Life Entirely

Level Four Lockdown: Day Fifty-Six  

Curfew. 9 p.m  (And they're lifting the curfew from tomorrow morning - YAY!)

Mood:   Calm and Fine - waiting to see what restrictions are loosening 

Black and White Photo Challenge: Day Twenty-Seven

It's been eight weeks. We've been locked down for eight long weeks - unable to travel outside of a 5 kilometre (3 mile) bubble, with a curfew, able to leave home for only limited reasons. Today we find out what they're going to let us do - which still won't be much - but it's something. I'm hoping I can start working out with my trainer in the park. Maybe a few more shops will be open. I'm not betting that the gym will be open or I can go to the cinema just yet. But we're doing well. Numbers are down into the teens (that's the new cases). It is what it is. I'm over the political bickering and the angsty teenage media. 

Like everything, this too shall pass. 

Right I had better get these questions done as I'm going for a walk at 2 pm.

Questions, as always, supplied by Bev at Sunday Stealing. 

1. Something someone told you about yourself that you never forgot

I had a wonderful therapist who gave me my current mantra. I am stronger than I think I am and smart enough to do anything I want. Good words to live by. 

2. What are your 3 top pet peeves

In no order:

• Rude people
• Whingers, whiners and complainers
• Ignorance in all forms.

Unfortunately, this COVID crisis is bringing out all of these people n droves. 

3. List five places you want to visit

At the moment I'm not allowed 5 km away from my front door, so anywhere would be nice. But here are some places I'd love to go at the moment:

• I want to go back to Ubud in Bali
• I'd love to do the Camino do Compostela de Santiago in Spain
• I'd love to go back to the Northern Territory and explore
• I want to go to Japan
• And I'd love to spend a month in New York.

But if you ask me where I really want to go to now, here is my list:

• The gym
• The cinema
• To visit Jonella down at her place at the beach
• The Art Gallery
• A cafe, where I can sit down with friends and have a meal

4. Share something you struggle with

My weight. Always have struggled with this.

I also struggle with people's selfishness and lack of compassion. 

5. Post words of wisdom that speak to you.

Gandhi said it. "Be the change you want to see." Words to live by. 

6. Something you always think “what if....?” about

Oh, I always ask myself what would have happened if Lachlan and I got together back in England. It didn't happen. It's not worth dwelling on, but it's something that crosses my mind every so often. 

7. Five blessings in your life.

• My health
• My friends
• My brain
• My sense of humour
• My cat

8. Something that you miss.

I miss a lot at the moment, especially as we are locked down, but I miss getting on a plane. I miss travelling. I miss seeing my friends. I miss going to the shops for more than food shopping. I miss having my book group at a cafe... I rather miss my old life, pre-COVID.

9. Post about your zodiac sign and whether or not it fits you.

I'm a Leo/Virgo - which basically means I'm a loyal, slightly loud, occasionally fierce, who is a bit of a cuddler who makes lists. 

10. Think of a word. Search for it on Google images.  Write something inspired by the 11th image.

The word is neophyte.:

I like it. (this wasn't the eleventh image, but some MMA fighter is known as neophyte and that wasn't what I was going for. It's a fabulous painting. I love the trepidation and hope in the neophyte's eyes. 

11. Write about an area of your life that you’d like to improve.

My love life. COVID has taken mine away, I would like it back thank you very much. Though maybe have it occur in Melbourne and not Sydney, that might be nice. 

12. What made you laugh out loud today.

Lucifer was doing zoomies around the house at 7 am. He's really cute when he does zoomies. He's just a funny beast.

13. What are your goals for the next 30 days.

They're quite simple. Loose 2 kgs (5 lbs) in weight, keep active and don't go mad. Oh and get my tax done and submit my piece for the Faber anthology. That will do. 

14. Your highs and lows for the month

Highs: The Faber Academy, lots of lovely walks along the river, catching up with friends  - even if it is on Zoom. I saw Raj in the park last weekend and it was lovely. 

Lows: Listening to whining people and indeed our corrupt Federal Government. The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsberg was gutting too. 

15. Favorite movies that you never get tired of watching.

In no apparent order:

• The Princess Bride
• Bull Durham
• Three Colours: Blue
• Logan Lucky
• V is for Vendetta
• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri
• Henry V (1988)
• Deadpool
• Most of the Marvel Movies
• Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

There are lots that could be added to this list. Love movies.

16. Books you have read more than once.

• Captain Corelli's Mandolin
• The Narrow Road to the Deep North
• The Handmaid's Tale
• The Signature of All Things
• Most of Shakespeare
• All of the Harry Potter books
• All of the Lemony Snicket Books

And I appear to read most of our book group books twice as I've often read them in the months before and I want to refresh my memory before the night. 

17. Something about which you feel strongly.

Rupert Murdoch's news empire is evil and probably half the reason the world is in such a state. 

18. Five things that make you really happy.

• Ice cream
• The smell of dogs paws in the morning
• Swimming
• Walking in the sunshine
• Cuddles

19. What are you excited about?

I'm going around to see Blarney and her cats this afternoon. I'm also going for a walk with a friend in a bit. Looking forward to that too. 

20. Three celebrity crushes

Oh, really. 

Clive Owen has been my celebrity squeeze for years. He's awesome. 

I've got a think for Tom Ellis, as soon on Lucifer. The big brown eyes and the melifluous voice is just wonderful. He's also got a lovely bum - Lucifer is testament to this. 

I've also had a big soft spot for Cary Grant. He's been dead for decades, but he's just glorious. 

Right, better go get ready for this walk. 

Today's Song: