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Simplifying Life

Week 1 of Lockdown

What adjustments have I made during this time of "house arrest?"

I hate to sound insensitive, but so far, the biggest adjustment is learning to be at home 24/7.   I realized that we've been always out and about that we've taken that for granted. 

My kids are learning to enjoy things other than playing with their electronic toys.  They're keeping themselves entertained with board games and playing cards.  They learned how to play Black Jack, Solitaire, Ungoy-unguyan.  I have yet to teach them Pequa and the Memory Game.  What's important is they play together and get-along during these times of "house arrest."

Before the lock-down, we were lucky enough to get the Harry Potter book set.  It was a good decision because it took their minds and hands off their electronic toys. 

How has it affected us?

I see that gas expenses have gone down.  There are fewer piles of clothes that need to be laundered.  There's just constant demand for food.   I am constantly thinking of ways to reinvent left-overs.  I want to maximize what I have so I do not need to go to the grocery too often.

We've managed to cope.  We have enough food.  I think we have enough meds too. We are forced to simplify our lives.  There is less need for going-out clothes.  Online shopping for non-essentials are non-existent too.  At this time, one car is sufficient. 

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Week 2 of Lockdown

We are actually at the end of the 2nd week.  We have somehow learned to accept the fact that this lockdown isn't going to be lifted anytime soon.  I've been helping Bettina with her schoolwork.  We also spent the day coloring the travel book she unearthed in the den.  Javi is still giving us excuses not to finish his requirements. 


My children's classes are wrapping up in a few days.  Online term exams will be given next week.  After that, it is officially summer.  I don't think we'd be able to spend it outdoors.

Holy Week celebrations will be more memorable this year.  There is no excuse to miss online recollections.  I have not doubt that the city streets will still be uncongested. 

I've relied on my contacts for rations of bread.  I was able to tap someone who has access to a big bakery.  I ordered a lot of bread so I do not have to worry about that for a long time.  I also found a delivery service for baking supplies.  I am glad about that because I need more flour to satisfy my family's sweet tooth.

I have also been sharing in Facebook what I do in the kitchen.  Though I am aware that some people may find that insensitive, I do what I can to minimize the impact of this pandemic to my family.  We are missing our own extended families and friends.  We are missing the things we enjoy when we go out.   By indulging them with food they appreciate, I am also feeding the soul and the mind.  We have our own ways of coping.  Mine is by being creative in the kitchen.

We may have to learn how to cut our sons' hair soon.  I am laughing at the thought of my sons sporting long uneven hairstyles.  Maybe I could just let it grow long enough to be tied by hair elastics.  Vic suggested shaving it all off.  It will surely grow back by the time the barbershop opens.

We've also have our first positive COVID-19 patient in the village.  I sincerely hope that it will be the only case. 

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When all this is over, I see major lifestyle changes.  This experience made us see what is really important. Though I am thankful for the few luxuries we enjoy, it is still family, our health and our faith that really matter.

I am thankful that I have faith.  I do not know how others are coping without it.

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