Z the trickiest letter in this mammoth A-Z Blogging challenge which I began attacking with ZEST and soon ZAPPED my way through the early letters with ZEAL. Initially I tried to introduce something of a lighter, almost ZANY touch, but Life in Lockdown became more serious in my later posts.
There can only be one Z word that dominates the Lockdown story - ZOOM.
Before Lockdown, I associated the word with a Zoom Camera - closing in on a subject e.g.a. bird, or it was one of those instructions on the computer toolbar to zoom in on the screen - with my poor eyesight, it was something I did regularly magnifying the screen view to 115-120%.
But then in early 2020 the word began to be used in a new way and ZOOM was something even the Queen was using! I am not very IT savvy, so what did it mean!
Wikipedia explains it all in some detail. It is a video conferencing software app that allows users to interact with co-workers, friends and family etc. - in effect a video chatting service.
ZOOM has zoomed (sorry - could not resist that pun!) during Lockkdown - used for remote working, distant education, by health professionals and organizations, and for online social contacts. e.g. birthdays, weddings and funerals
Image courtesy of Pixabay
So how have I found ZOOM?
- A friend set it up for me, so I could join in our regular exercise class (Move it or Lose it aimed at the over 60s). The sound quality of the music and synchronization with the movement was not very good, but it was better than nothing.
- I joined in a national "Come and Sing" performance of Faure's "Requiem" - 250 remote singers, though it felt rather odd singing alone in my kitchen.
- Committee meetings were a great way to discuss matters and keep in touch, but I do think the success depends on a good effective chairman, not allowing most vocal participants to dominate and ensuring everyone has a chance to add their voice. I sometimes found it difficult coming in to make a point without interrupting someone else.
- The big success story was with my local Women's Institute which launched a series of speakers on Zoom. So we have enjoyed
talks by a representative of Slimming World, (very appropriator after
Christmas); two professional singers talking about their life in
music;
a presentation on the making of the Scottish Tapestry (twice the size
of the famous Bayeux tapestry); a naturalist and photographer showed his
views of the landscape, birds and animals; whilst "Field
to Food" looked at the work being done to educate children on the
world of animal husbandry. Great use of modern technology and
refreshing to have something different to talk about afterwards.
And now, as we reach the end of this challenge I am feeling rather ZOMBIE like.
But a huge thank you to my loyal band of readers and commentators - you made the journey through A-Z so worthwhile.****************
Usage
I
I think we’ve all become a big zombie-like by today. Yes zoom was the word of the year and while I loved the opportunity to attend distant conferences as so much went virtual, I am pretty much zoomed out.
ReplyDeleteI’ve enjoyed your reflections on the challenges of a covid life and while I won’t be doing a series I may write some thoughts. Thanks for an interesting journey Sue.
Thank you for your interesting posts during the A-Z challenge, an interesting year to have covered.
ReplyDeleteZoom allowed me to work at home for several months and I am thankful for that. I've even had doctor's appointments over Zoom. This past year would have been very different without it (and all of the other look alikes).
ReplyDeleteLike Pauleen said, it was an interesting thing to write about the pandemic. I won't be doing a series on it, but I will probably write down a summary for my own notes.
Hi Sue, love this one...thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhile I have been zooming most days I am keen to get out and about. Thanks for your posts - it has been interesting to reflect on the similarities and differences in our two countries.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind comments . I must admit at the start, I wondered if I would get much response and that just seeing the words Covid and Lockdown would be enough to put people off. So your comments are very much appreciated.
ReplyDelete