Life Lately — The Juliet Report

LIFE LATELY

“In case you lost track, today is March 97th.” Someone posted this today and it 100% sums up the last few weeks.

What’s new is that on Friday night I found out via The Twitter that I was being ‘stood down’ by my part-time employer of 8 years. I compared it to being dumped by text, but one of my insta-friends said it was more like finding out you were dumped via a post on facebook. I understand why they tell the media first, but it really is kind of shitty. Is it sad that I wasn’t surprised that they did that? I knew the store closure was inevitable, but it just would have been nice to have at least received an email about it before I saw it on The Twitter.

This was my first week of self-isolation. I didn’t leave the house over the weekend and I normally do. It was weird, all the days blended into one and I kind of just stayed in my studio the whole time. I was in a strange mood that I could only explain as being in mourning for my old life. I was productive but I didn’t do any of the things I would regularly do. On Wednesday night, I didn’t meditate until after midnight which resulted in my 53 day meditation streak being reset.

A meme I saw that really pulled at my heartstrings said “Who Remembers Places”. Today I was thinking about what it would be like when we can actually see things and people IRL (in real life). When we’ll be able touch and hug those dear to us without thinking of or trying to avoid germs. Even being able touch surfaces again. I’ll never forget what it felt like a week and a half ago when I’d just gotten home from being outside and thought to myself “Thank goodness I’m home and I can touch things again.” It was such a relief. What a weird thing to think and even to be grateful for. I’ve craved a lot of things in the past, but I never thought I would ever be craving tactility.

I have been observing the way people are using technology to help them connect with others, and it’s been so wonderful. How funny that we have all flipped from hating on tech and social to now totally embracing it and being grateful that we have it. This week my book club The Juliet Book Report is meeting for the first time via zoom. I have two groups, a Melbourne and a Sydney one, so it will be fun for everyone to virtually meet each other. I’m not sure how it will go, but I’m grateful that we can still have Book Club. I think it’s important to find ways to keep doing things we would normally do. How weird is social life in 2020. You can stay in and socialise at the same time. My favourite drawing that I’ve made so far is the one at the top of this page: Socialising in 2020.

It has been really heartbreaking watching businesses having to close down, while it has also been heartwarming to watch so many business owners thinking creatively. To observe them continually pivoting their businesses and having to make adjustments each day as the government announces new regulations. I find it heartwarming because it would be so easy to just give up and tell everyone to go home. But they’re not giving up. They’re taking responsibility and are doing everything possible so they can continue to pay their employees. While at the same time providing the rest of us with something to look forward in these strange new times.

Some of the businesses I’m thinking of are Ides, who’s team created an excellent zine full of recipes, art and fun things. Ben Shewry of Attica, who started offering take-home meals and re-purposed his restaurant tables to create shelving for the new ‘Attica Bake Shop’. Earl Canteen, are now offering Earl at home food packs, and video’s with tips on how to prepare meals at home. Flowers Vasette are now offering take-way flower and vege boxes. Beatrix Bakes, providing a sanny (sanitisation) station for their customers, clear guides on where to stand while in line and delivery. I love that they are still standing by their decision from a few months ago to not offer single-use take-way cups. There are so many wonderful examples of businesses attempting to navigate this new normal and they all deserve to be congratulated for their efforts. It definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed. I encourage you to support them in any way you can.

Since my last Monday Report, I have made tomato jam, an earl grey and yoghurt cake and a roasted tomato soup, but I’m still looking for a pickled garlic recipe. Please send me a recipe if you have a good one. Thanks.

That’s all for now. I’m going to leave you with links to some things I’ve mentioned and also things I have not mentioned. Look after yourselves.

Jx

LINKS

Stood Down: what does it actually mean: COVID-19: (Australia) Stand Down What Does it all Mean?

IDES: IDES Team Cookbook

ATTICA: Order Attica At Home Now

Beatrix Bakes

Earl Canteen: Support Packs

Flowers Vasette: VITAMIN C PACK

Cornersmith: Tomato Jam Recipe

Earl Grey Cake: Molly Baz Bon Appetit

Julia Busuttil Nishimura's: Roasted Tomato Summer Soup With Mozzarella