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Today is Australia Day, more importantly known as Invasion Day.

Koori radio tuned me into mob culture today and I rocked out with my son to a great fast paced tune with digeridoo.

We spent the day outside and when I touched the hot cement today I thought of the original people's connection with the land. How much of a comfort nature can bring and how it is the only thing worth worshipping. To me it also means to worship ourselves.

I felt healed in that moment and hoped that many more people could be healed through this reconnection with ancient mob culture.

Today I became in touch with an intention through deep inner work in the morning. What came through me was the desire for all people to feel in harmony with one another and to love wildly.

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Wow just wow- while catching up with a friend on Facebook messenger I browsed our old messages in the chat history and saw the link to my QUARANTINE BLOG.

I'm just rolling with laughter seeing how things fell off around day 5. A Gemini with all the best of intentions... The usual routine for my projects. Im happy about it though that there is some record or some of my stay. That moment in time was a really interesting moment globally and personally. Globally no one knew what the hell was going on with the science of COVID... And governments were so varied in their approach to handling or mishandling the spread. The approaches are still very similar with just some changes two year later.

Personally I was reuniting with my husband after months. Rejoining my life abroad in Sydney. Also continuing and completing my studies in library studies.

Little did I know I would be carrying our first child 2 months later. A consciously conceived little babe. My husband and I were growing as people and partners. We were isolated from family but completely in our power as parents. We made huge decisions that affected us and the future of our family. I learned how to take care of a tiny little life as well as take care of myself at the same time. A lot can happen in 2 years!

At that time in quarantine, I guess I got into a non-routine after I fell off with blogging. I remember clearly that the non routine felt so much more comforting than approaching the 2 weeks of quarantine in a regimented way. For example sitting around eating snacks all day, sleeping when I wanted, texting with friends and watching Netflix after a bath seemed like normalcy and comfort. Rather than pushing myself to find exercise routines and basically any long term goals outside of that hotel room.

There's a Facebook group for people quarantining at the same hotel and it was so entertaining to read people's little "wins" and also their complaints.

Unfortunately, I began to get bad headaches due to the lack of sun and fresh air. Without a balcony or window to open I was breathing recycled air only and that was really unsettling.

I got some sun by the window in the mornings then it would disappear soon at noon or before noon around the corner *sad face*

It felt unnatural to be without sun, fresh air, earth and sky. But I stayed distracted with my devices, my dual TV and phone combo and FOOD. The groceries Akshay brought me seemed to be the saving grace.

And then the mysterious killing happened. At 8am one morning ambulances and police blocked the street off below my window as a violent murder was investigated.

They provided mental health support and I actually was that asshole that made it all about me crying on the phone to them as I projected my personal deepest darkest fears onto that a humble man's tragedy.

Things on my side mentally got a bit more strange. At least in my personal experience it was a bit strange. I had called the receptionist to tell her my room had a mold problem because it was smelling horribly. No one could come and clean it in quarantine and the hotel sent heavy duty cleaning supplies to my room. Later I found out the odor was coming from my refrigerator. A bit of brie cheese sitting there - part of the grocery haul. Stinking up the room smelling like mold. I just balk at myself. Silly just beyond silly.

I'm back in the US visiting for the first time since my last trip in early 2020. The pandemic has made its mark. I think about all the tragedy this country has been through and how much I'm grateful to be united with family. Plus my baby is with me and he's shining so brightly.

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If you’re new here, please take the time to first read this post HERE before proceeding with the following post.

A note: These posts are in reverse chronological order and they should be read in that order.

This morning I woke up groggy due to my Netflix binging. I had some conversations this morning with friends and then ate cereal. It was a very sunny day.

I had English breakfast tea and listened to Nick Drake.

Today I watch the movie called The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip Of Bob Weir

I started the film in the morning and then finished it later in the evening.

I loved this film so much and highly recommend it. We had a ham and cheese croissant for breakfast. I have started getting vegetarian only meals from the hotel.

Akshay came over with groceries and I got a call from the nurse checking on my symptoms.

I completed some paperwork today for the commencement of the next semester of my studies.

In the evening I play games on my phone and finish the Netflix movie after having some papaya and speaking with my sister. Around 7pm I had a small alcoholic beverage but immediately regretted it when I got a headache ;) This is why I don’t drink! Last night was a late night for me because after I finished my bath and crawled into bed. When I was watching TV and texting with friends and family who were waking up  in the US -- I can became starving for a full thanksgiving dinner... Hours go by and I finally settle for Yoplait yogurt. This keeps me up until 3am but I get a good visit in with a friend as well as my mom.  Until tomorrow....

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If you’re new here, please take the time to first read this post HERE before proceeding with the following post.

A note: These posts are in reverse chronological order and they should be read in that order.

Day 4

Had a good sleep in today. Woke up to chat with my family on Zoom. It was special because both of my grandmothers were on the chat, dialing in from interstate.

Since I had joined our hotel’s Facebook group I have enjoyed hearing about what other people think of our accommodation, food options and ways to pass the time. One of the quarantiners in our hotel invited the Facebook group members to join a zoom singing concert he was hosting with his friends. They’re all part of a singing group from Big Bear. I joined around lunch time and enjoyed interacting with the group by listening and requesting songs for them to sing.

I had lunch and watched YouTube. I had Thai food for dinner. Then washed dishes with the sponge and dish soap the hotel recently provided for me when they brought mugs.

Had a phone call with Akshay and then binged the Netflix show called “Indian Matchmaking.” It’s a reality-type show but focuses on interesting societal topics that I will let you all decide about. The show does not present a whole picture of the marriage industry but definitely focuses on an interesting part of it.

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If you’re new here, please take the time to first read this post HERE before proceeding with the following post.

A note: These posts are in reverse chronological order and they should be read in that order.

Day 3

This morning I woke up feeling grateful for Akshay’s visit. I woke up to a photo of my hotel with a window circled. It said “J” next to it. That’s me!

In the morning I spoke with my parents. I’m trying to find out what kind of popcorn maker they have. Things that quarantine puts you mind on I guess. Then I spoke with Avalon. She was making popcorn! We visited for a while.

Today my friend Karen brought me a care package complete with a card. We chat a bit over text.

A few months ago I had signed up for a gut health webinar but was unable to attend. The organizers sent me THIS VIDEO. A recording of the chat. I took some notes and to be honest I was blown away by the information. I sincerely wanted to share it with everyone I love. If you have the time please watch it. I took detailed notes. Since I am familiar with this topis through THIS BOOK. It was a great reminder and reinforcement of what I have learned before.

I called my in-laws shortly after which was a big help to all of us to see we are all doing well.

Watched a show about the Hopi Indians but I caught the end. The program was really good. I think I will look up how to watch the whole thing. It was called Native America and it was on SBS.

Later I took a hot bath and then crawled into bed early. I ordered delivery IDLY Akshay and I caught up, then I watched some YouTube and fell asleep early. I thought about the meals that we get from the hotel... decided tomorrow I’d call them and ask for all vegetarian meals. The food is good but meat seems off. If I order veg maybe they’ll send more salads I think. Eventually I may cancel all meals in order to save the plastic waste. I’m eating groceries mostly anyway.

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If you’re new here, please take the time to first read this post HERE before proceeding with the following post.

A note: These posts are in reverse chronological order and they should be read in that order.

DAY 2 Evening

In the evening Akshay came to visit. He brought me some yummy fruits, vegetables and other groceries. I waved at him from the window. We awe both smiling very big apparently!

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If you’re new here, please take the time to first read this post HERE before proceeding with the following post.

A note: These posts are in reverse chronological order and they should be read in that order.

Day 2 Morning --

Photo is of Sunrise. .

Today a few people down the hall were getting tested. I heard some giggling so everyone was in great spirits. I watched an listened from my perch at the end of the hall. The nurses were saying “your eyes will stop watering” and patients were laughing. I think it was a couple who were quarantining together.

I then realize that they are testing the person in the room next to me – run to brush my teeth I’m still in my robe. Who I am I kidding that I plan to change out of it anyway?

I see now that they’re about to test me too. I am near the door. When they knock I open the door immediately. I’m already watching them haha.

Only on nurse speaks with me the other is assisting her. They are in PPE - thin mesh yellow gowns, wearing masks and plastic glasses. She says “good morning I'm here to do your day two testing.” I ask her if she would like me to wear a mask. She tells me no that’s alright.

“Can you please tell us your name and your date of birth?” She then takes my temperature and asks about symptoms. “Have you been feeling alright now fever, runny nose? Diharea, vomiting”

She asks me to open the door all the way and then lean my back on it while they test me. “If you open the door and just face this wall and lean against it. It’s just a swab in your throat and nose.”

“Alright so if you’ll lean against the door, I’ll do the throat first. Open nice and wide, stick out your tongue.” (swabs one side) “okay the other side” (swabs other side) “If you can just look straight ahead. Breathe. I’m going to do the nose now, both nostrils.” The nurse Swabs the nose with the same swab. Wayyy in there. If you’re a lady – you will know the sensation. Kind of like a pap smear -- But not as bad!. Both nostrils have been swabbed. She said that they only contact you if the test comes out positive so “no news is good news.” I say okay thanks and so you swab everything with one swab? That’s interesting. I tell her thank you. But they’re so quick not much time to chat...

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On day 1 I joined a Australia Quarantine FB Group. Its been really helpful to read about everyone’s experiences and get validation. There’s some really Funny stuff on there too.

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Day 1 grocery delivery