I left Australia to be with my family during an emergency, and in order to get back in during this time of chaos (aka: Coronavirus Pandemic), I am required to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days before I am cleared to move onto to my final destination, which is my house. I will log a daily diary in my isolation for two reasons: 1, because I literally have nothing else better to do. And 2, to look back on this lonely and surreal time in life and know it was only a glimpse of what once was. Day 1, July 17 2020 My plane touched down at 6AM in Sydney. There were only a handful of people on the plane, which was nice to be able to spread out, however we had to wear masks over our nose and mouth the entire flight (23 hours to be exact). We were escorted into a line where we were screened and questioned about health related items. Then we went through customs and then proceeded outside (my final breath of fresh air for 14 days) to board a bus. There were about 7 people on board my designated bus, very quiet and no one knew where we were headed, only that we were headed to a hotel in the city to quarantine. The bus pulled up to Intercontinental Hotel in the CBD of Sydney, near the botanical gardens. We check in one by one and were escorted by army personnel to our designated rooms. I immediately started to cry, with the reality setting in and also not having anyone with me; all alone in a 20x20 box for 2 weeks. All this and not even a good view out of my non opening window. As I settled down emotionally while I talked with my partner Chris, I came to realize this to shall pass, it will pass slowly, but it will pass all the same. So far, everyone that I have been in contact with have been very nice and helpful, and the food has been good. Also the bed was a nice welcome from sleeping across 3 seats on a plane for 14 hours. I write this blog tonight while I wait for my dinner, my third and final meal for today. I have pre packed some snacks, especially chocolate. I am looking forward to tomorrow because Chris will be dropping off a care package of things I have requested from the house and from the shops (one thing I am anticipating getting is a bottle of wine). I will also get to see his face outside on the sidewalk; this will be the first time we have seen each other since May 27th, when I took a plane home to be with family. Yes, tomorrow will be a better day. Hug whoever you have with you tonight, for me I will hug my pillow. Day 2, July 18 2020 Quote of the day: "Some days there won't be a song in your heart, sing anyway" Of all the times my body wants to wake up early, I end up wide awake at 6:30am this morning! Let me sleep this nightmare away! But today was actually a good day. Chris came by and dropped of a ton of snack foods, clothes, toiletries and more for me to occupy my time. He sat down on the sidewalk and ate some lunch, while we chatted on the phone. I gave the passer-bys some entertainment as I danced and jumped around in the window. I am not going to lie, it was emotional to see Chris, him being only a stone throw away, and I couldn't hug him. He has been my rock through all the hard things my life has thrown at me recently, a big 'I Love you so much' shout out to my baby <3. After Chris left, I made use of all my new equipment; Had a good yoga sesh, enjoyed a cup of coffee from my coffee machine, colored in some inspirational quotes and count down numbers to hang up on the window. I found this 14 day quarantine workout plan and started that after lunch. Man, am I outta shape. I thought this room was cold until I finally started to raise my heart rate a bit. Felt good to sweat. There are quarantine groups on Facebook and I joined one that had a zoom setup for karaoke hour, some awesome singers and I met some new friends. I am glad to see I am not alone in this, I can winge and wine to my homies down the hallway and they will understand. I have made a daily routine sheet to stick to, this will help me get out of bed each morning, like its a job to stay active, both mentally and physically. On that list includes yoga, creative time, calling home, making the bed in the morning, read my book, workout and free time. This should give me a pep in my slow steps over the next two weeks. I thought about it today, and if my dad can sit in a hospital bed for 40 days, I damn well can sit in a cushy hotel for 2 weeks, let's go! Oh, and here's a little fun I had on Tik Tok.... Day 3, July 19 2020 Quote of the day: "Be strong now because things will get better. It might be stormy now, but it can't rain forever." Man, no matter how hard I try to keep my eyes shut, I can't sleep in past 6:30AM. I have the blackout blinds down and it is completely silent in this place, and yet I am wide eyed as soon as the rooster sings. I would rather sleep half the day away to make time pass faster. I did stick to a routine today and had my breakfast, did yoga, called home and did a workout. The food here has been ok, nothing to write home about, but it fills my tummy and I have an abundance of snack food on hand to stay fat and happy. I sit at the window seat watching people down below. I can see the gardens from the corner of the window and watch people walk, bike and run on the path down there. Man, I can't wait to smell fresh air again. There is a lot of construction going on as well, I think Sydney has the most cranes in the world (look it up). I can see 4 from my window alone. The soundproof windows keep the noise at bay. I have been writing inspirational quotes down every day to hang on my window. It helps me stay positive. I was swabbed this morning for COVID19, they took a swab from both nostrils and my mouth; it wasn't pleasant and I don't wish it on anyone. My test results will come back in two days. Then they swab again on the tenth day of quarantine. Chris and I had a dinner date tonight. I dressed up with a dress and makeup and poured myself a glass of wine. We have been doing these facetime dates a few times over the past 2 months, and it helps us stay connected; man I miss him, but he has been such a rock and solid guy through all this. I love him with all my heart. Well the one positive thing waking up early does is it makes me want to go to sleep early. I will be laying down after I write this. Thanks for sticking with me on this weird journey of mine. Day 4, July 20 2020 Quote of the day: "Hey, everything will be OK." I didn't turn the TV on once today. I was able to keep my mind busy elsewhere and one of the ways I did that was to talk to so many people! I loved catching up with my parents, sister, cousin Amanda, my baby Chris and my friend Heather. This is what made not only my day go by faster, but it also literally made my day; It brings joy to me to just have a chat with the one's I love. I can see thru this quarantine that I need people in my life, I need my social time. I also need me time and discovered I am getting pretty good at yoga and my breathing technique. My mind usually is racing while I practice, but lately I really have been able to clear my mind and not have anything to worry about while I am in the moment. I guess you could say I am meditating. It has definitely made time pass faster when I do these little yoga videos, especially the one's I want to fall asleep to. I also purchased a diffuser from a local and have been using that all night to purify the air a little; enjoyed a bit of a spa time taking a bath and enjoying the peace and quiet. My body is getting a solid work out, seriously, my legs, abs and arms are feeling like jello. I found a 14 day quarantine workout that keeps me active but also am quiet enough to not bother the neighbours. That apparently doesn't apply to my upstairs neighbour, who was running laps in his room at 6AM. I heard stomping above me and started to realize it was someone jogging back and fourth, he made like 5 strides to reach the other end, what is the point? Just do crunches and push ups like the rest of us bro. They were part of the reason I woke up so early again; my biological clock has been getting me up at 6:30 every morning. So tonight I am trying to really tire myself out and stay up as late as I can to see if I will sleep in longer. Fingers crossed. Tomorrow is Day 5, meaning I will be down to single digits until I get out of here! These Facebook groups of people in quarantine have all had one thing in common, they struggle at the half way point. So far, so good but I know I will have my down times. I will plan to reach out and talk with someone when I do. I gotta pay dues to the staff that have called me to check on my mental health, including Red Cross volunteers. They have really done a great job keeping in contact and actually care about the needs of people in this situation. I hope one day I can help someone as much as they have helped people struggling in isolation, and providing support to them in hard times. I know I am not alone, and that gives me comfort in dark times. Day 5, July 21 2020 Quote of the day: "It doesn't get easier, you get stronger." I slept in today! I woke up at 9:30 and was so happy to have slept in, knowing that its 3 hours closer to getting out of here! Ha. I have adapted to living in this confined space pretty well. I was thinking that 4 days in a hotel is the longest I think I have ever vacationed in one before. I am working with what I have; I have my workout area set up, and my reading nook in the window. I have my office/dining table area and my prep station that also is my pantry/kitcken. I was my plates and cutlery in the bathroom sink and have my recycling sorted out in a few bags. There is so much much waste from the food delivery, I called to request no plastic cutlery, but sure enough I still got it. And I know they throw out everything, including all items from the mini bar. I made sure to call them and tell them I will not use anything from the mini bar. A bottle of water is like $7 and a pint of wine is $30! It would easily add up to $1000 if I had all the mini bar snacks and drinks, no thank you. With all the support from my friends and family and the groups I have joined on Facebook regarding quarantine, I am in a good head space. In fact, this is a good time to really think things over and set some goals once I get out of here, like where I want to be in life and who I want to be. I don't know if I can see it yet but I think I can grow from this experience. If not just gain pounds from all the chocolate Chris brought me :) I hope to gain a sense of peace and mindfulness. I have been taking extra time to breath and just be quiet; I hope I can take a little bit of that peace home with me. I am looking over at the window where I taped up the numbers of days I am in here for...I will be taking down the number 11 and 10 will be left. This makes me happy and I will be happier once it's at one! I follow this lady on Tik Tok and she had to live in a hospital for 30 days without seeing her family due to COVID19, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. And I look at her and think, I should be grateful to have my health and quarantined only 14 days in hopes to help stop the spread. She is strong, and following her story and seeing her go through life dancing and singing, well she is an inspiration. Who is your inspiration? Day 6, July 22 2020 Quote of the day: "A beautiful day with begins with a beautiful mindset." I couldn't agree with this quote more, just having a positive mindset and seeing 'the glass half full' is so powerful. It either makes or breaks you. I have always had a strong mind when it comes to controlling my emotions and making quick decisions, I want to say its genetic because my dad is the same way. He is very level headed, I can see a lot of my traits come from him, and I am proud. Especially now when he has had 4 heart attacks, 2 open heart surgeries and spent 41 days in a hospital with little to no contact from family due to COVID19. He was able to walk/wheel out of there with a strong will to keep going, thanks mostly in part to a powerful mindset. That and the encouragement from family, medical staff and everyone who loves him. Once I bust out of this joint I want to see myself slow down a bit and enjoy the peace and quiet a little more. I love to be on the go, always going and doing something. As I get older I really am enjoying relaxing and not worrying so much about going and doing. With my daily routine in place during my quarantine, I am finding happiness in just sitting with a cup of coffee and reading a book, or colouring in one of the inspirational quotes I come across; I find it peaceful to sit in bed and write this blog with no sounds but the heater on. Once you get use to the quiet, you can get use to your own company, which I have always enjoyed 'me time.' The highlights of today would have to be talking to my parents, sister, boyfriend Chris, and best friends Ryan and Sylvia. Honestly, without connection to the outside world, I could see my mindset shift dramatically. I have always been a social butterfly and ever since this pandemic started, it has taken a toll on my enjoyment being a part of community events and just even going to my favourite coffee shop for a cuppa. So to be able to face time and have a lunch date with a friend or a movie night with my boo, it just makes my situation that much more bearable. I hope to never lose contact with the ones I care about. I will always reach out via social media, phone or letters. My grandma use to write me letters and I adored them. Anyway to reach out and say, hey you, I am thinking of you; just that gesture of making the first move is so powerful. Make it a point in your day to give an old friend or family member a shout and say hello, how have you been? They will sure appreciate it. Day 7, July 23 2020 Quote of the day: "Today, I will not stress over things I cannot control" One thing I cannot control is being quarantined, but I can control how I use my time while in here. Today I talked with my friend Amber who is getting married. I love talking about weddings and love stories; just watching the Netflix series 'Say I do" got me all teary eyed. I hope I can make it to Ambers Reception next August in Rhode Island. Chris and I could do an East Coast trip and make it a month long adventure! I am missing all my friends who I gained over the years. I have friends from High School, Jackson Hole, Australia, work and college. The older you get the fewer friends you keep close to you, but that is your crew, the people who know you best. Today I also got news that my Permanent Resident Application for Australia is 'progressing', which is saying a lot considering I haven't received an email or anything in months. This means someone is physically looking at my application and I hope to see some action on the decision soon! I am so ready; there has been so many hoops I have had to jump thru with this residency application, not to mention the costs! To make a long story short, when I went over to the states in May for a family emergency, the Australian Government did not grant me a visa to return back into the country (and no refund for my application fee either)....so I had to search for another option to get in. I was granted a visitor visa (another fee) for a 6 month stay... I work and live here people! This will not do, so once I got in the country I applied for a work visa, and it was granted. Guess what, the work visa starts once my visitor visa is up! That means in 6 months I can work! How did I go from full working rights for 3 years, to none in 2 months?? So this is now what I am dealing with in Iso... On to other news, I am ordering myself a hot breakfast tomorrow from a local cafe to reward myself for staying sane for an entire week! The food has been getting more and more bland tasting here (send salt and pepper!). I will be happy to have eggs and bacon for a change up from my gourmet cereal from a bag and yogurt. When you make your next delicious home cooked meal, can you make it with a little more love and have one big bite for me? Hint: A juicy steak or creamy alfredo?? yummm Day 8, July 24 2020 Quote of the day: "Be a warrior, not a worrier" ------------------------------------------------HALF WAY!--------------------------------------------------------- Today marks halfway and man am I happy about that. I talked with the nurse to confirm the day I can walk free and she said Friday the 31st between 4AM and 10AM. I am thinking I will at least wait for the sun to rise and get a good nights sleep before I depart. I follow people in quarantine groups on Facebook that have been thru the same as me and seeing their 'free' photos makes me so jealous. They are all supportive though, sending encouragement and positive vibes. Now that I have this routine down pat, I hope the time will go by faster. Tomorrow will be a highlight when Chris comes for a visit and brings me some goodies (more wine!). It will be good to see his face, I can't wait to hug him again! I decided to pay it forward as well, and I am having Chris drop off a bottle of wine to another helpless soul in here that could use a 'pick me up'. Cheers to my 'in' mates. I celebrated my half way point today with a big order of Eggs Benedict from a local cafe, plus a hot coffee. It was just what I needed after my neighbour, again, woke me up from his sprinting back and fourth in his room. Can't he wait at least until the birds wake up? This person must be training for a marathon that will never happen, at least not this year. Speaking of delayed events, the Olympics were intended to start today. We would have tuned in all around the world to watch in support as our country walked into the opening ceremony. Chris and I always joke because it goes in alphabetical order so Australia is one of the first to arrive, and then you can turn off the TV. Whereas the U.S. is one of the last, so I say we have to watch until the end, and my what a long wait, am I right? My room is starting to pile up with recycling. I have decided to recycle as much as I can, for all I know everything is just thrown in the garbage, and I don't want to be a part of the problem, even in isolation. I do my part at home, I can do my part in here. In fact, with my recycling, I am also using some items for repurpose. And Chris will see a fantastic sign on the window for him made from non other than the plastic cutlery they have given me every day to eat with, even though I have requested twice now to not get it. That was one of the things Chris brought me was a decent set of cutlery from home. I have been passionate about simplifying my life and making sure to use reusable items in my every day life, living in here is no excuse. And Australia has an excellent recycling program, so I am glad to know my efforts wont go to literal waste. I encourage you to use less one time use plastics in your life, maybe buy a reusable water bottle...or put your produce in a reusable bag, not a plastic one. Just like this COVID19 pandemic, be a part of the solution, not the problem. Day 9, July 25 2020 Quote of the day: "This too shall pass" Guys! I got more wine! Thanks to my baby Chris, coming down here to deliver some necessities. He even bought some wine for one of my neighbours :) I wanted to pay it forward and cheer someone else up in here. I saw that a lady is celebrating her 50th birthday in quarantine. Happy birthday! I told her to just party extra hard next year to make up for it. That is what I will do; I was flying to Sydney on my birthday, woohoo. It was good to see Chris today, we had lunch together and the rain stayed away until after he left. There were a few other people next to him saying hi to their family members, I waved back at the them. I really hope the next 6 days goes by just as fast as the first 8. Now that I am at where I am at, it feels like it came up fast, but that's probably because its in the past now. I have written a routine for every day left in hopes that will keep my mind off time. I am starting to notice reruns of the food service; I got the same meal tonight that I had a few nights ago, and it was still so bland. Luckily Chris packed me in S&P to spice the dishes up. At first I was eating all the food, down to the last piece of pumpkin, but now I find myself eating less of it, due to the fact that it doesn't taste super great. It does the job and gets me full, but I am left unsatisfied. I slammed down a burger and fries today that Chris picked up for me, and what a delight that was. Mmm, I am thinking about it now and I want another one. It has been really nice calling my folks every day and seeing how they are doing. My dad is getting stronger every day and he helps me know that I can stay strong in here too. His driven attitude towards building physical strength helps me focus on my mental strength. Also, writing these motivational quotes down every day makes me smile and have something to ponder. Like todays quote, "this too shall pass", yes it will pass, and I will move on and this will be a small glimpse into what once was. I thought about changing my blog name to "The time I was in mandatory quarantine", or something along those lines. What do you think you would do if you had 14 days in a 20'x20' room with just yourself and belongings to keep you company? This guy below gives a good example on what one day in isolation looked like for him. Day 10, July 26 2020 Quote of the day: "Start your day with a grateful heart" After I wrote this quote down, coloured the paper in bright colours and taped it up on my window, I was able to think of a few things that I am grateful for. One being my parents and who they have helped me become. I am grateful for Chris who has supported me no matter what. I am also grateful that I have only 5 sleeps left before I walk out the front doors and take a big breath of fresh air, it will be oh so nice. The diffuser I bought last week I think helps and its great to add different essential oils in there to keep the room smelling nice. I wonder if an outsider walked into my room if they would think it was lived in for 10 days....probably has acquired an aroma. One of the ways I pass time is to work out and man, I am feeling it in all my muscles like I haven't worked out in months! It feels like someone punched me in the gut and elbowed my hamstrings. Being in quarantine is all the more reason to work on myself, mentally and physically. I have been self pampering and taking things slower than usual to not only take up more time but to really enjoy some 'me time' before I get back out in the every day hustle and bustle of life. Plus, I might as well use all the hot water I can since I am not paying for it :) Tomorrow I will expect the nurses to come around and give me another swab. They test everyone on the 2nd and 10th day of quarantine. Let me tell you, it is not fun. They shove a swab down your throat and up both nostrils, it is super uncomfortable. Other than these tests, the nursing staff have been really nice to call every day and ask about my health. They also have mental health doctors that call or text every so often. The government has done a great job with the services, the one thing lacking would be food. Honestly, if I get another pumpkin and lentil salad, I will smear it all over the walls! Well, not really, but come on, let's get a little more imaginative. If not for my salt and pepper, the food tastes completely bland. And I couldn't eat another crème of caramel for dessert. Chris has offered to cook me a big fat steak with creamy garlic prawn sauce and sautéed asparagus once I get out. My mouth is watering thinking about it. Next time you make a meal, do me a favour, and don't add any pumpkin or lentils...or maybe do so the hotel will be all out of stock! Day 11, July 27 2020 Quote of the day: "I believe in you" It was a rude awakening this morning when the nurses came pounding on my door to get a second swab test. I barely had my eyes open and thoughts in order, when I had to say 'ahhhh' and scrunch my face up as the swab went up both nostrils. I have had this test done 3 times now and I don't wish it on my worst enemy, or at least my second worst enemy. The good news out of all that is I slept in until 10am, so it made the day cruise right on by. It has been rainy outside and the fog is covering most of the city. Chris said there's some major flooding going on over where we live, but it is normal. The road I would take to work has a caution sign when the road floods. I have driven over it and water is splashing up near my rear view mirrors, it's quite the experience. I am looking at my numbers come down off the window; I started with 3 rows of numbers, now I am down to one. I wonder how many new people come into the hotel each day. From what I read, NSW is only allowing 35 travelers a day into the state, but I'm not sure if that's accurate. I don't think we will ever get back to the 'normal' we once knew, this pandemic will definitely be redefining society and our government guidance. I believe if and when we find a vaccine, we should treat this like all other infectious diseases and take regular precaution. Washing hands, staying home if you're sick, just using common sense when you are feeling unwell. And if we are required to wear masks then so be it, think of your neighbour, your community and the people you may be saving from getting infected. If I end up not being able to work once I get out of here, I will be in search of volunteer opportunities and ways to stay connected to the community. That is one thing I miss pre-COVID19, is going to social gatherings and special events. Not only do I work and attend local markets, Chris and I would go out to special dinners and concerts at the pubs. I think its important to support local, and one way I would do that is to attend the local happenings. Plus I get to have some fun memories to hold on to afterwards. What event did you attend right before quarantine? Day 12, July 28 2020 Quote of the day: "The world has slowed so you can rediscover yourself" I am starting to get really intrigued by the outside sounds. Tonight in the hallways of the hotel there are quite a few doors opening and slamming shut. Also, my neighbour above me is frantically walking (or jumping) back and fourth. Maybe with it being so quiet in my room as I get ready for bed, I can hear things more clearly. That or I am getting stir crazy and want to be a part of the outside world going on around me! The news doesn't help, I have literally learned nothing new since being in here as far as news goes. There are no new stories or even bits of educational information, and infomercials do not count. One of the things I do focus my time on is yoga and I can honestly say I am getting pretty good; I can keep up with Adriene and I find a new challenge in each episode of yoga she does. Not to brag, but I can do a proper 'vinyasa' now :) Another productive activity that I have procrastinated until my last few days in here has been the assignment online I am completing for a New Small Business Certificate. I had 4 modules to complete, and I am on my very last one which is compiling all the information I have learned and putting it into a business plan for my future business I plan to own. Now, when I started this venture I was set on owning a cafe; an eco-conscious and buy local kind of vibe. But after completing the financial module, I have been reconsidering my choice. I have been leaning more towards maybe a consignment shop or yoga studio. Not saying those are big money makers, but I have been intrigued about the general concept of running something along those lines. Chris and I plan to move back to the states next year and live near my family. I am really looking forward to it; I want Chris to experience my side of the world, have some fun exploring the places I know so well. Chris has visited twice now with me but it has been in the winter months. I think it will be a real treat to show him all the seasons and the beauty of spring flowers and summer time fun on the river. Chris has acquired a taste to American fast food restaurants, so that will be an added bonus to have outside of our door when we want it, which will be like every day. Once we live in American for a while we can decide to put roots down there or back in Australia. It is nice to have the option. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Day 13, July 29 2020 Quote of the day: "This sucks" Did I tell you I tested positive for Coronavirus back when I was in Washington? Ya, I went and got tested on the 4th of July because I had a headache and lost my taste and smell. It worried me because my dad is considered a high risk patient and was scared to get him sick. I isolated myself in my room and when I came out, I wore a mask and gloves when working in the kitchen. Thankfully my parents and loved ones did not get sick. And my opinion on the matter now that I have been infected with it is we don't want to spread it, so wear a mask and take precaution, but let's get back to regular society while living with Coronavirus, another disease added to the list of many. I felt like I was a SARS patient coming down from the room today, everyone wearing person protective equipment and keeping their distance, also judging eyes, I swear. I am feeling extra sensitive to the subject today because after my first test in Sydney came back negative, my second test came back positive! POSITIVE! Like, it has been nearly a month since my onset of symptoms and their test is detecting I still have the infection? So they had me pack my bags and moved me to a 'special health facility' (fancy words for another hotel). So yea, I am in another hotel and even with all my calling around and getting my voice heard about this ridiculous quarantine system, I am looking at another 14 days! I have been crying off and on all day, this is really taking a toll on my positive vibes. Yesterday I was looking forward to getting out Friday morning and be heading to a couples retreat out in the Australian bush with Chris for the weekend, and now I'm sitting in another hotel room by myself and the heater doesn't even warm up to give me a little bit of comfort. I don't like complaining, I don't like being negative. I think today I can have a hall pass to be pissed off, mad, sad, angry, sick and tired, exhausted, deflated; whatever you want to call it, it is not a great feeling. This new hotel room has a few perks, one being a balcony to the outside! Oh, the fresh air was a welcomed feeling in all my dread. So I have a balcony, and a washer and dryer. Those couldn't have come at a better time, since my clothes need a good wash. I do have a mini kitchen and full fridge as well as two tvs and way better food so far. I can't fault the staff for my unsatisfaction, most everyone is nice and helpful. I couldn't bring all my luggage with me because I was transported in an ambulance style vehicle, so apparently there wasn't 'enough room'. So I am currently waiting for 4 bags to arrive. Do you just feel that Murphy's Law takes affect and once one thing goes wrong, everything can and will go wrong? That is the feeling I am in right now; it has been hard to see any certainty in the near future. I don't know when I'll get out, when I will get tested again, when I will see Chris again, when I will get to go to work again, and when I can travel again. So many whens. Chris has been a big support through it all and I can't even be there with him when the family has suffered loss. I see posts of others in quarantine and people have lost loved ones and they couldn't be there in the final days of their life. That would be so hard, and who can you blame? No one. These are uncertain time and it is really messing up my plans. This year sucks. Day 14, July 30 2020 Quote of the day: “Worrying will never change the outcome” Remember when I started this blog and was like ‘in 14 days i’ll be a free woman!’? Yea, well that isn’t happening. Since I moved into my new location, I have yet to find out what day I will be released. I have heard two stories; if I test negative to two back to back tests, and if I test negative on my day 10 swab….I really hope I just get two swabs in two days. I got one today because I believe that the swab I had on Monday was inaccurate. I know this virus is new to our bodies so I don’t know if it becomes an antibody and stays in our systems but is not contagious, or it comes in and goes out like a cold. I guess I will see once I get my test result back in 2 days. Until then I plan to get back to my routine of yoga, writing quotes, calling home and exercising. There’s a lot more space to move around in here and it’s a blessing to have a balcony to enjoy some fresh air and the sunshine on my face is revitalizing. I am finding little things to be grateful for at this point in the journey. My baby Chris came for a visit today and spoiled me by bringing me in a care package consisting of my requests from home as well as fruits, greek yogurt and steak and eggs. We were so close to each other today, I am on the 4th level and he was on the foot path. My room faces a highway so it is extremely loud so we used headphones. Oddly, the security guard that paces the perimeter was harassing him and told him he only had 10 minutes, even though he wasn’t breaking any quarantine rules and he travelled an hour and a half for a visit. I will follow this up tomorrow to get the details, but there should be no reason he couldn’t stand on a public path. I really did want to pull a rapunzel and let down my tied together sheets so he could climb up, how romantic. I had to do something terribly hard to day and resigned my position as activities officer at the nursing home I work at. I had no choice, I have lost my working rights in Australia for 6 months and it all began because I was refused a travel visa to go to the states to be with my dad who was literally on his death bed at the time. I know there are humans behind these screens of applications, but they weren’t human when they made their decisions. I am currently waiting the decision for my permanent residency and right now am on a visitor visa (because that was the only visa available to get in Australia at this time) until I get a decision . With the visitor visa I am not eligible to work or study. I told my employer my situation and was so sad to resign, but of course her being the gracious and awesome boss she is, she offered to get someone in under a short term contract and then have me come back to work once I get my work visa. I couldn’t believe how generous that offer was, I was speechless. So I plan to volunteer there a few days a week while they put a replacement in and in 6 months we will revisit the option of joining the team again. I have been blessed with such a caring and generous employer to work for. I am deciding to do my next blog once it my last day. I have written about my journey up to the point of when I was thinking I was getting out....so now I will save my final entry for the night before my departure. Cheers and thank you for all the support and kind wishes. -----------------------------Deleted Scenes- What was meant to happen-------------------------------------- Release Day, July 31, 2020 Quote of the day: “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I’m free at last” ‘Knock knock- are you all ready in there?”’ I wake up with butterflies in my stomach and a grin from ear to ear, the day has finally arrived. I have completed my 14 days of quarantine! I packed up all my luggage including 3 bags of recycling (keep it untrashy) and all the free toiletries I could carry; toilet paper is quite the commodity nowadays. As we get into the hallway I am required to wear a mask and keep my distance, but I don’t mind because the nurses have been very helpful. I wave goodbye to the hotel staff and thank them for their crappy food and crappy service. As I round the corner of the reception area I see the sunlight glaring through the front doors. Because of the room location, I haven’t seen the sun since I came in and man was that a sight for sore eyes. I pushed the big heavy doors open and felt the first breeze of fresh air on my face. I knew my prince was waiting outside for me. I take in the scene of getting back outdoors and see a handsome smiling man just ahead of me. I jump into Chris’ arms and we stand their embracing for what feels like hours. It has been 2 months since we have been able to touch each other, it felt like I was finally home again. Before Chris and I started driving I wanted to walk around the Sydney gardens to not only take in the fresh morning air, but also to reconnect with Chris and walk side by side together. It was also good to get steps in again rather than just walking back and forth in the room. Of course I needed a delicious coffee and yummy muffin to top this moment off, it was a great start to a very special day. Chris and I decided to take a 2 day retreat down south in Woollongong at this lovely property bordering a national park. It was lined with bushland and looked so peaceful, this is just what Chris and I needed to get away and be together before getting back into the everyday hustle of life. Half the fun was definitely getting there, I haven’t ventured down past Sydney before so we had some fun stopping at beaches and having lunch at a local restaurant. It was really nice to slow down and enjoy each other's company and share some laughs and snuggles. I now know that I am for sure a people person, I love to be around people and stay active in my community. That also goes along with the love of the outdoors, it gives me natural energy and grounds me. Even though I do really enjoy it, I think I have had enough ‘me time’ for a while, time to reconnect with my surroundings. The feeling I had leaving from my confined space could only be described at ‘ahhhhh’, like a big exhale. Me practicing yoga every day has paid off. Walking towards those doors was like a kid walking downstairs on Christmas morning; I was overjoyed and overwhelmed with emotion. This will be a feeling I will never forget. And if I had to say something to the next person who goes through this I would say don’t worry, it goes by faster than you think. Some things that helped me cope easier in these trying times:
I want to give a special thanks to a few people who helped me pass the time with good chat. You listened and talked with me and kept my spirits boosted, so thank you.
It is almost like I just stood on stage to accept an award and thanked everyone who made it possible. Haha. In a way it is like that because we all go through challenges and stressful times in our lives. At the end it is about who helps us get through it, to support us and become the best version of ourselves. For that I thank you, you helped me come out the other end with a strong, grateful and happy heart. Free at last!
6 Comments
Sylvia
18/7/2020 00:44:24
So sorry Bettie, but you know in your mind, you had to make the trip home. Your family and friends were so happy to see you and have you there for your mother of your mother and father. You also know how strong your relationship with Chris is, and your reunion will be so sweet. Stay strong sweet lady, the day is coming where all will be well in your life.
Reply
Gina
18/7/2020 02:16:43
Hi Betty, WOW! Actually you are so lucky that you have gone home to a country that takes this virus seriously. Just think, after your 14 days, you will walk out into a Covid Free society. You will go to restaurants and hang out with friends . You won’t have to wear a mask or wonder if the person next to you at the store has the virus. I would trade my foreseeable future of mask wearing and worry for 14 days in a hotel any day. Wish I could send you something, let me know if you recommend any good moves!
Reply
Pat
19/7/2020 02:47:38
BA you are so cute but also very strong. You put your life on hold there to be with John and Teresa and they are so lucky to have you for a daughter. You were at the hospital almost everyday helping John get strong enough to come home and it worked. I dont know if he would have made it without you and for that I thank you Love You Pat
Reply
Sylvia
21/7/2020 00:26:53
Glad to read you are at a turning point, single digits are so much better than doubles ones. Glad to read your body is getting strong, but, it also sounds like your mind is also getting a workout. Stay strong Bettie girl, so know you’ve got this.
Reply
Sylvia
22/7/2020 15:31:20
Did I miss your birthday? I can’t remember if I sent you best wishes. What a grand celebration when Chris ‘springs’ you I’m sorry if I forgot, you know I meant to.
Reply
30/7/2020 03:50:32
Hey Girl! Much love! I've enjoyed reading and seeing your adventures and now your mis-adventures! I imagine quarantine sucks and now you can go back to saying your 1/2 way done hopefully! another 14 days, ugh! Keep typing, we love your stories!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
The Journeys Made...
* New Zealand *28 Days in Q *Banff *Home Sweet Home *Bali *Tails4You *Thailand *Fiji *Florida Up Next... East Coast America Royal Caribbean Cruise Everest Base Camp Africa |