. I’ve built all of these models since the stay at home order was issued in my state.

The dump truck and the lawnmowers are old models, but they’re riding on a new trailer. Everything else in the picture is new.

I also put this power sports shop together. Most of what’s in the shop is old , but the shop is new, including the lift.

When I’m building a Lego model, everything else leaves my mind. Everything. It’s great. Unfortunately I’m running low on pieces again. I do still have a couple of sets to build at least.

So, what are you all doing to get you through this?

DISCUSSION (51)

fintail > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:47

Started an online SQL class, got a little bored with it, now making an inventory of my diecast collection, which I think should keep me busy for a little while.

I never thought I’d say I miss being able to go to the gym. I haven’t skated in 16 days, feels like 16 years.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:51

Lots and lots of sim racing. No racing in TV and no autocross for at least a couple months so I am trying to fill the void however I can. It’s like stress eating but with fake race cars.

Althor237 > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:54

I have a 25 gallon tub full to the brim of Lego's I've collected since I was a 5 year old (29 years ago) until my daughter's newest sets. We're going to have Elsa from Frozen in pirate ships in space.

jminer > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:57

I’ve been doing similar things to keep busy. Getting lots of things done on the house, ton of yard work today. Luckily I’ve had a bunch of parts and supplies for refered projects keeping me busy.

I pulled out a bunch of lego from the basement including a few unbuilt sets, they're going to get put into the rotation in another week.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:58

I’ve been walking my dog 2-4 miles a day, and enjoying a drink or two so that’s been pretty nice. Not being on someone else’s schedule is a short-lived luxury that I should enjoy while I can. I want nothing more than to buy some bark and a nice new rake, but other than being nonessential, I also don’t have a job so not the best time to be buying things.....

.... but I did buy a new leaf-blower online shhhhhh

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:58

- at least 1 home project a day,

- thinking how to resupply family so they don’t have to go out.

-doulingo

-rationing 1 beer a night. light dinner so this extra scotch is kicking my ass.

Just Jeepin' > fintail
03/28/2020 at 22:58

I started losing a lot of weight after quarantining myself: I had the flu, and by the time that was over, it was time to get serious about avoiding the new bug.

Anyway, between the flu and lack of sleep after getting healthy(ish) and general stress I was down almost 10 pounds and feeling good about that aspect of things.

Unfortunately now that’s over and my weight is rebounding. I wish I didn’t hate running so much. I do miss the gym, something I never thought I’d say.

CB > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 22:59

Meth, mostly.

Kidding, I’m still working, been doing some photography, some cleaning, and playing with my dog.

pip bip - choose Corrour > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:01

Browsing the internet or a train trip

I don’t drink, so no point of starting now

interstate366, now In The Industry > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:02

I’m essential, and Governor Blackface (who’s a doctor, by the way) hasn’t ordered a hard shelter-in-place yet, so aside from not going out to eat and going out of my way to avoid coming in contact with people at the grocery store my life hasn’t changed much.

TheRealBicycleBuck > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:06

Working on work (remotely). Working on the storage building. Working on the mower. Posting on Oppo.

The usual.

wafflesnfalafel > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:14

I... I honestly don’t have a hack. I’ve been trying to suck it up and fill in the gaps where I can and being the stable “rock” for relatives, my folks, my inlaws, my wife, my neighbors, etc. And I have been making a single, full throttle pull in the WRX on a safe road doing a beer run each Thursday to a local brewery since there is absolutely no traffic - just one hard pull through all the way through 4th, maybe 5th , that’s all I need. Just don’t tell my wife.

sony1492 > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:16

The new work schedule gives lots of free time but no energy, the alarm tolls at 2am then I’m home by 10 but all I want to do is sleep, which doesn’t work so it ends up being video games and oppo.

T hese are excuses, I should be working on the lotus

f86sabre > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:30

Well, I’ve been working 14 hour days for the last 3 weeks or so. I did take Friday, Monday and Tuesday off as Spring Break. These are unpaid days off even though I have 5 weeks of vacation.

I’ve been doing projects around the house and enjoying the sun on my off time. I played Karbala Space Program most of the day today. Beyond that I am just trying to be positive. I could be in the shit and be down with my nose in it, or keep my head up and at least have a chance at fresh air.

Nothing > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:30

Detailed both vehicles, it’s nice to have wax on em again. Vet visit for the pup, who is WIPED out exhausted today. Stumbled across bricklink.com earlier today for some Lego ideas.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > shop-teacher
03/28/2020 at 23:35

I have no garage so I can’t do anything car related... I’m trying to decide on some projects etc... Some creativity enhancers may help

Kinja'd!!!

fintail > Just Jeepin'
03/28/2020 at 23:37

I’ve been trying not to eat much on weekdays,leaving weekends as my usual cheat days. Maybe 1000 calorie days on weekdays at most. It’s been tough, due to having a kitchen full of sweets, and maybe some anxiety eating. Drinking lots of water helps .

I injured my leg several weeks ago and can’t jog comfortably, but have been taking a decent walk in the late afternoons too, to admire the empty streets and get some air. I think a lot of people are going to put on 10+ pounds by the end of this.

Just Jeepin' > fintail
03/28/2020 at 23:39

I was doing 1300 calories or so until my trainer told me to stop being an idiot.

fintail > Just Jeepin'
03/28/2020 at 23:47

I’ve been doing a ~200 calorie bar or oatmeal for breakfast along with a glass of orange juice, some cheese at lunch, a nut mix or similar at dinner, and a few pieces of chocolate during the day, along with a lot of water, and a glass of Ovaltine after dinner. Not much, but I feel like I am burning few calories. Trainers at the gym along with the hockey instructors I know would no doubt call me out. I probably should have a little more, but fear of putting on the Corona 15 slows me down

Just Jeepin' > fintail
03/28/2020 at 23:52

You want to be healthy if you do get hit. A few pounds overweight is a lot healthier than 1000 calories a day.

fintail > Just Jeepin'
03/28/2020 at 23:54

Good point. And a good excuse to indulge a little more :)

shop-teacher > fintail
03/28/2020 at 23:54

I just boxed up what of my diecast collection was out. Part of the basement plan I drew up involves me giving my half of our office up to my wife, and setting up all of my stuff in the basement. Once that is done, all the diecasts can come back out, and I want to inventory them for the first time ever.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/28/2020 at 23:56

I need to walk more than I have been. Although it’s been cold and rainy here for the last few days.

What kind of leaf blower did you get?

shop-teacher > jminer
03/28/2020 at 23:57

Nice!

shop-teacher > sony1492
03/28/2020 at 23:58

Yes, yes you should :)

shop-teacher > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
03/28/2020 at 23:58

Did you want the IndyCar iRace at Watkins Glen today?

Just Jeepin' > fintail
03/28/2020 at 23:59

I look at it this way: if I don’t make it out of this alive, making myself miserable by skipping the foods I like will hardly have been worth it.

shop-teacher > Nothing
03/28/2020 at 23:59

I’m staying off bricklink, so I don't spend a bunch of money there.

shop-teacher > wafflesnfalafel
03/29/2020 at 00:00

Your secret is safe with me.

fintail > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 00:01

I’ve sorted about 150 Tomica so far. Still a lot to go, and then comes the Matchbox and others - this will keep me busy for awhile. I am making an inventory in Excel, and tracking to a fine variant level - wheel types, interior colors, tampos, etc.

fintail > Just Jeepin'
03/29/2020 at 00:03

Exactly, an extra cookie or some candy won’t be what does you in.

I had terrible allergies a couple weeks ago, made me suspicious of having a flu , but I had no fever or other symptoms. Now I am leaving the house for maybe 45 minutes a day, avoiding most people, keeping clean, etc.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 00:06

Kinja'd!!!

I was going to get a Black and Decker, since I already had 20V packs from my line trimmer. But the ratings for this were much better, and while my property is not large it is a corner lot which means much more maintenance. Wanted a gas-powered STIHL, but it’s not in the cards what with the not-working thing... But I am done with my corded blower (I have to connect two or three extension cords to do the perimeter), and sweeping with a broom is BRUTAL and largely ineffective. I’ve got two giant Altas cedars in my backyard, and squirrels liter the sidewalk, yard, and street with half-eaten cones and shreds. Have to ever tried to sweep Atlas cone chunks? It’s a lot like trying to pick an eggshell piece out of a bowl of eggwhites.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/29/2020 at 00:42

I’ve got a corner lot too. I love my battery blower, it’s freaking awesome. I had a Stihl gas blower, but got tired of sucking 2-stroke fumes. Battery is the way to go.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 00:43

I’m fortunate enough that I have been working from home for the past two weeks. I’m trying to keep Mrs. BaconSandwich sane. The kids have been really squirrelly since they aren’t getting out as much as they normally would. It hasn’t been fun in that regard. Lots of emotional meltdowns.

I've been cooking a few new things. I did get out of the garage a bit today. I'm making another dining room chair, this on for my three year old.

shop-teacher > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/29/2020 at 00:59

My kids have been the same. Hopefully I can get them outside tomorrow. We’ve had three cold rainy days in a row now.

Be sure to post about your progress with the chair.

CTSenVy > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 01:24

I’ve been playing a bunch of Gran Turismo Sport on the PlayStation 4. One month ago getting to the achievements of getting to level 50 and racing for a total of 24,855 miles seems pretty unobtainable, but now I’m 3 levels away with about 5,ooo miles to go.

PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120 > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 03:33

My brother sent me a Lego set, I supervised as the kids put it together. Boy, the new sets are pretty cool, lots of new specialized parts I’ve never seen.

Oh, I’m also building a new 4k htpc. Between working from home, getting outside as much as possible, we’re doing okay...w eird times for sure.

Stay safe and sane oppos.

Kinja'd!!!

Captain of the Enterprise > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 06:26

I’ve been journaling and meeting with my therapist online twice a week. I’m also doing weekly photography challenges from a website called 52 frames. I’ve been playing video games and resting a lot. I’m also doing my college coursework.

You’re post did remind me that I have a lego set I could rebuild in my closet.

Kinja'd!!!

Lego was my favorite growing up. I bought this set used when I was on the college FSAE racing team.

Kinja'd!!!

Tripper > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 07:01

Ive been working from home so I get to spend a ton of time with my daughter. That’s it for me! She’s also too young to know what’s going on which is an added bonus.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 08:10

We h ave a hundred acres of projects that also provides space to exercise and socially isolate...at the same time. And the real bonus...for better or for worse...we aren’t on the American continent.

So be safe you lot...

shop-teacher > PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120
03/29/2020 at 08:35

Yeah, Lego has changed a lot over the years.

shop-teacher > Captain of the Enterprise
03/29/2020 at 08:38

I have that same set waiting to be built! My wife got it for me for Christmas like five years ago or something.

shop-teacher > CTSenVy
03/29/2020 at 08:38

Funny how that happened.

shop-teacher > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
03/29/2020 at 08:39

Lol! We're doing our best :)

shop-teacher > Tripper
03/29/2020 at 08:39

That's good stuff!

Maxima Speed > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 09:35

My friends and i are all essential employees so it’s work as usual. Off time? Well it’s nice to have a break honestly. Not running around constantly. Working on the motorcycle this weekend. Church canceled so Sunday is pretty free. I will say though that my GF and i are still seeing each-other . We agreed to stay in contact despite the stay at home order because well, we both need it. I’m following the rules other than that though.

Brickman > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 09:48

I would be busy building with LEGO, but im almost finished working on the living room and planting some box hedges / gardening.

I thought about making a PSA about the coronavirus using LEGO minifigures and make a comic strip video about it (legomation is hard work) but by the time im finished it might be over or humanity might be over :P

Captain of the Enterprise > shop-teacher
03/29/2020 at 10:30

I’ve built it one time and then took it apart when I moved so now it’s waiting for me in a box.

shop-teacher > Brickman
03/29/2020 at 10:30

Lol!

TomatoKitten > shop-teacher
03/30/2020 at 00:24

Wow, can’t believe I missed this! Oh, if you’re wondering who I am, I’m awesomeaustinv. This is an account I created for the purposes of starting a new group blog, so I’m trying to figure out how to make it work. Your Lego posts are fun, I like them :)

shop-teacher > TomatoKitten
03/30/2020 at 03:22

Thanks! I’ve been enjoying your Lego posts as well!

Let me know if you figure out the group blog thing. I tried to make one a year or two ago, and was told kinja no longer supported the creation of new group blogs.