Jing was recently a Project Administration intern at Propel and holds experience in corporate, sports and events management industries. She is passionate about sharing her love for sports and music with others, especially the youth. Jing writes about the new norm she’s slowly adjusting to at home.

COVID-19 Journal Entry #8: Jing Yi Foo 

Do you ever wish for life to hit pause? Life never stops moving forward, so they say – until now. Sometimes you get what you want, but not the way you want.

CREATE

Like many others, I have jumped on the cooking/baking bandwagon. The least I can do during times of uncertainty is to feed myself nourishing and nutritious (or so I tell myself) food, right? Masterchef also may or may not have spurred on this sudden urge to be in the kitchen.

I discovered a killer eggplant pasta recipe and the easiest homemade pizza dough. I have also baked a lemon drizzle cake, cookies and caramel slices – can you tell I am a sweet tooth already?! I’m also enjoying having the time to make a cooked breakfast in the morning, like a simple omelette with homegrown basil. My new Friday morning ritual is choc chip pancakes in the backyard (recipe courtesy of Propel’s boss Project Manager, Cecile) in celebration of making it through the week. I forgot how easy it is to make a delicious home-cooked meal. It’s the little things in life.

CONSUME

One positive to come out of iso is that I have more time up my sleeve now. I am a big podcast nerd and my new pastime is sitting in the backyard, soaking up the sunshine and binge listening to podcasts. Some of my personal faves include Asian Boss Girl, Seize the Yay and Brain Farts – these podcasts are inspiring pick-me-ups that speak volume and resonate with me on so many levels.

Masterchef: Back to Win could not come at a more fitting time either, providing all the warm and fuzzies. This season brings a combination of nostalgia with the old contestants returning to our screens and a new era with the addition of three new judges. It is so refreshing to watch such a light-hearted, supportive and wholesome vibe unfold on free-to-air TV. About bloody time there was a female Asian-Australian judge representing an Australian show too! Melissa Leong is an energetic and vibrant addition, forging the path for representation and diversity in Australia. This makes my heart very happy.

TO-DO

April was looking to be the busiest month thus far. I tend to be quite organised, flagging key dates in advance to allow myself ample time to get tasks done. I get a thrill out of ticking things off my never-ending to-do list. It gives me a sense of accomplishment in doing something well, from start to finish. I thought it would be easy to apply that same approach to working from home.

Working from home took some time to settle into. Some days, I love it. I don’t have to worry about looking presentable – living in trackies, bed hair and being make-up free. Not to mention being a few steps away from the pantry! However, I have struggled with setting boundaries. Some days, I am easily distracted. My motivation fluctuates like a yo-yo, not being able to predict when my productivity will peak or slump. I’m slowly learning to accept that not being as productive as I normally am is okay, for this is not a normal situation to be in. Take it one day at a time. There is no rush, after all.

BE STILL

I have always been grateful for my spacious backyard.  Spending time at home has given me the chance to make full use of it too. This year, I grew a newfound appreciation for Perth weather, when I spent the peak of summer rugged up and shivering my way through Melbourne! I have spent the majority of my summers in Perth and felt a little robbed of clear blue skies on end and balmy evenings spent outdoors this year.

This mild autumn weather has definitely made up for my Perth summer absence. I am making the most of this weather while it lasts and spending as much time outdoors as possible. In fact, I am currently writing this up in my backyard! I have been eating most meals in my backyard, with a focus on being present. This means no music, no phone and no distractions. Just focussing on eating my food and listening to the sounds of nature. There is something about breathing in fresh air, being in the sun and listening to the chirping birds that lifts my mood instantly.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

It is more important than ever to check up on loved ones and make sure they are going okay, near and far. May we never take for granted hugs and conversations over coffee again. I have found new ways to connect with my friends remotely whether that be video chats for hours on end or playing online games together – Quiplash and Drawful2 are some of my faves. 

I hope you are all keeping well, staying safe and finding the small joys amongst this uncertainty.