Wow, I can't remember now if we're at week 5 or week 6 of the lockdown. By looking at my previous post, I guess we are indeed moving into week 6. Time passes so slowly and fast at the same time. It's slow because of the impatience to go back to the 'new normal' (ie. 11 May 2020). It's fast because with so many virtual meetings per day, I end up reacting to what appears to be urgent requests and in reality I have not done a single thing as a work outcome. There's whatsapp (the work group chats), Teams, GoToMeetings, emails, calls etc etc. So many distractions.
Most of us who telework would agree that we work more hours than usual. We save time on commuting, we're so accessible - colleagues expect a fast response. I can only focus on the real things I need to do after the day is over. After I help with the kids' homework. I'm so tired. Last weekend I literally slept for the whole two days.
Dear God, please give me strength. Hoping for better days..
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Sunday, April 12, 2020
10 simple things
I went through some of my old posts. Around this time, 10 years ago I wrote the '10 simple things one should be happy about' and listed the below:
1. Knowing you've done the right thing.
2. Spending time with people you care about.
3. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
4. A hot shower or a bubble bath.
5. No lines at the supermarket.
6. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
7. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
8. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
9. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
10. Sweet dreams.
2. Spending time with people you care about.
3. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
4. A hot shower or a bubble bath.
5. No lines at the supermarket.
6. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
7. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
8. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
9. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
10. Sweet dreams.
I must've felt kind of down at the time when I wrote that but can't remember why. Still, it was interesting to see because I forgot that I wrote this post.
For 2020, if I had to list out 10 simple things which would make me happy, it would look something like this:
1. My health and the health of my loved ones
2. Secretly loving it (whilst pretending to be in denial) that I look younger than my age. People are shocked that I'm almost 40 with 2 kids
3. Checking the mailbox and finding my little order from Amazon arrived
4. Knowing I can cook and bake now, most of the time, very well
5. Watching the kids learn new things and impressed with what they know, understand and remember
6. Managing to surprise myself at times at how well I handled a tough public debate
7. Catching up with siblings and/or with parents over whatsapp
8. Cutting a lovely rose or flower from the garden for the kitchen vase
9. Having a good time and laugh with my girls
10.Bubble tea
Hoping I would remember to write the next list in 2030..!
Moving into week 5 of lockdown
It's the Easter long weekend. We were supposed to be in London for the weekend but ah obviously that didn't happen. British Airways cancelled our flights. As we bought our tickets through another intermediary, British Airways said it could not do the refund directly. Of course, as I fully expected, the line of this intermediary agent was busy and there was no way we could have gotten our refund before the date of departure. We will see in the coming weeks if there is a way to 'rescue' the situation. Luckily, the hotel managed to return the payment we made.
Health wise, we are all ok, even my face have returned to normal, Alhamdullillah. This is the most important thing and no one we know is infected by the virus. Brunei recorded one death so far and hope it will stay that way. This is a big deal considering we are a small population.
We are getting into the routine of things and my office table which was originally home to a lot of junk and trinkets, including makeup, has now been cleared for a temporary office. It is quite cosy actually and conducive to work. The only thing I cannot control is when the kids barge in, in the middle of a video conference. I feel kind of sorry for them, because when Antoine and I are working, they are left to their own devices for hours on end.. with a lot of screen time. Although we go outside in the garden during the lunch break, I feel that the kids need mental stimulation at a higher level. Their learning process is not the same at home - with homework only taking up a short period of time during the day. They obviously need to socialise with others their age and also learn from the teachers which are fully trained to do so. I bought them a lot of games, lego and puzzles to keep themselves occupied... there is only so much we can do to help.
On a positive note, the bank account looks healthy. My skin also looks healthier as I use less makeup during the weekdays. I get to see the kids grow, everyday. I was concerned at one point because of the regular travels. I had 31 missions last year. I have more opportunities to record the kids for YouTube and take more photos - my treasured memory bank. I also value the things I own, more than before. I listen to more music and read more books at night, instead of working. Perhaps rushing back to the 'new normal' wouldn't be so great afterall. We will see.
Health wise, we are all ok, even my face have returned to normal, Alhamdullillah. This is the most important thing and no one we know is infected by the virus. Brunei recorded one death so far and hope it will stay that way. This is a big deal considering we are a small population.
We are getting into the routine of things and my office table which was originally home to a lot of junk and trinkets, including makeup, has now been cleared for a temporary office. It is quite cosy actually and conducive to work. The only thing I cannot control is when the kids barge in, in the middle of a video conference. I feel kind of sorry for them, because when Antoine and I are working, they are left to their own devices for hours on end.. with a lot of screen time. Although we go outside in the garden during the lunch break, I feel that the kids need mental stimulation at a higher level. Their learning process is not the same at home - with homework only taking up a short period of time during the day. They obviously need to socialise with others their age and also learn from the teachers which are fully trained to do so. I bought them a lot of games, lego and puzzles to keep themselves occupied... there is only so much we can do to help.
On a positive note, the bank account looks healthy. My skin also looks healthier as I use less makeup during the weekdays. I get to see the kids grow, everyday. I was concerned at one point because of the regular travels. I had 31 missions last year. I have more opportunities to record the kids for YouTube and take more photos - my treasured memory bank. I also value the things I own, more than before. I listen to more music and read more books at night, instead of working. Perhaps rushing back to the 'new normal' wouldn't be so great afterall. We will see.
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