It's my first day out of quarantine, I finally got to hug my family. The dog was especially happy, at least she was the most physically expressive one. There was no more confusion as to why I was not leaving my room.
It had been quite rainy so I knew I wasn't missing out on much, but it was nice to have the option to go outside for a walk if I wanted to. With the mask on of course.
Tayden and I took an afternoon stroll to the entrance of the trail then decided to turn back due to slippery rocks. I didn't want to take a chance of slipping. No hiking? Then there's the beach 10 minutes away! While it was sad to see no one on the beach due to the lockdown, I was able to sneak onto the secret beach that was not patrolled. It was nice to breathe in the fresh air and had the option of jumping into the ocean.
Normally the small shopping mall with al fresco dining called the Pulse on the Repulse Bay beach would be full of people on Sundays. Helpers having a large gathering, kids playing at the playground, grown ups having drinks on the promenade, families reuniting from the summer holiday. Not this Sunday. It was a near lockdown Sunday and not too many people were venturing out.
I realize this is bad for the businesses short term but good for everyone long term. Everyone is incredibly respectful of the mask wearing measures. Even the "gweilos" which is a term coined by the locals for Caucasians, and it literally means white ghost, respectfully wore masks even on the hiking trails. Most of them anyway.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be living in a country where everyone is on the same page.
Due to the downturn in the dining businesses, there were many deals being offered. Take out pricing was reduced to 40 percent in some restaurants, so we decided to take advantage of it, and patronize the local businesses.
While we were munching down on jerk chicken and ribs, we talked over a meal. This was what I missed so much being in quarantine. Eating and conversing as a family. Somehow the food didn't taste as good as when I was eating alone. Due to the lack of stimulation, I think your sense of taste becomes heightened and your taste buds become a bit more sensitive with higher expectations.
I asked each family member what they missed about me. As expected, my 13 yo said "nothing", my hubby said "mommy watching the kids", and my sweet 9 yo said "Just mommy" It's clear who really missed me for me. Even though by the end of dinner, we all agreed that everyone might be happier if I was back in quarantine after I yelled at the kids about... I don't remember what. Well, the honeymoon lasted only 10 hours, but it was sweet, and through the small gestures, it was clear that they missed me. Little hugs by my 13 yo, offers to help me to go shopping by my hubby, constant talking by my 9 yo... I realized how much my boy had matured in 2 months. His ability to express his emotions and describe happenings are much more detailed and lucid. He hasn't been much of a talker, but since mommy's been out of quarantine, he's been a chatterbox. Ok maybe most of his talking is him trying to convince me it's ok for him to play fortnight with his buddies, but that's still talking.
I highly recommend being in Mommy quarantine in order for your family to appreciate you, and for you to appreciate them and to realize that family is where your heart is.
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