So: Nervous wreck in quarantine

IT'S somewhere between 7:30 to near 8:00 in the morning and I’m probably knee deep into a staring contest with my mom’s perfectly fried eggs. I’m groggy, traces of sleep still clear in my eye bags. I’m pulled out of my trance when my dad tells me to sit down and eat. I don’t argue since it’s more fun to eat food than to stare at it. During breakfast mom and dad talk about current issues and the state of our nation; it’s all very interesting but my eyes wonder to the kitchen. I begin my mental count of the dishes and utensils that mom had used to put together today’s breakfast knowing quite well that my sister and I will be the ones tidying up as soon as those eggs disappear from the plate.

After breakfast, the cleaning begins. We take about 30 minutes to finish up in the kitchen while my parents see what else needs attention around the house. After the dishes are done, I go into my room and change out of my pajamas. A loose shirt and worn out shorts will serve as today’s work clothes just like every other day in quarantine. Even if I have no plans to go anywhere, nor can I make plans, I find that getting out of my sleepwear helps me muster up enough motivation to go about the day. I also put my hair up in a ponytail because summer months in the Philippines are undeniably stimulating for sweat glands. I get out of my room and try to check if any schoolwork has to be done, further cementing my love-hate relationship with online classes.

I have a bit of time for myself from around 9 to 11 in the morning—after that, mom starts preparing for lunch. Sometimes when mom is tired, she lets us decide what we want to eat and how to cook it. I used to just stand aside while she does her thing but soon after, I learned a thing or too about how to get things done around the kitchen. I’d like to think that as long as I know what I’m doing, I could put together a pretty decent meal. And by decent, I mean you wouldn’t have to hold your breath or close your eyes just to swallow it. After helping out in the kitchen I’ve come to 3 major conclusions. One, I must’ve diced more onions and garlic than my fingers could count. Two, I disliked peeling ginger because I have a hard time gripping it and if it were possible I’d like to pass the task to the next unfortunate soul. And three, I definitely take more time in washing potatoes than the usual person would.

Aside from preparing meals, other things need to get done too. Floors needed sweeping so I befriended the broom, laundry needed washing so I got to know the washing machine a little better, the clothes needed ironing so I, quite recently, acquainted myself with the ironing board. Making friends with house hold appliances and cleaning materials isn’t as rewarding as human connections but they sure do a good job in keeping the house tidy. Seeing as though I’ll be spending another month here 24/7, I’d say these friendships are worth making.

After lunch, I like to take naps. I refer to this time as my “unholy” hours where should anything interrupt my slumber, I’d be quite upset. After waking from the nap, I would find mom and dad to be watching a movie, a little down time before we prepare for dinner. Around 5 in the afternoon, my sister and I hike around the subdivision just to make sure that our legs don’t forget how to walk as well as to get some fresh air. We pick this time of the day to go out since the sun is setting and it isn’t too hot for us. We like looking at the different houses as well as the neighborhood pets that grace the streets. My sister and I would talk and bond over topics like the grumpy cat on the porch or the big hole in the middle of the pavement. The best part is hearing her laugh and talk even when the two of us are struggling to catch our breaths. When the sun goes down, we walk back home and the routine of preparing food and cleaning up repeats.

After two weeks of this routine I realized that owning and maintaining a house is no easy feat. It takes time and effort and I’ve come to appreciate the work everyone puts in. Although school had stopped, learning doesn’t. Knowledge that comes from academics is a vital part of what we as young adults need to know but learning to iron clothes and mop floors is not something that we take away from the power points and lectures at school. Learning and honing of skills also happens at home. These tasks may look simple and lame but in their own ways, they build character and a sense of purpose for us who can’t seem to find one. Often times, us kids, take for granted our homes and the blessing to have one. In these times of global crisis, I can’t help but think of those who don’t have a home to go to or a family to reassure them as they sleep. I am grateful for mine and I hope that all of us remember to value the gift of home and the gift of family during these trying times.

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