France Lockdown — trente — the routine
15 April — the routine
Day 30 is upon is. France is on lockdown until 11 May. There’s been ups and down but proud that I’ve been coping and keeping it together. I do this by doing two things:
First: I have a daily routine, kind of stuff that I do enjoy doing everyday.
Second: I try not to be very hard on myself..be kind. It’s ok if I slipped one day or feeling a bit down.
Today I wanted to share my daily routine with you guys.
A list
I don’t really have a list that I follow each day. Ever since leaving my job in Dec 2019 I try to achieve one or two major task each month. Nothing really strenuous. I keep it light and fun. This works for me because with the continuation of the lockdown and the constant changes it's best to have tasks that you can easily adjust and adapt.
This ensures that I don’t get pulled back or feeling discouraged for not completing a task. These are extraordinary times so it’s best to put a smile on your face at the end of the day. It’s ok if I don’t complete something. Let’s not judge ourselves too harshly.
Writing
Writing is a big part of my daily routine. I’ve been trying, for many years, to write daily. With the lockdown, I not only found the time and space but also the motivation. The daily blog allows me to share what’s happening in my life and connect with the outside world so I do not feel isolated.
The process starts the night before when I think about what has happen that day at home and also in the outside world. Sometimes inspiration strikes when you least expected. I take notes and start preparing the next piece. To be honest there are days I struggle with what to write. I blame the writer’s block and keep going.
I know my writing has its flaws. But I assure you that I will learn and improve it as I go along with you on this journey. I do hope in this dire time of uncertainty my daily blog brings you something new and vibrant to give you some respite.
Some of you have very generously send encouragement for me to continue. Please accept my big Thank you!
Cooking
By now you will know about my love of cooking. This is something I do almost everyday. Cooking for me is a temporary escape from reality. I love the whole experience from choosing the menu, preparing the ingredients, cooking and finally serving and eating with my friends.
With the lockdown, it also has encouraged to me try out some new recipes. These could be something I found online or on YouTube. I also disturb my mom for some of her recipes. I am lucky that two of my other housemate also cooks. So there are days I’m on the receiving end and that’s wonderful.
We three appreciate those typical dishes but also game to try new ones.
Reading
One of the first thing I did when I came to Paris was to look for the Shakespeare & Company bookstore. Because I can never be far away from a bookstore. I always have couple of books (around 10) scattered around home. I do read ebooks as well but I’m a sucker for paperbacks. The smell of the paper and the printing style really keeps me glued to a book. I read a variety of genres including some good articles here on Medium.
I would like to say that I read everyday but that would be a lie. I read religiously for couple of weeks then I go on a hiatus. I try not to force it. There are books that deserve a single seat reading. On the other hand you have a prodigious masterpiece that needs attention over time. So you can savour every last drop of creativity splashed on paper.
I like the third person narrative especially when the author brilliantly walks the plot to the end. Authors are creators that have the ability to produce something from nothing and it means the world. I salute them.
What are your daily routine? Did you discover something new during the lockdown.
“Trente” is thirty in French.
