The Next Phase: Family through Facebook (part 1)

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Family through Facebook (part 1)

The COVID-19 situation is so fluid that a week seems like months in terms of global developments. This week, New York became the new epicentre for the disease and Singapore initiated "circuit-breaker", which is just another fancy word for "lockdown" which was intentionally not used perhaps because it doesn't want to give an impression that it's closed for business. Singapore is a country who always deems the protection of its economy as the number one priority but I'm not sure if COVID-19 managed to topple that.

Meanwhile in my home state of Victoria in Australia, we have commenced Stage 3 lockdown, meaning we can only leave home for essential reasons. Fortunately that includes exercising provided you limit the session to two people i.e. I can still go out for my solo twice-a-week jogs. There's a lot of room for interpretation of these lockdown rules and everyone's trying their creative best to navigate them. The best one I've heard in order to continue hookups is to have a "tradie" come over to do some work at your house (which is allowed if it's real work). Of course social distancing has to be observed and so sexual contact is a big no-no but still that porn fantasy gave me a chuckle (we all need a little lightheartedness especially now).

To me, the biggest confusion is the definition of "essential". Put simply, if the government doesn't order the closure of all non-essential shops, then us going out to shop at those establishments is allowed. That was the reason I had on the ready when I went to collect my pre-ordered game this week should I be stopped by the police. Luckily I didn't see any on the visibly empty streets and the ghost town-like shopping centre and I got my hands on "Final Fantasy VII Remake". This game was made available in Australia a week before the official release date of 10-April due to some coronavirus-related shipping reason. Finally COVID-19 is good for something because I've been playing it intensively and time in self-isolation flies by so fast.

As an introvert and homebody, self-isolation is totally normal for me. I really hope after this crisis is over, more people will realise the importance and validity of a non-social life and hence lessen the societal stigma placed on introverts. That being said, social distancing shouldn't include the people living in the same household because more than ever, we need the love and support from our families as much as they need us in these crazy difficult times.

Talking about family, this post continues my "Through Facebook" series but from a family perspective. As a big part of the three F's (family, friends, food), spending time with my Mum was very high up in my to-do list (on par with food, hehe). In two parts (part 2 is here), I shall share the joy I got from re-connecting with Mummy and the rest of my family.

A mother's love knows no bounds. Making me post-winter solstice (冬至) glutinous rice balls (汤圆) at 5am in the morning when I arrived from the airport.

Mummy has such a green thumb. Spring onion, long bean and bak choy amongst other pretty flora. I'm sure she's very proud of her horticultural prowess. Well done!

First home-cooked dinner this trip to fuel up for my 5-day Bangkok holiday tomorrow. #PrawnOmelette #ChilliLala #HomegrownBakChoyEnoki #MummyIsTheBestChefEver #CookedWithLove

Mummy sporting the bag I bought her from Bangkok. Ain't her a good model? #MumIs75Already #StillLookingGreat

PS: I've always wondered how much harder my coming out would be if my father were still alive. I guess I'll never know.

53 years ago, 2 lovebirds got married and out came me 11 years later. Mummy & Papa, you looked so great together. #ILoveYouMummy #ILoveYouPapaInHeaven

Wait! Today is the first day in Singapore I've not had at least a cup of kopi-c. What's happening??! Anyway it's all good for now because I had this homecooked dinner tonight prepared with love by Mummy. #StirFriedCucumberVermicelliDriedShrimps #BraisedPorkMushroomSeaCucumber #StirFriedBakChoyEnoki #SteamedSaltedFishCenturyEggMincedPork #SweetPotatoRedDateDessertSoup