Hi Sarahbelle and everyone,

Thank you for keeping us updated! That sounds like a nice day at home I'm glad you're keeping yourself busy :)
I've never watched My Girl!! A very classic movie though.

I've been doing pretty well! Work has been up and down but I have amazing support. Learning and training a completely new job has been challenging but I think it's been about 5 weeks since I started so despite my previous bad experience (only lasted 2 weeks) I have well and truly surpassed that which is giving me hope.

Correct me if I'm wrong Sarahbelle but are you working from home? If so, how are you finding it?

Sending positive vibes to everyone!!

Hi everyone

Thank you missep,

It is great that you are finding yourself in a happier space with your new work. I hope it continues for you.

Yes I am working from home - going okay but can be difficult to maintain connectedness with the school when working in isolation. Lots of planning, emails back and forth and zoom meetings.

I am finding myself a bit anxious and on high alert at the moment even though our numbers are more stable in Victoria. I think it is the reality that life is just so different and changed forever and even though we are in this together we are also very alone. As humans I believe we work best and are our best when we are part of a pack and that is disappearing - more alone and insular. I think this is going to take a long time which is very hard to contemplate. I am trying to be buoyant but some days it is just hard and I feel I have to fake it till I make it. But there has to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, hope is what has to be held, without it would just be an emptiness. Like the little Red Engine said....."I think I can I think I can and he chugged right over the hill."

I'll just have to keep chugging knowing we are chugging together!

Take care,

Sarahbelle.

Hi all,

Reasons to celebrate for Vic and NSW both! I agree Sarahbelle, I have been tracking the vaccine progress and am reasonably optimistic that there will be a safe and effective one before too long. I have been finding it pretty difficult to be productive from home, so I've spent a lot of time walking around the park, jogging, and trying to do a bit of whale watching on the beach. At night I like to watch movies or read.

Unfortunately I just got some bad news that due to the rising case numbers, the harsh restrictions placed by my uni, and now the wildfires, it is unlikely that I will be able to go back to California and be with all my friends and continue my studies and teaching in person. Luckily, I'm told I will be able to work in Massachusetts where the rest of my family and girlfriend are, and the cases are lower for now.

Swings and roundabouts, but I know that having so many loved ones in different places is a good problem to have. I've been thinking a lot about gratitude lately and how grateful I am for my family and friends and the things I've already been so lucky to experience. Ditto for you guys here on the forums!

Warmly,

Gems

Oops! I realized I just responded to your previous post without seeing the newest ones from yourself and missep!

missep, so glad to hear that things are trending in the right direction for you at the new job. Sarahbelle, I'm very glad you're continuing to WFH, even if it presents some challenges. Safety first. I agree with what you say about this new, more insular reality, and how hard it is to wrap your mind around the fact that it might be this way for some time. We'll keep chugging though!

Warmly,

Gems

Hi guys,

I know what you mean Sarahbelle. I like how you brought up the little red engine! One step in front of the other and then you realise you've walked a mile! I'm a very social person so I totally get what you mean about being in a pack! I flip flop between wishing I could see people in person to, 'hey this isn't so bad'.

Gems oh man what a situation for you! How do you feel about going back? I'm glad that you are going to be able to be with your girlfriend and the rest of your family! I'm also tracking the progress of the vaccine! I'm so hopeful!!

Sending positive vibes to you all!

Hi Gems and Missep,

So hard to believe all the challenges everyone has no matter where they are living at this difficult time in history. Just think back 6 months ago in Australia and there is no way we would ever have imagined the life we are now living.

Gems it must be a very difficult time for you, away from those you love and the plans you had in place. You seem like a very resilient and caring person and I do hope all your dreams come true.

Missep yes, step by step we never know what tomorrow holds and the possible vaccines sound promising.

Wow Gems I love whale watching - did you get to see any? I must admit I am a bit of a nature watcher but the closest I can get is my little garden or the local park - good times will come again for all of us - I do believe that.

Always great to hear your news and support one another.

Take care my friends and stay safe.

Sarahbelle.😊😊

Hi guys!

Sarahbelle I completely agree, when I look back to December last year for example it seems so strange that a couple of months later our lives would change completely and that we would be a part of history. I can't wait until we get some sense of normalcy back again! I will never take it for granted!

Working from home has it's perks but I have been struggling with it a little bit. Especially since I work in my room (the only place available and private for me to work) and so I have some cognitive dissonance where I'm working but I'm also in my 'safe place'. It's as if two worlds are colliding together. To counteract this I try to make it a 'work environment' when I'm working and then a 'home' environment when I'm not. I make sure to close my laptop at 5pm and walk straight out into the living room to unwind. Do you guys have any tips to help? Am I the only one who feels that working from home can be quite challenging sometimes?

Thank you guys so much for the support! I love the good vibes we send to each other

Hello All,

Missep I agree it can be tricky working from home. My home is also not set up for working at home and the two worlds can easily collide. I often find it difficult to cut off as I check emails from school and children and do some planning beyond the working day - have to get better at that. Sometimes motivation can also be hard and I find myself not fully focused and jumping from task to task. On Saturday I decided to have a "no technology day". I did not touch my laptop and left my phone in my bedroom and did not look at them until the Sunday. It was a conscious decision but one that enabled me to switch off from the outside world and its pressures. A good brain break.

Numbers of new cases in Vic around 115 today that is a great improvement and one full of hope. Sadly there are new deaths which is always a tragedy.

One day we will be able to rejoin our work mates but I also believe there will be a new "normal" which we will have to adapt to.

Have a happy week missep, Gems and all,

Sarahbelle (oops - back to work now!)

Hi All,

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. Delighted but (as always) cautiously so at the newest case numbers from Vic. Missep, I know what you mean about that dissonance of your work space and your non-work space clashing, and I really like both your hard out at 5 rule and Sarabelle's no-tech Saturday.

No whales yet, but I'll keep trying! Most of the fun is just being out near the water. I hope you get to be out and about more before too long :)

Warmly,

Gems

Just a Hello from Sarahbelle,

Amiid all this pandemic and working at home I cannot believe how quickly time is flying. The weeks are rolling on and it is nearly Spring. I look in my garden and there is new life popping up - it reminds me that everything has a season and a time and lightens my heart.

Victoria is doing well under the circumstances and this too will pass one day - keeping hopeful is just so important day by day.

Gems yes being by the water is so peaceful and freeing - I look forward to doing this again soon. Let me konw if you get to see your whales. I hope all your family is safe and well in the US.

Missep I hope you are enjoying this exciting time of your life with your engagement and have been able to celebrate in some way.

Take care.

Hi guys!

I agree, time is really flying by! I think that I am generally a happier person in summer. It's strange but the sun and the 'light'ness really does affect me for the better.

Thank you Sarahbelle! I have been in my little bubble of happiness. To be honest my partner and I always say that we have felt married since the beginning because we are very compatible. It's been nice though my close friends have been writing me beautiful cards and sending me fun things like donut bouquets and chocolate flower bouquets! Funnily enough my partner's sister also got engaged a few months before us so we're enjoying the ride together!

Thinking of Victoria and really hoping things get better. I'm so glad that it's starting to look hopeful!

Yes missep I agree I think the sun makes a huge difference to how we feel. Especially coming out of a long cold and challenging Winter.

Time for a Spring clean - my cupboards are getting a good workout cannot believe how much I store away in them. Found some very pleasant surprises along the way. It is good for the soul and a trip down memory lane.

Wishing you all a very sunny and safe week,

Sarahbelle.

Ah yes a spring clean! I really feel great when I can de-clutter and clean up. Man oh man I have so many things to go through. Like you said though Sarahbelle you find some things that really tug at your heartstrings or give you a trip down memory lane.

Covid is creeping it's way into my neighbouring suburbs now in Sydney and it does make me nervous if it's going to escalate.

We're in this together though! We have been supporting each other for such a long time! I really feel like we are in a team.

Missep hang in there. It can be very frightening when you know COVID is out the door. With all the testing and tracing in place it is much more able to be attacked in its tracks. Wear your mask when you leave the home - this is very important for your personal safety. I now have a variety of masks which make them a bit more interesting.

Talking of cupboards, I am also in a position where I have to sort my dear mum's belongings - wow what she kept tells much of the story of her life. I have shed many a tear along the way and had a few laughs too. Every card, gifts I made her when I was little even my baby rattle, every milestone no matter how small - I think it reflects her generation who endured war - depression - but always held in their heart optimism , love, faith and hope. I believe a good lesson for us all.

Stay safe and have a happy day,

Sarahbelle.

Hi all,

Sorry for the late reply– I got a bit busy last week and then went away on a (socially distanced) solo trip in northern NSW for the weekend. Missep, I'm also a bit worried seeing some of the cases here in Sydney, but I'm confident that the numbers will stay fairly low. I'm also encouraged seeing more and more people wearing masks.

Sarahbelle, that sounds like a lovely walk down memory lane. So nice to have those physical reminders of loved ones to come back to from time to time, and to organize things a bit.

I'm getting down to my final couple of months here in Australia before I have to return to the US, and am watching things very nervously. So glad to be here for now.

Warmly,

Gems

Hi guys!

Sarahbelle, what a beautiful way to cherish memories of your mother. Deep emotions are felt when you go through things like that. Nostalgia. I think that's wonderful what you said about optimism, hope and positivity!

I know exactly what you mean gems! How are you feeling about going back? Will you still be able to go on these forums? I always enjoy hearing from you and your adventures!

Hi missep and Gems,

Always look forward to reading your messages and knowing how you are both going.

Wow Gems you do have great change ahead of you and very soon. I can only imagine how you must be feeling with this at the moment in such uncertain times. I am happy that you were able to have a little time away over the weekend to enjoy and give you some space.

Missep and Gems, this time of Covid is frightening it really does mess with us on so many levels. I often wonder what will our life beyond Covid look like? Will it always be around or will there be a vaccine or will it magically wear itself out? If I had a magic ball would I like what I see?

I guess at the moment questions without real answers, just wonderings.

Take care, stay safe and talk soon,

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle and missep,

Yes, I'm very nervous about moving back to the US in a few months, especially because things are so much safer here and things in general there are so tumultuous and scary. However, I know that my friends and family are all there and I can't stay here forever.

I know what you mean about the crystal ball– some days it feels like there's reason to think a good vaccine is just down the road and things might go somewhat back to normal, then others it seems like there really is no going back. I'm concerned that they are trying to rush the vaccine past phase 3 trials in the US in time for the election, and that this will mean it's either not safe or effective and we won't get a second go at a better one because everyone will be skeptical :/

Gems

Gems I really do feel for you, such a difficult time for you. Yes we are very lucky in comparison to the U.S.

Thoughts and prayers go out to you,

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys,

I know what you guys mean. Geez these are really trying times. To think that this has gone on since March it's difficult to remember what things were like before Covid.

How are you both?

I wanted to also make sure you guys were ok since they announced the extended lockdowns (I think? I have to admit I didn't read the article properly yet but did see the headline)

Here for you guys

Hello missep and Gems and all who might pop in,

It was a strange time yesterday waiting for Dan Andrews to announce the Road Map to ease restrictions. What a difficult and relentless job at the moment. I feel he has taken the right path although I know may not be popular by many. I have become used to our tough restrictions and in some way this gives me a greater feeling of safety. Covid is still with us and opening up too quickly could be detrimental. I much prefer the slow and steady in order to monitor the situation and although it may take longer, hopefully get us back to a greater good for all. I do understand that others may feel differently from me.

I feel like such a little piece in this puzzle at the moment in my little corner of isolation. When I was a little kid I was very good at entertaining myself through creative projects - I have recently found myself enjoying rediscovering these and most of all having the time without feeling the pressure of other things to do - other places to be. Although isolation has been a roller coaster in some ways it has given me back something in the gift of time, just slowing down to enjoy what I already have.

I have discovered a blast from the past - Artist Bob Ross - he teaches painting in half hour shows. He is so calming and lovely to watch - planning on having a go.

Well this is a long message.

How are you going and what have you been up to lately?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Sarahbelle.

Hi all,

Strange and trying times indeed. Missep, to answer your question from before, I think I will have access to the forums when I move back, no matter where I am :) My thoughts are with Melbourne during this tough, but as you say Sarahbelle, ultimately necessary step. I certainly don't envy Dan Andrews at the moment. If only everyone felt the way you did Sarahbelle, we might be out the other side of this thing sooner rather than later.

Bob Ross is great! Such a soothing presence. Let us know how you go with the painting!!

Best,

Gems

Hi guys!

Glad that you can still access the forums in the US gems, you're a huge asset!

Sarahbelle what lovely things to do! I am finding that with COVID I am starting to become more creative as well and rediscovering projects and things to do. I bought a miniature set to make with my mum, we love miniatures! It's a little cafe that you make and glue from scratch so I will really look forward to the end project.

Hope you guys are doing well, we're here for each other!

Hello,

I haven't started painting yet but will as soon as I have the right paint Gems and I will let you know how it goes - should be fun!

Missep nice to here you are enjoying being creative at this time. Always nice to make something yourself -your mum will be so happy with her miniature you are making for her.

Strange days in Melbourne numbers up and down which can cause feelings to go up and down too. I am feeling a bit flat today and can't pin point why - it is all overwhelming sometimes and some days it gets to me no matter how hard I try to occupy myself. Will be so nice to feel connected again and in greater control of life.

I really appreciate you being there for me, I am here for you too.

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys!

I know what you mean about feelings going up and down. Sometimes I'm fine and then sometimes I'm really frustrated at the situation. I am really clinging on to hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am always thinking about Melbourne! My heart really goes out to everyone there.

Let's all try to see the light at the end of the tunnel! It might not be super obvious but it's there! Even if it's a dot!

Seconded!

Sarahbelle, we all have those days, especially now. I know there will be an "after," for all this, which I try to remember from time to time.

Always here for you guys, and better days ahead!

Gems

Hello,

A beautiful sunny day in Melbourne helps make me forget for a while all that is going on in our world. Took the dog for our 1 hour walk and so nice to see people and say hello if even for a fleeting moment.

Thanks Gem's and missep there is life after this and light at the end of the tunnel. Some days that tunnel does feel longer but today the light is bright and reachable.

Ho are you going at the moment?

Warm wishes to you and hoping all is well .

Take care, Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

So glad that the weather is nice in Melbourne; things are warming up here in Sydney as well and it's so good to spend time outdoors. Also happy to see Vic post its lowest Covid numbers in 3 months today :). How was everyone's weekend?

I'm moving house at the end of the week (same suburb, just down the road), so mostly cleaning and packing here.

Warmly,

Gems

Hi Gems and missep,

Yes great to see Vic numbers going in the right direction.

Wow you have so many changes ahead Gems and now a new home as well. I hope the move is not too stressful and you will enjoy your new home for a while before returning to the U.S. Change has fast become the norm at the moment which brings its challenges but also possibilities.

So lovely to be able to enjoy being outside, we have a 9pm curfew now and 2 hours for outdoor leisure, I think this has put a smile on many people's faces - even behind our masks. I think all is being done to protect people and beat this nasty virus, just takes time and persistence.

I do hope you are settled in yourself with the big changes ahead Gems, I think it would be an emotional time for you.

I have school holidays after this week so looking forward to walking and doing some jobs around my house.

I will also have time to try my Bob Ross painting - my son surprised me yesterday as he had ordered me paints etc. I am blessed to have him.

Take care, stay safe and stay in touch,

Sarahbelle.

The move is done! It was a bit stressful (as usual), but I love the new place and I'm so happy to be settled in. Things are picking up for me in terms of my research and my dissertation, but I'm hoping to still spend plenty of times here on the forums :)

How did you go with your painting this weekend Sarahbelle? Your son sounds so thoughtful.

Hooray for low numbers in Vic!!!

Gems