Wow, what a crazy few months hey? Congratulations on getting to this point. Seriously what a huge achievement it is just getting out of bed each day, signing onto your work emails and trying to get on with it. These past few weeks, months, have been mental and it sure hasn’t been easy. Though, I’m grateful for the health of my family and friends, my thoughts go out to those who are truly suffering in these dark times. I’m so very grateful for the people around me who have made the past few crazy weeks possible.
Whilst I’m taking it one day at a time right now, I thought it was important to reflect on the month or two that have been, and most importantly, share some recommendations. Because I for one know that I have been looking for content to completely dive into and try to take my mind off of the current situation.
Pre-COVID
I know it’s hard to remember what life before COVID looked like, but looking back on early March when it was safe to go to Sydney, go to bars and hang out in groups, I had a lot of fun doing so.
Zina and I got inspired at the All About Women Festival at the Sydney Opera House. I love that this has quickly become ‘our thing.’ We saw the incredible Flex Mami and Clementine Ford, and enjoyed some beers and a much needed catch up.
My sister came to visit on the coldest, wettest weekend of the past few months. Nonetheless, a mixture of stubbornness and adventure led us to Minamurra to go stand up paddle boarding. Little did we know it would be our last weekend we could enjoy cocktails out at bars, so we made the most of it. I’m so grateful for Elly coming to pay me a visit and having some fun together.
In the midst of it all
We’re all trying to figure out how to get through this. And there are several things that have been helping me get through.
Surprisingly, I’ve been getting up at 6am most days and going for a long walk, swim and adventure down the street to get a coffee. How beautiful has the weather been? The sunshine has seriously been giving me life and energy. The water has been absolutely incredible and getting out and about has truly kept me sane. Plus being able to go for a socially distant walk with a friend every now and then has really made this all bearable.
It seems that staying connected with friends and loved ones has never been easier, but I’m seriously awful at it. I’ve always been one to be independent and create relationships around me that keep me going. Making the time that I actually spend with them even more special. But with that being basically impossible now, I’ve jumped on the Zoom and Facetime bandwagon. Yep – I have been loving the occasional phone call and Facetime with friends. It’s even allowed me to reconnect with people I haven’t spoken to in years. Is it crazy that during this time my friendships may be doing better than ever?
📚Books
Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
Wow, what an incredibly moving book. I’d say this is one of the best books I’ve read in recent times. It takes you on a sensory journey where you can nearly smell and feel her surroundings. You can almost feel her loss and loneliness and you are taken on a beautiful journey of self discovery, growth, independence and taking life into your own hands.
The Woman in the Window, by Gillian Flynn
I don’t usually read thrillers or books that are on the scary or suspenseful side. I read this book in a matter of days and loved it. It’s due to be released as a movie later this year starring Amy Adams and think it will be an incredible movie. Loved it!
My Dark Vanessa, by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Wow. What a page turner. I read this book in two days and seriously, wow. Just from reading the blurb, you know this book is dark. A forbidden relationship between a teacher and student told from Vanessa’s perspective. It’s haunting, mesmerising and tells an important story about consent, power, love and self-worth. As you could imagine, it can be quite triggering so make sure you’ve got someone to talk to afterwards.
🛍️Product
Clinique turnaround overnight moisturiser
So I’ve been looking for a night cream for a very long time and I’ve finally invested in this Clinique product. What’s wrong with me? Spending $65 on a nightcream… I have to admit it feels so incredible putting something so divine onto your skin each night, but I think when this runs out, I’ll resort to my sukin $25 night cream.
La Roche Posay’s hyaluronic acid
So upon doing a lot of research, I discovered that hyaluronic acid is one of the best things for your skin to help it stay hydrated and fight ageing. I use it morning and night and have found that my other products stay on my face better, and longer, plus my skin feels plump and amazing! Get it from Chemist Warehouse for $60.
Tunes
Violent Soho’s ‘Everything is A-OK’
Yes yes yes! How did these guys know what we need right now? I swear good music is the only thing getting me through this crazy time. The only thing that sucks about this album is that we’re going to wait however long until we can see it live at a gig but wow that will be ever so satisfying when that day comes! Thanks lads for providing the goods!
Mysterious Girl, by Peter Andre
It’s scientifically impossible to be sad while this song is playing. I went down a weird rabbit hole recently in the reggae genre on Spotify and all I can say is thank you Spotify gods. Seriously, play it, sing the chorus and you will feel so damn good!
Spacey Jane
I have been loving this band and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t catch them earlier this year at unibar.
🎥 Flicks
Jojo Rabbit
I’m quickly realising that life is too damn short to watch shit movies. We recently got a Chrome Cast so I thought I would rent a YouTube movie, and get among all the good films that have come out in the past 12 months. Jojo Rabbit is a quirky fun movie and would definitely add it to your next Friday night in.
Little Women
I’m so happy I finally got to watch this! It’s such an iconic movie and the cast are just absolutely spectacular. Jo is the badass I aim to be and it was such a lovely, nostalgic moment. Though I must admit, I’m a sucker for the 94 version with Wynona Rider and Christian Bale, but this certainly hits all the love strings.
This has been ‘unprecedented times’ as everyone likes to keep putting it. I’ve stopped watching the news because I don’t have the mental capacity to take it all in. I’ve been taking every day one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. I’ve been stumbling over small talk when ordering food because it feels like a lifetime since I’ve held a non-work conversation. I’ve resorted to dying my own eyebrows and I wore jeans once and felt a sense of pride.
These times are tough. They don’t have to be productive, reflective or opportunistic – just something to survive. As much as I have come to resent the word unprecedented, this time truly is, and we should be proud that we’re getting through this.
Stay strong. Stay brave. Stay safe. Keep trying your best.
A Worldly Addiction 