Articole in limba engleza/English articles

Full day in quarantine

Hello, my dear readers, how was your day?

I am happy to say that my day was so full that I do not even know when the time flew by. It’s an amazing thing to happen, because we are in full lockout due to the Coronavirus situation.

I am trying to stay inside so that I can protect myself and the other people out there, by not contacting the virus and spreading it. I am staying inside as I am told to, safe and protected.

A few days ago I was reading another blogger’s post with ideas on what you should do on a quarantine day. So, Saturday for me was my free day and I decided to fill it out with something, anything.

I did not had to look out much for ideas as I had to cleanup the house and more. So I started simple, with a coffee. Then I managed to clean the kitchen, the cabinets, throwing out the unnecessary things, spraying the windows, washing the curtain, wipe the dust and use the vacuum cleaner.

I made sure to wash clothes and blankets and to iron the clothes as well. Cleaned the carpets throughout the house, aired the rooms. Moreover, a thing that I tend to do often with the virus situation, clean the bathroom and appliances that may be a source of infection.

Took care of the bedroom and changed the sheets, the blanket, sprayed the window, added the freshly washed and ironed curtain and removed any strand of dust that was present.

After cleaning all the house, I felt hungry and needed to cook something, so I managed to cook pasta and to bake a simple cake, personal recipe. Fifi was on the list of active chores so I washed him and cut out his nails.

After two hours of exercising I took the time to enjoy a hot bath and to listen to piano relaxing music. Now, at the end of the day, I am writing a new post and drinking a hot cup of lemon tea.

Conclusions

I realized that in this quarantine situation the best things that you can do is take care of you, the house and your family. Seeing the family members happy and keeping them entertained is one thing, plus seeing the house sparkling of cleanliness is like a dream come true. A dream that most of us usually did not manage to accomplish due to long shifts at work and being involved in many projects.

Now is the time to do the things that you loved doing previously but give up because of the time management. Like for example I love blogging and make an appointment every day with WordPress, reading the posts of my fellow bloggers and writing posts. Also, I would love to go back to painting and start the activity again, trying some new projects on the home walls.

What I am saying is instead of crying out loud and wishing to go outside putting in danger you and the ones around you try to focus on what you enjoy doing, make a difference. It will be a good change for you and the world.

A new day in quarantine

A new day has arrived, it’s Thursday. With this quarantine going on lately, I can barely feel the days passing, as I am living a feeling that every day is the same one and the time is lost in an hourglass, which keeps turning around moving the sand.

God allows me to wake up every day joyful though, filled with energy and happy to start another day. I move from the bed, freshen up, make a coffee, pet the cat and start working again.

I get to move the curtain, see the new light of the day, the risen sun but then when I throw my eyes on the street there is nobody, the path is empty. I don’t even see the stray cats or the gimp cute dog, Taz. All I can hear is silence, way too much silence.

I miss the view, the people, the atmosphere and mostly everything that made my day. It is funny how you can have it all and not be aware of it, treating it as it’s yours by the divine right, and then to simply lose it all in a moment.

Work routine

Every day is filled with new people and new challenges at work, new voices and new problems to be resolved on the line. Every day appears to be different, but every day cannot be felt truly.

Customers are scared of this Virus Situation and it can be felt through their lack of patience, their incapability of resolving situations that appear easy on a first look. The network speed is poor as there are many persons out there trying to escape the quarantine at home.

Last thoughts

To describe the situation in a few words, it’s a left-handed condition and at times I can feel like I had enough and that I want to give up. But then I remember why I started in the first place and have the hope that things will get better and we will overcome this storm that started against us.

That we are powerful and strong beings and that are capable of overcoming what challenges us at the moment, and that after this we will become more mature and able to face life and it’s ups and down’s with more courage and determination.

It’s being said that God only gives us what we can take, and never the things that are out of our power. Let’s remember that we are not alone in this life journey and always have God by our side. We are never alone.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to know that we, our loved ones and the people around us are healthy and safe. And if being apart for now from them is what makes them better than it’s the least we can do.

As Meghan Daum said: „Distance is not for the fearful, it’s for the bold. It’s for those who are willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It’s for those who know a good thing when they see it, even if they don’t see it nearly enough.”

Let’s try to distance ourselves from the people around us for the moment, and be bold, letting the fear vanish. We will be able to cherish more the future times spent together in health when the situation will calm down together with the loved ones and the people around us.

Take care, stay safe and stay protected!

Dogs in our life

I managed to speak with a person about happy souls that were at a moment present in our lives, about pets and their presence in our souls.

Being separated from people, having to work remotely from home on this period with Corona Virus just brings old feelings back to life, memories about moments in life that already passed, but left a mark.

Memories and feelings

We are so blessed by God with such surprising animals since the beginning of life. In my case, for example, I had many amazing souls that I can remember.

In my childhood, in the early years of life, at the age of 2, a crazy shepherd dog was just adopted in our family. He was not brought in our life as a pet, but more as a guardian, his purpose is to protect the house.

I, like a curious child at that time, wanted to play with the dog and tried to hug and to throw things, while playing at him. The dog, in his mind, took my attempt to play as a threat and tried to bite me.

He did not manage to bite me though, as my family arrived in time and took me away from the dog. In time, this beautiful white and black colored dog proved to be more than a guardian to the home and protected it with his last powers.

I do remember, as I have grown up playing with him, petting him and giving him food. It’s like I can see his kind look and playful manner always trying to greet and protect his loved ones. He is a dog that I will not forget in this life.

I also remember wanting to have small dogs, trying to adopt them in the family. But whenever I tried to get out of the house or go grocery shopping or school, they always got involved in some trouble and ended either dead in a car accident or being taken by somebody else.

A new hope

When we had to move to the other house, my dad managed to get us a new dog, Shogun. A white and orange big dog used to guard the ships at the sheepfold. I remember his strong presence since I got to know him.

Shogun was so strong and beautiful, had a powerful voice and everybody was afraid of his barking and was just mesmerized by his attitude. I remember one time when I arrived from school and he was let loose as the belt was broken and he just jumped around me, wanting to play and have fun.

At that time I was so scared and wanted to hide somewhere, thinking that maybe he wants to bite me, but it was not the case. The neighbors were afraid of him and did not want to enter the yard, colleagues were amazed and we were just happy and thought that we were lucky to have him.

I was 8 when he arrived at the new house and 18 when we had to let him go. Unfortunately, due to old age and sickness, Shogun died in the garden. It is hard to describe the pain and the empty spot that he left behind, we knew that he was our best dog, the most beautiful gift that God could offer.

(Image Source – Unsplash)

Old hopes bring new souls

When I had to leave at the college my parents adopted another dog, a white and black breed between a wolf and a rottweiler. I did not have enough time to get familiarized and get to know this dog so well, as I was most of the time away for college and always working.

My parents decided to give this new dog the same name as the old one had, Shogun. He had a strong attitude as well and was more powerful and different from the other. Even if his presence was intimidating, in time he got to love the family and became a part of it, protecting it and giving his best to be the best guardian of the house.

I remember him when going home in his last years, always jumping around, cheerful to meet us, wanting to play and at times it was like you can see him smile. He was happy with the family and knew that this was his place to be. But, unfortunately, he died a few days ago.

My mother called me in tears and announced to me that Shogun has died, again. For us, the dog is a guardian and a symbol of protection, a friend and more than that, a part of the family.

(Image Source – Unsplash)

Last thoughts

The guardians of the new home are now buried in the garden, both in the same place. Now, an apricot tree has raised in the place where these beautiful souls have died, and whenever we go home we visit the garden and take a moment to remember and to honor these souls.

Now, our home is empty and does not have the mesmerizing presence of the missing guardians, as now they rest in the garden and guard us from above.

I thank God for sending these beautiful souls and for their unlimited gifts that they offered. They filled the exact empty spot that it was missing and completed the family, at its best.

I want to also say thank you to God for the pets that we have at the moment in our lives, for the many curious cats that now reside at the country in the new house and for Fifi. And I am sure that shortly a new guardian will bless the family at home and will fill it again with joy and barks.

(Image Source – Unsplash)

Fix Her Crown Award

Today, the amazing Positive Side of the Coin blog, Miss Anjali, has nominated me for „Fix Her Crown” award. This is my first award in this category and I am thankful for the nomination. Kindly, check the blog of Positive Side of the Coin as it is full of knowledge and inspiration!

The rules of the award are simple:

Thank the person who nominated you and link to her blog.

Copy and paste these rules to your post and please include a link to the Fix Her Crown Award post.

Post three photos of just yourself and write a short caption beneath each about why you chose that photo.

Nominate seven women for the Fix Her Crown Award, women who lend a helping hand to the woman whose crown seems too heavy, who appreciate the sister who dares to be her own glorious self, who raise strong young women, who smile at the sister journeying alone and walk alongside her for a time, who stand with the sister whose crown has been knocked off her head time after time and women who shine as their own beautifully unique selves.

Link to the blogs of the seven nominees.

My three chosen photos

I like this photo because it brings me back to the college and the beautiful times spent with my colleagues, the new amazing persons met and the experience behind it. I was 20 at that time.

This photo brings me back to the years of college while working and studying. I always managed to find ways to work and spend time with lovely persons. I was 21 at that time.

This photo was taken in my first real vacation, on Transfăgărășan, in Romania. The feeling was awesome and I enjoyed every single moment. I was 23 at that time. Now, at 24 I am still finding new ways to capture new pictures that I will definitely share with the big family in Kate’s World.

My seven chosen amazing women that also chose to blog as a part of their life are:

Please take some time, visit their blogs and show your love. If you’ve been nominated, please spread the recognition and love by nominating the women you admire and if you are here and not on the list, you can still consider yourself nominated.

Work at home week

Hello, dear readers! Lately, I did not get the chance of posting anything new on the blog as I had a full week, a lot of changes going on now with the Corona Virus outbreak.

We have been moved at home, being „recommended” to work remotely because of the virus situation. Plus, I got caught in home chores and duties and did not have enough amount of time to spend in Kate’s world blog, being too overwhelmed with everything. But I promise to get back! 🙂

How does it feel to work at home?

I got this question frequently from my friends and relatives lately. Moreover, some of them think that if I work from home I don’t do anything. Well, to be honest, it’s not like that. I tend to even work more and pay more attention to my job that I am working remotely and I am more focused on the client and his needs.

I have to recognize that it’s more comfortable to work from the home office, sitting on the comfy chair, being all rolled up in blankets with either a cup of hot brewed coffee or a hot cup of tea to start the day with.

I do miss my lovely colleagues and spending time with them, analyzing issues together and identifying solutions for work-related tasks. But we still have our Facebook groups and still, find a way to resolve problems while still keeping in touch.

And besides, I get to spend more time with my cat and abiding her from getting the sleep that she mostly requires 😂, for that reason I believe that she hates me. But I stopped her from sleeping all day and partying all night, scratching everything in the house and meowing like it’s the end of the world.

Apart from that, I get to stay away from all the unhealthy foods and the mall and cook home meals, healthier and fat-free. I consume more lemon tea, eat more fruits and stay in shape by exercising.

Also now I stay away from cosmetics and try natural masks, having more healthy and clean skin. I don’t burn my hair anymore with flat or curling irons, instead, I leave my hair naturally free, braid it or keep it in a ponytail.

Besides, I have more free time for myself, I get to do more house chores and be more attentive to the family needs. No more waiting annoyed in the station as the bus is late, no more agglomeration in the malls, no more time lost in preparations to go to work, no more loud noise.

Conclusions

Overall, this experience with working at home and staying in quarantine because of the virus is not so bad for us and could be a lesson from which we can all learn a lot.

It’s very important to stay at home in quarantine to prevent the contamination that could occur, to stop spreading the virus and to fight against it. The authorities and the medical services are working over the clock to help the people affected by Covid19, this includes overtime hours and tiredness.

Let’s start paying attention to the rules that are raised in our help, being thankful that we are healthy and pray to God to help us pass this storm that rages against us. Stay at home, stay safe and stay protected! ⚔️

(Image Source – Unsplash)

Quote of the day #11

“Some days are just bad days, that’s all. You have to experience sadness to know happiness, and I remind myself that not every day is going to be a good day, that’s just the way it is!” – Dita Von Teese

(Image Source, Unsplash)

Coronavirus – Update

Hello, dear readers! Today I wanted to create a new post for the novel Coronavirus situation worldwide.

Coronavirus situation at the moment Worldwide

If we were to take a look at the situation worldwide, it is not getting better. Take, for example, Italy, a country situated in Europe and very close to the country I reside in, Romania. It feels like yesterday the Covid 19 virus appeared and now northern Italy is in lockdown as the country has now recorded 5,883 cases and 233 deaths.

According to BBC the persons isolated in quarantine in Italy at the moment arrive at the number of 16 million. France now has a total of 949 cases, including a member of the French Parliament. In Spain, about 470 people have the virus, and fatalities reached 10 on Saturday.

The smallest E.U. nation, Malta, reported its first confirmed case on Saturday: a 12-year-old girl recently returned from a vacation in northern Italy. Her condition was described as good.

On Sunday Bulgaria confirmed four coronavirus cases out of 70 people tested, being the first confirmed cases in the country. Germany has more than 800 confirmed Coronavirus cases.

The number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus arrived at the number 164 in the UK on Friday, with 20,338 people tested. There are currently 188 confirmed cases of infection in the Netherlands.

Greece said on Saturday it had 21 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total in the country to 66. In Switzerland, the total of infections now confirmed to be more than 260. In Poland, there are 6 persons infected with the virus, while in Austria stand 32 cases.

Belgium reaches 109 confirmed cases, and in Romania, the total number of confirmed cases arrive at 13. Iran has confirmed almost 6,000 coronavirus infections and 145 deaths.

In the United States, 444 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local governments, and 19 people have died.

The epicenter of the cases in New York continued to be just north of the city, in Westchester County, where the total reached 70. Washington State raised its count of cases to more than 100 on Saturday and added two more deaths, bringing the state’s toll to 16 and the nation’s to 19.

Egypt’s health minister announced 33 new infections on a quarantined Nile cruise boat on Sunday, including foreign tourists and Egyptian crew members, bringing to 45 the number onboard who have tested positive.

On Sunday, South Korea announced 367 new infections, bringing the country’s total to 7,134, according to the South Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 50 deaths.

The total number of worldwide cases stands at more than 105,000, with 3,599 deaths. China’s National Health Commission reported 27 new deaths from the coronavirus on Sunday and 99 new infections.

Personal conclusions

I concluded that recently I did not pay too much attention to what is happening and treated the situation with ignorance.

Recently I even received a flyer with information about this virus and simply smiled at it, knowing that is impossible for the virus to get anywhere near to my family, loved ones and co-workers.

When somebody coughs at work, have a fever or feels dizzy we tend to make jokes about it and move on. We know that we are young it is very unlikely for any of us to be affected by this strange virus and if we get the flu or get a respiratory disease we have the courage and belief that it will go away within a few days.

Usually, the situation starts like, this (at least for me): I start feeling dizzy, lack the energy, have a fever, my head hurts, my tonsils are swollen and begin to cough. I get ahead of the iconic flu with over the shelf medicines like Coldrex, Theraflu, Paracetamol, vitamin C and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of tea, eating fresh fruits and soups, exercise and stay away of other infected persons.

But you see, at times is almost impossible to stay away forever. I do have to get to work, have a busy schedule often and get in touch with various persons every day. I have to face agglomeration in the bus station, on the way to work as the location is situated near a commercial center.

I believe that this winter I managed to get the flu for at least 6 times. And it’s not that the immune system is not strong enough, God I try to stay as healthy as I can. But then a co-worker gets sick, a family member and even strangers that we come in contact with. The flu virus spreads so fast that it is even hard for the system to fight with it at times.

If you do want to stay protected and fight with the disease it’s almost hard at times. I remembered that I had to go to a pharmacy last week to buy some medicine prescriptions that the doctor recommended for overall health. Before I arrived at the counter a pharmacist was yelling at me and informing me that she does not have any masks left.

I did not intend to buy any masks but what if I had the flu and had to get one? What if there were persons that needed one?

I hate the huge amount of misinformation and intimidation that healthy persons get at times. Stop buying masks if you don’t need them, people, stop the terrible shopping spree in the malls for cans of food and supplies. You are not the only ones scared of this virus but we need to calm down and get properly informed.

Yes, the Coronavirus is spreading as the day goes by and yes it is a pandemic but that does not mean that we will run over the night of supplies and food, authorities promised that it will not arrive in that stage. Getting panicked, hiding around the house and being scared is not the answer.

All we do by doing these things is simply letting the negative outcomes embrace us and allowing bad things to happen. If we stay protected, take care of our immune systems and move on with our lives with courage and perseverance we will overcome the disease.

We are not cowards, we are strong human beings that can fight the unexpected events that sometimes take place in our lives. Hiding, buying huge amounts of supply that will probably be used its never the answer.

As Josh Sipp Said: “You either get bitter or you get better. It’s that simple. You either take what has been dealt with you and allow it to make you a better person, or you allow it to tear you down. The choice does not belong to fate, it belongs to you.”

(Image Source – Unsplash,Timothy Eberly)