As we navigate through these challenging times, it’s easy to find a bit of ourselves in Jack Torrance. When quarantine first began, I was blissfully unaware, optimistic about the chance to spend quality time with my family. I envisioned long days filled with puzzles, walks, and baking — a perfect opportunity to bond with my tweens, who usually prefer their own devices to my company.
Little did I know, history had already shown us the potential pitfalls of prolonged family isolation, as depicted in the classic horror film, The Shining. Jack’s descent into madness in a hotel meant for leisure serves as a cautionary tale for our own experiences. Let’s explore the stages of quarantine through gifs from this iconic film.
Initial Phase
In the beginning, everything feels refreshing. You’re dressing up, styling your hair, and enjoying the absence of school schedules and morning commutes. The thought of endless hours at home seems like a dream come true. Daily nature walks and sharing picturesque moments on social media fuel your enthusiasm.
However, it quickly becomes apparent that one productive activity a day is insufficient. The children are restless, and you find yourself abandoning structured plans for free-form arts and crafts. On the work front, balancing tasks while trying to peel your child off your leg every few minutes feels more like an obstacle course than a job. “How much are we paying teachers again? It should be TRIPLE!”
Middle Phase
As time ticks on, the need for a daily happy hour arises. The monotony of life becomes palpable. Your kids are climbing the walls, and you’re feeling the strain too. Questions about how much longer you can endure this confinement and the anticipation of browsing stores like TJ Maxx again start to dominate your thoughts.
Final Phase
Now, the children are sleeping in, and coaxing them into their Zoom classes becomes a daily battle. You might even consider letting them go pantsless. The cabin fever has set in, leading to moments of sheer frustration: “Why are we out of Tito’s AGAIN?” or “Why can’t I find any yeast at the grocery store?”
As tension mounts, the only remedy seems to be ordering random items online, locking yourself in the bathroom for some quiet time, or indulging in half a cake. Whatever it takes to survive this ordeal.
In the end, it’s crucial to remember that we’ll emerge from this, albeit perhaps a little more frazzled. Just maybe hold off on rewatching The Shining until we’re on the other side of this experience.
For more insights on navigating life’s challenges, check out this post, and if you’re interested in fertility journeys, this resource offers valuable information. For a deeper understanding of assisted reproduction, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource.
Summary
This article humorously explores the stages of quarantine through the lens of The Shining, highlighting the transition from initial excitement to the challenges of confinement. It reflects on the dynamics of family life under stress and offers resources for those interested in fertility and insemination.
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