Brutal Honesty, Ego's and a Common Goal

I had a routine of watching the news every morning, starting at on channel and giving each one it’s due and then moving on to the next. It is a question of timing that that started me doing it in this way, then it became about seeing who had a story that another one didn’t. Then it became about how the same story was interpreted.  I am by no means a guru on what’s going on and I am inclined to pursue the stories which are of interest to me. But, staying informed is important on so many levels.

I have noticed that in South Africa, especially with television news the story remains the same and if there are any nuances trying to sway me in any direction I just haven’t picked up on them. I am very much aware of print news and the different slants each publication takes.  But a newspaper seldom gets bought.

Since the Coronavirus outbreak my news watching habits have changed somewhat and I have to confess that I am now fishing for the stories I want to hear. Where I had a morning news session and one at lunch time, I now wait for the day to fully arrive and then I watch the news. I started doing this because the footage I was seeing was just too heartbreaking, and the dire situation was fast becoming all consuming. It’s just that there are other things happening in the world while we are looking away. I have previously mentioned looking for other news and how difficult it is.

If there is a breakthrough or an update I receive a notification on my phone, so I never miss the crucial moments as our new history plays itself out.

I think that despite the hardships our country experiences as a matter of course, the obstacles created by legacy, near and distant, the self-made hurdles of corruption and the general decay of systems and standards, our leaders are performing and delivering incredibly well.

Granted, we are still at the beginning of the pandemic in our country and the chickens of greed and mismanagement are coming home to roost.  Swift and targeted action has kept us on good footing.   We have not been lied to about the severity of the situation.  Brutal honesty is key in getting us through this nightmare.  Politicising the situation or going the race route have not become the order of the day, which is heartening in the face of a non-discriminatory killer.

Following British and American news and how they are dealing with the situation is informative and times frustrating. It helps to compare where we are regarding treatments, cures and controls. It seems that there were delays, and grandstanding from a president who is all about the president.  Politics and grandstanding have no place in an arena where all lives are at stake. I think he finally realises this. 

But,

This morning, after he has been called out by all and sundry for the ineffective initial response to a world crisis, the President of the USA has chosen to shift focus and is talking about a possible military threat from an enemy. Is this true? Is it more obfuscation from a scolded child?  Can they afford to ignore it.

Yes, there is a worldwide shortage of masks, there are nowhere near enough ventilators or properly equipped hospitals but there are ways to overcome these obstacles.  When this is over we can address the reasons behind things that went wrong and set the country on a path that is trod with integrity. But, for now, if the warring parties in South Africa can put their differences and egos aside and continue to attack the problem with the efforts that they have, we are in with a chance.

My post today is all very serious, but it is what is in my head. And to be perfectly honest I am not in the highest of spirits.  I can see that what our government is doing is working, they are proactive and decisive. But, I wonder if 21 days is enough?

Today I am doing all I can to keep positive and to keep the faith. I am by no means disheartend, just taking a bit of strain.

Surviving and Dressing Up...or Not

 I am a survivor. A survivor in the sense that when the opportunity to flourish disappears I can still maintain where I am at. A survivor because I will jump into the sewer if I need to or into the crocodiles mouth if it means getting my watch back...

I don't do well in the boring, the mundane and humdrum may well be humbug.
So when things fall down as they so recently have, I do freak out, I cry, I express my fear and then I look within to find a way to get through it. Granted, hustling for dinner or odd jobbing for accommodation are a far cry from where we find ourselves. I know that if we can survive this, we can survive the hard slog to normality. I am game. I am heartened everyday by the journey and faith of others.

In my first post I mentioned how glad I was for technology. It has kept me in the loop and in touch, it has also kept me inspired. And anyone with access to the internet or a cell phone will be able to attest to that. People with clever ideas to keep fit, entertain children, people with incredible imaginations entertaining themselves and the sharing to entertain the rest of the world. Lets face it, there are some very funny people out there.

Yesterday was laundry day, which in itself is no fun, and that it was written on my whiteboard for all the world to see, ensured that skipping it was out. Naturally, by writing out a roster I had pledged to do a task daily, just so I didn’t become complacent.  So, I did it.  We haven’t been anywhere so there were no work clothes and I didn't have to work very hard. If it were warmer, we could go naked and next week have zero laundry.

I also decided on something that I can learn and use in the future. I am learning to sew. Yesterday was all theory; unfortunately, my hands-on teacher still has to work, but I watched a few tutorials and I can now, theoretically, thread a sewing machine.

Only one snag! There isn’t much fabric lying about. An old tablecloth, some leftovers from recovering dining room chairs and some old jeans. Enough for practice, possibly enough to make an outfit to wear as we leave our homes for the first time on 17 April. A vision in gingham and felt.

Today I have to mow the lawn, I can't believe the speed at which it grows.  But first I will feed the birds. They come back every morning and if I sit still long enough I am sure to see some familiar faces.

We face a long and frightening road. This virus has brought all our shortcomings as a nation to the fore and it will take many a miracle to set things right. It can happen, but we need to be willing to do what it takes and set our own selfish needs aside.

Stay safe
Stay sane

While We Were Otherwise Occupied

Staring into space out of my bedroom window this morning it occurred to me how many flocks of birds I had seen lately.  And as I went outside for my morning lungful, I realized that the only sound I could hear were birds. More than I ever hear when I go outside this early. There is absolutely no traffic noise and none of the usual sirens, but I like to think that the birdsong I am hearing is because there are more of them around. Suburbs and gardens are less frightening for now.

I also went outside last night and stood in the garden. It wasn’t late at all, barely seven o’ clock but the silence was deafening. The sky is also so much clearer, and I have heard speak of blue skies peeping through in places where smoggy grey is the standard. For all the misery and tough times Venice has faced recently the canals are staring to run clean, and from the end of my driveway the Joburg skyline is as clear and definite as it was thirty years ago.

My mind has been thoroughly occupied by this virus. I haven’t been paying attention to much else besides lockdown, handwashing, symptoms and the toll the we are paying the world over, spending much of my time checking everyone is ok, safe and in good spirits. So pre-occupied I nearly forgot that in spite of this the world turns, people in high places are making decisions and processes continue unabated.

While we were looking away.

·         Vladimir Putin passed a law which allows him to be elected as president once again, and again. (Shades of Mugabe)

·         Vera Lynn turned 103. She was one of the best-known wartime entertainers and supporters of troops during the war years.

·         Stem cell research has allowed for a second person to be cured of HIV; my medical knowledge is lacking but this is the gist of it.

·         South Africa finally landed a ‘Junk’ status, kicking our economy while it is down.

Trying to find news that is of importance has proven difficult because of the prevalence and the focus on Coronavirus/Covid-19 articles.  But the world hasn’t stopped, and we all have things that are important to us, whatever arena they play out in.

If you have been checking the news occasionally you will probably have seen how the human spirit is persevering, with concerts on balconies, singing policeman on patrol, food packages for the elderly, endless silly boredom avoidance videos. News that, although linked to the virus, gives us hope.

It is a beautiful day today; I am going to feed the birds in my garden.  The food is going quicker than normal. Are there more birds, are they also stress eating or am I projecting and being too generous with my portions?

All kitchen cupboards will be unpacked and rearranged before the day is out. Also, I am having my first glass of wine since I shut my gate on Wednesday afternoon.

Stay strong.  Keep the faith.

Garden Walks and Waistlines

Having checked in with my nearest and dearest and finding them well and safe I managed to have a rather good nights sleep. Of course there is worry which will linger for the duration but as we move through these weeks it will become easier to manage.

So it was with a sense of renewed hope and energy that I embarked on a bit of a walk. It seems that the driveway I have been talking about is slightly longer than I thought. Added to that a circuit of my garden and I only need 14 laps to complete a kilometer. I have managed to notch up 2 km this morning, despite the lack of scenery and the sense that I wasn’t going far.  My neighbor promised not to judge.

The dogs think it is great fun for the first few laps and manage to burn off a bit of energy charging around, trying to get nowhere first. But distractions abound and they end up sniffing at invisible blobs and chasing birds. I have also started giving them less food and only one biscuit a day. The last thing we need is to come out on the other side only to be restricted by diet. That applies to us humans too. I don’t know how much weight one can gain in three weeks; imagine not being able to fit into anything!  Talk about salt in the wound. Or is that salt and vinegar?

We limited the 'cheat foods' that we bought for the duration of the lockdown. Some through choice, others through forgetfulness.  We chose to only buy one slab of chocolate for each week, we did however forget to get any crisps or Easter eggs. I know its a good thing and I will thank myself later. But we did make sure we have an abundance of flour and sugar and a brand new bottle of gas for the oven I love so much.  May sense prevail.

Since it is a weekend we haven't allocated tasks but will probably find something to do so the day isn't wasted. I think staking out a vegetable patch might be just the ticket. But first a few more walks around the garden.

What Can I Be When I Am Big?

I am usually good when it comes to things I have committed to. It takes toothache and someone else cancelling to keep me from doing my bit once I have pledged.  This leads me to believe that maybe I have bitten off too much, or have I just jumped in without much thought to what is required.

Because walking and jogging has been mooted and my driveway requires twenty lengths to make up a single kilometer, I have sworn allegiance to the stern woman who drives my exercise app.  Second day in and I have pulled a neck muscle doing what I like to call ear-ups; pulling oneself up by the ears into a sitting position as there are no core muscles to speak of. So now I have a sore neck and no inclination to exercise, but the desire to emerge from this lockdown looking good still exists.  Some rest and a different approach might help.

My second issue is not as easily solved.  The situation requires that we manage our money and save what we can for the uncertain future.  The situation also requires that I use the time I have productively.  I loudly announced that I might try an online course.  There are loads of free short courses I can take, I am not concerned about accreditation, I just want to learn something.  But what?

I still don’t know what I want to be when I am big, and I have been many things. From a waiter and manager to salesperson in an adult store and the person the bank calls for assistance. I have baked cakes, sold porn and given advice on accounts and television sets. I have made food and sold it on the side of the road, and I have written copy for websites.  Granted I did some for longer than others, but they all came to an end.  Either because nothing was required of me or because too much was required, more than I was willing to commit to at any rate.

Of course, one would think that financial reward would be a large motivator in all this. Alas, for me it is not. When I made the most money I was also at my unhappiest and vice versa. Except for selling smut, there was no money or joy.  A few interesting conversations, but no joy.

The common thread here seems to be that I have focused on people and their satisfaction in all my jobs.  So maybe I can take direction from this and find a course that will help me to deliver to others as well as myself. Mindful living, purposeful action, and the like are concepts I am becoming more and more acquainted with, and I like them.  If you have any suggestions for an online course that I might be interested in, please leave me a comment.  But only if you are not sensitive or precious about the subject.

Thoughts, Ideas and Wishes

Today is the day.  I won’t be surprised if nobody stops by to read my diary or leave a message. This is a short entry. 

So many of us have opinions and concerns about how the situation is being handled, and our concerns which go beyond the crisis we need to keep safety of ourselves and of others at the forefront of our minds.  You can rebuild a business, however difficult, you cannot however resurrect the dead.

Falling into routines as we are isolated is human and it brings a semblance of normalcy. Human beings are adaptable, and we will get through this.

Remember:

·         Talk about what you are feeling, it helps you and others understand your behavior

·         Check in with those you love as often as you can

·         Set yourself a task or a target every day. It passes time and gives you focus.  Today I am washing all the dog beds and blankets and disinfecting the floor in the lounge and passage.

·         Jumping jacks get the blood flowing and burn calories

·         Keep doing the nice things for yourself. Brush your hair and even a dab of lipstick

·         Keep weekdays as weekdays and weekends as weekends.

·         It might be the end of the world as you know it, but it is not the end of the world

·         Tell your loved ones you love them

·         With so much less to do we could start our new normal with an obesity situation or we could pull a Bette Midler in Ruthless People and grow some abs and a tight butt. (In fact, you should put it on your to do list)

·         Lastly, as you go into this, your prayers are needed, regardless of who you pray to.

Going into this lockdown is what makes this invisible threat so much more real for us.

To my family and friends. I love you. I never say it, but I do, and I would be lost without you, so no brave ideas or unthought out missions.

To those that had to postpone trips, something to look forward to,

To those who can’t be with loved ones, gratitude for technology

To those who are just plain scared, find courage in routine

If you are alone, join a chat group

Find humor where you can, as a nation we are so good at it. It keeps us grounded.

I know that as we settle in my posts will become lighter. This is what is in my mind and heart at the moment and this is my diary.

Take care

Prepping, Remaining Calm and Aiming Upward

I can with a much happier heart close the front gate of my house and stay indoors for a few weeks. I have ensured that my mom has everything she needs, from medication to a reasonably full fridge and grocery cupboard.  I have stocked up on I what normally would, given that it is end of the month and everything is pretty much finished anyway.

I am having mixed feelings about the ease with which I managed to pack a trolley full of essentials, pay for them and get back home in a little more than an hour. I am so glad I didn't have to stand in eternal queues to get in to the shop and then to be rung up. The quicker the better is always key when shopping, but I had honestly thought there would have been quite a few more people about, all wanting to do what I was doing. Happily, the shelves were all stocked as usual except for anything that resembles a disinfectant. Bars of soap and soap powder aplenty, no liquid soap, no disinfectants or sanitisers, but if I am in my own home for 3 weeks I don't see the need for a pocket size of any of these and I do still have various soaps on hand.

Why are people not shopping? Is it because they already have?  Have they decided to wait until the last minute like they do at Christmas? Or do they simply not care; About their own health or anyone elses and will shop willy-nilly since the grocery stores are to remain open.

This is not about stockpiling, it is about being prepared.  It is about knowing that at the very least, you need food.  Take-away culture will be hard to maintain during this time, as will your daily pop to the shop.  Even if you could, why would you.

I like to think that I have done all I can to keep myself and all my loved ones safe.  I am still going to the bookshop as a last errand, as sanity is also important.

My trip to the bookshop aside, I have turned my whiteboard into a timetable for the period of isolation. I have given myself something to do for every single day bar weekends,  these I have highlighted because then I will really do nothing except relax and have a few glasses of wine.

My daily exercise walks have had to come to halt.  Which is such a pity, because I am 8 kilograms lighter than I was six weeks ago. I  have now substituted my walks for an app with the voice of a stern woman issuing instructions and little videos of how to a specific excercise.

Abs in 30 days it is called. Ha-ha, I don't see that happening but I am finally getting it right to plank for more than 5 seconds, and the correct way too. So here's hoping.

My roster includes things I would normally do anyway, such as laundry on a Monday and Dallas on a Tuesday, but if I don't put them in there I may slip into holiday mode and end up living in a pigsty.

Other than the mundane, I have allocated time for the things I never have time to do, like create a vegetable patch.  And when the all the physical and mundane start to wear on me I might just do an online course.

When all this is over, I want to carry on from here. Day 1 of freedom is not going to be my new beginning.  Day 1 of lockdown is where my new life starts.  I am not going to come out on the other side still the same or worse off.

This is an unfortunate event, but it is not a curse and it is not a holiday, it is an opportunity.