Friday, September 11, 2020

DAY THREE - QUARANTINE IN AUSTRALIA


At 3.30 am there is NO TRAFFIC on those roads.

But by 4 am it starts up again!

Who the hell is on the road at 4 am?


ABOVE:  I am so glad I bought this little $11 tray from Spotlight!

AND that I thought to bring it with me!  It's so handy. I'm sitting up in bed in the middle of the night mucking around on me computer!

Not much sleep going on.  My body is still on New Zealand time, so it's about 6.25 am to me. (4.25 am in Aussy)

I am going to crash and burn soon... and have some serious Nana naps in the middle of the day. 

😏😆😴

ABOVE:  I bought this Bubble Bath Bar in Hamilton.  It was $12, and I actually thought it was only going to last for one bath.  Nope.  I put it in the bath yesterday and within minutes there were masses of bubbles, so I took it out.

I reckon it's going to last for a dozen baths!


ABOVE:  See?  Heaps of bubbles.  And now, don't ever say ya ain't seen me in the bath! 

ABOVE:  I put these on the wall last night.  A visual countdown until I get outta here.  The last one is the day I fly to Coffs Harbour.

Yesterday I told The OLD MOO that Brylee was probably cooking dinner for her and Stew, as he was going to be late home from Rotorua.

She asked me what was Brylee likely to cook? 

I replied "Spaghetti on toast" !

Guess what Stew got?

ABOVE:  Well... she had spaghetti, Stew got baked beans.  AND fish cakes.  No toast.  Told ya OLD MOO! 

😂😅😆

Tonight they are doing their own dinners.  I bet Stew cooks himself a 'decent' dinner. 

So... it's Day Three, I wonder what I can get up to today?

Looking forward to breakfast, I wonder what delights await me?  If it's like yesterday's, I will be happy.

ONWARD...

I have the most painful bloody zit on me chin!  It's throbbed all night long. Bound to be brought on by wearing the face mask for so long?  It sure wasn't from eating chocolate! 

Just as well I'm not out in public any time soon... it's a goodie!  Sooooo sore.

It just ain't right... at my age zits should be a thing of the past.  pffft.  Anyone else my age get zits?

8.03 am:  Breakfast arrived.

ABOVE:  To be honest I'm a bit DISAPPOINTED.  Like, I've told them I don't drink tea or coffee.  They have given me butter and jam... FOR WHAT?  A huge bottle of milk?  I suppose that's for the bran, which I hate.  

Literally the only thing I'm going to eat is the friggin pear... in three days when it's actually ripe.


ABOVE:  I have no idea what this shit is, but it's NASTY.  Really horrible taste.  

IN THE BIN IT GOES.

Today's breakfast gets a resounding, really depressing 2/10.

I actually feel like crying right now.  This is a bloody nightmare.  The ONLY thing to look forward to all day is the meals.  And they give me shit.

CLEARLY I am gunna have to order in food.  I will get onto my Woolworths site soon and do that.  Top of my list so far is laundry liquid, to wash me smalls.  I'm not paying $50 to get a VERY SMALL bag of washing done for me, that's for sure.

Then some cornflakes!  And some healthy snacks. 

I cannot get anything that requires cooking as there are NO cooking facilities in the room ... just an electric jug.  There is an iron... hmmmm?

Toasted sandwich anyone?  lol

OMG I am gunna get me some cheeses.  Might have to take a few cans of coke out of the fridge.  😂😆😊


9.14 am: And I just put in an order at Woolworths for some healthy Burgen Bread, fresh ham and pastrami slices, cheese slices, nut and fruit snack packs, and some laundry liquid.  It is going to arrive tomorrow afternoon/evening.

Until then, I do have plenty of fruit!  And whatever else arrives between now and then from the catering company.

One of my blogger friends (Colleen B) has sent me a 'Care Package' which is due tonight!  That is going to be fun, seeing what she thought to send me!  So very, very lovely of her to do that.

ABOVE:  I put today's breakfast bag back out the door, with a little note.  Reminding then I don't drink Tea or Coffee.  I don't need butter or jam cos I'm not having the bun now eh?  And I asked them what was that shit in the pottle? I added 'NOT HAPPY' as well.

ABOVE:  A bus has broken down on the motorway.  Is it evil of me to wish it would burst into flames?
It would be entertaining.  😬
And dammit... they just got it going again.  There ends that entertainment.

I apologise for turning this blog into a whinge fest by the way.  I don't want to bitch and moan about this experience... but seriously?  If the food was half decent I'd be perfectly happy here.

I don't mind my own company at all, and with all the comments from you girls, and the phone calls, video chats etc,  I'm being kept 'company' through this very unusual experience.

10.06 am:  I just put my rubbish out the door and 'they' have taken the breakfast bag away.  Excellent.  Now let's see if there is a reaction from 'Management'?

My blood sugars are low.  I'm tingling.  Better drink that orange juice that was here when I arrived.  That should bring it up a bit.

I just made a 'minor' adjustment to my room.  

ABOVE:  I put the lamp and phone on the little coffee table in the corner so I could then move the writing deck right over to the middle of the window, thus giving me a way better view from the desk.  
Which is where me bum is sat most of the day!

ABOVE:  I am falling in love with this view.  It's so busy... shit is going on.  MOST entertaining is watching all the near misses on the roads!  
Sometimes I even say: "Fuck! That was close"... to no one,  but myself.

ABOVE:  Today's lunch was perfectly fine.  Lots of carbs, but hell.... as I was kinda STARVING... I ate it all.  They keep on giving me a bottle of water with every meal ... so I gathered up all 9 that I already had and put them out the door.
If I keep doing that do you think they will get the message?

Today's lunch gets a happy 9/10.  It loses a point for the friggin water.

ABOVE:  I got a care package!  Thank you so much Colleen B!  It's lovely.  Now I can eat using blue cutlery!  How cool is that.  😁😀😋
And I am sure I will enjoy colouring in the dog book.  The Erasable Pen?  Genius!   I can now do the Sudoku puzzles I have here... didn't think to bring a pencil did I?

I had a quick nap this afternoon... till the sun came around and smacked me in the face.
Now... it's 4.20 pm and the traffic is really building up on the roads out there.

Time to watch... it's crazy o'clock on the roads.

5.04 pm:  and ANOTHER Care Package arrived from Colleen B!!!


ABOVE:  I am blown away with her generosity!  There's stuff there that is gunna keep me going for ages if meals here are ikkk.  She thought of some really neat things to add, like a pack of cards even!
I LOVE playing Solitaire!  And the wipes and disinfectant spray?  Brilliant idea.

It's nearly dinner time... *snort*... I can hardly wait.

ABOVE:  I get it now.  Steve pointed it out to me.  The catering company are mass producing quick and cheap meals for probably thousands of people in quarantine, so this is what ya get.

YET ANOTHER bloody tasteless beef stew.
And obviously the only vegetables available to them are cauliflower, broccoli and carrots!

I'm already totally over them.

So, tonight's dinner rating?  4/10.  I feel really sorry for everyone else in this situation.  

It is going to be really interesting to see what sort of food is offered on my return to New Zealand!

But for now anyway, it's time to wind up my riveting day.  Catch ya tomorrow.

56 comments:

  1. Kiwionholidays9:42 AM

    Fab catchup this morning Chris
    Love the countdown tags,

    That bubble bath bomb looks fab

    Great buy,

    🥂 Cheers

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  2. Anonymous10:07 AM

    Masks are good for covering up those chin chair that can’t be removed professionally lol

    Dee

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  3. Chris can you contact local food shop and get some supplies delivered? Perhaps a cereal of your choice and some snacks, to last awhile?

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    Replies
    1. Just saw you have a Woolworths account. Jump online and order some supplies. You need to hav e some food for your body and your soul.

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  4. Oh no! You are very generous with your 2/10 rating for breakfast. I’d start at a minus 2/10! I know you shouldn’t have to think about ordering things in but just thinking would it be worth ordering from Woolworths (or other grocery chain) some cereal you like, long life milk etc. I feel so sorry for you. If I was closer to you I could get what you’d need and deliver it to you.

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  5. Order yourself some yummy breakfast food alternatives so if what is delivered is awful you have something. Also, allocate yourself once or twice a week where you order takeout from a local restaurant to be delivered so you have something to look forward to.

    Good on Brylee for getting dinner, may not be fancy but it is a start. Hopefully she will expand her repertoire over the next few weeks. One thought is to order something like Hello Fresh. It comes with the ingredients, and step by step instructions. Before he went to Canada, Samyson was cooking 2 or 3 times a week just to get the practice in because although he was reasonably competent, it just honed his skills a bit and gave him some options & ideas for when he was away. Brylee can read so she can follow a recipe :-)

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  6. Sorry to hear that the food has been so disappointing. I am pretty sure that the unidentified item today is "Chia Pudding" ... "Chia seeds are rich in soluble fibre which benefits blood sugar control, cholesterol levels and gut health. Their omega 3 fatty acids help to fight inflammation, as part of a healthy diet." Maybe you should do a grocery shop for some breakfast food that you would enjoy - favourite cereal maybe.

    I am loving your views and hearing about your experience in quarantine.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the info, certainly NOT something I'm ever going to eat. It's bloody YUK.

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  7. I can make you some bath salts and send them down there.

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    Replies
    1. Might not get to me in time Chick, but thanks!

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  8. Get some baking paper and you can use the iron for toasted sammies 👌🏼

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    Replies
    1. Yep... will do! Hadn't thought of needing baking paper!

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  9. Chris,
    Any fairy sightings yet? If you need better instructions than what I sent yesterday, just let me know and I'll try to do better. If I wasn't so computer challenged, I'd find a way to circle it or make an arrow pointing to it or something.
    Now go find that damn fairy!

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  10. Hey Chris, not a great option but what about Hot Dogs - the sausages only need boiling water and everything else you dont need to cook! Thinks like cous cous (the ainsley harriot ones you can buy from woolies are really good) Continental Snack Pot Pasta, Uncle Tobys do for breakfast porridge cups that you just need to add hot water too......Christ anything has to be better than the slop you look like your being served :(

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  11. Anonymous11:20 AM

    If your paying $3000 For a 2 week quarantine, Id be ringing the caterers again, that's crap

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  12. Full fat milk on a diabetic menu, someone’s taking the mickey!!! Catering staff are not qualified obviously!

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  13. Anonymous12:38 PM

    Let the nurse know you are feeling 'tingly'. You haven't been eating properly (not your fault) you may need medical attention if you don't soon get some food that appeals to you.

    Please take care.

    A Fan In Canada

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  14. One thing in your package I didn't think of was washing liquid. Well, actually I did but thought perhaps you could use shower gel so I didn't add any. That bath thingy you have is a melt. You crumble small pieces off to add to your bath rather than throw the whole thing in. Should last you a few goes!

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  15. Anonymous12:48 PM

    You should see if you can order a little Breville like sandwich maker cheap one from woolies! Cook it in the bathroom so as not to set alarms off. That food is terrible!
    Kym/Australia

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  16. Anonymous12:49 PM

    You should see if you can order a little Breville like sandwich maker cheap one from woolies! Cook it in the bathroom so as not to set alarms off. That food is terrible!
    Kym/Australia

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  17. Anonymous12:51 PM

    Have you started the sewing you brought with you? Hopefully your lunch will be a 10. Jo

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    Replies
    1. No not yet. I'm actually undecided now if I will do hexagons... might just do little blocks.

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  18. yes, Chia pudding as Paula said.... I like chia seeds as they are full of fibre and I need lots of help to keep regular (TMI), but they are not for everyone. You are going to be 2 sizes smaller when you emerge from this quarantine.

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  19. Anonymous1:35 PM

    Hi Ma, haven't left a comment today I don't think so here is today's one, no you are far from evil wishing the Bus had caught fire, I would be exactly the same 😂
    anyways I'm in the toilet now....and I betting its smells better than whatever that nasty stuff was you were surved up 😂🤭 ***I'm groose aye lol
    #Lacy 💙

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    Replies
    1. OMG! Too funny!

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    2. Really Lacy...thats sooo funny 🤣

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    3. Anonymous8:46 PM

      yea sorry DCR followers, but I'm gona say anything to get my Ma to laugh 😂 or cringe lol 😂 🤣
      #Lacy 💙 xx
      p.s that's nothing, that's me being tame 😂🤣 xx

      Delete
  20. I thought when I saw your lunch the thing in question might be tapioca pudding. It's really a shame the meals they are serving you. You should talk to the nurse about the tingling and the diet foods being offered.

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  21. Anonymous2:23 PM

    Glad you've made it safely to Sydney!!! Sorry the food is rubbish :-( Woolies to the rescue!!!! Maybe the breaky mystery food was Chia seeds?? Good work on the room rearrangement! You definitely need some space to move!!! X

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  22. Loving the quarantine version of your blog. It didn't surprise me in the slightest that you've made an adjustment or two to the furniture layout. As for your food you're getting, so disappointing! I would be starving if that is all the food that they give definitely one way to loose a few Kg's for sure.

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  23. I am so sorry the food is shite. As you say, it's the only thing to look forward to. I suppose it could be worse. You could be quaranting in Melbourne!! Not our finest hour, that's for sure.
    When the husband worked in Sydney he rented a small apartment (as in tiny) in what was once a hotel so not much different to what you have only he had a washing machine and a microwave and small stove top. It was near the road onto the bridge and when I visited I would spend hours watching the traffic and shaking my head at Sydney drivers!
    Hopefully Woolies will be able to provide some decent food for you. And as the others have said, let the nurse know you're feeling tingly. The last thing you want is a hypo. And with all the changes you are experiencing - travel, change in diet (haha), lack of exercise, stress etc - it's bound to have an effect on your blood sugar levels.

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  24. Yes, that was chia seed pudding and can be absolutely delicious.... when made properly! I make it often for the boys and it tastes rather like rice pudding... especially delicious with fruit and whipped cream.

    That's a much better spot for your desk, I was surprised you didn't put it there right away. Hopefully the rest of your meals today will be better.

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  25. I have never seen a bath bomb like that. Amazing. For the price it had better last 12 baths! This is a very interesting twist to your blog fodder. Very interesting. Can't wait for you to get to your Mom's. That will be a happy day. You have some good ideas going on, like the post it notes. Can you order from restaurants and have it delivered? Or did you say you can only get one delivery a day from only one store?

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  26. That sandwich looks delicious!

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  27. Chris talk to the nurse explain the tingles they MUST get you special foods n as a diabetic bla bla.
    A sandwich press would have been ideal baking paper bacon eggs sammies frankfurters sausages cut in half and flattened out.
    Hope your food arrives and loved the bus comment...
    Very you
    Blondie

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  28. Your day is still more exciting than mine Chris xxx

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  29. Have you thought of Uber eats??...

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  30. Looking at your box and wondering what on earth is under the sharpener there? Don’t remember ordering that! Haha. Plus I swear I only ordered one pack of cutlery!

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  31. Love the care packages...how sweet of Colleen

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  32. Anonymous9:02 PM

    Well done Colleen you have done very well with your care packages.
    Dee

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  33. Awesome care packages Colleen night Chris one step closer

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  34. Nice Western Distributor view! You would see some action there!
    Worst thing about you being in Australia is that there isn't something ready to read when I wake up at 6am! :D
    Don't focus your energy on raging about the water etc - who cares, really? Leave it out in the hallway and forget it. They probably have to provide you with water from a legal point of view! :D

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  35. The meals in NZ look pretty good. Go to kiwisinquarantine on instagram. Just google that on your computer, you don't need to be on instagram to see the photos. Every two weeks another couple take over the posts and show their experience in quarantine. If you look through the photos you will see their daily meals plus what they have ordered in. How lovely of Colleen to send you those care packages!!

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  36. Get herbs spices sweet chilli sauce little block crumble it over dinners CHEESE makes everything grouse!little plastic round lidded containers one way smaller then the other add gravy to small one or stock add hot water to bigger one lid it and voila mak ya own sauces worcchestershire sauce you know the one that makes every great even cheese on toast.... Blondie
    get black pepper lemon pepper... 7 peppercorn pepper

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    Replies
    1. Pepper! Chilli sauce! OMG you forget... the only thing I like HOT is .. Stew! lol

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  37. I'm so sorry the food is so rubbish - I think that might be chia seed pudding in the breakfast but - ick. It looks terrible!

    Is the bubble bar from Lush by any chance? I get one just like that - it doesn't work like a bath bomb, instead you just break off a small amount of it and put it under the running water to create bubbles. Should last you a good number of baths!

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    Replies
    1. Yes it is from LUSH... and you are the 2nd person to tell me how I'm supposed to use it. Thanks. It is lovely, such a nice smell to it.

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    2. My kid once chucked an entire bar in there and left it in the entire time....I nearly cried ;) I love Lush products - their shampoo bars and conditioners are fab too!

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  38. To bad the food is such a disaster. Thank goodness you have internet to order online. Take care.

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  39. That dinner looks tasty, at least the broccoli is still green and not brown and wilted. How fun to get care packages!

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  40. No microwave even? So weird. Maybe you could buy one and have it delivered lol. Might be worth the $50 ;) I used an iron to toast a bagel before lol.

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  41. You even make quarantine interesting reading! Pity the meals aren't getting any better.

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  42. Hi chris OMG that food looks terrible! My sister has recently quarantined in Auckland- the food was amazing which was the from the hotel menu- and they got a choice of meals. And there was SO much of it. Shame Aussie are offering the same, but hopefully it will be different when you return!

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  43. Wakey Wakey! I guess, it will be hours before you have breakfast. Still - It's 3pm and no updates from you yet. Opposite sides of the world!

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  44. Missing for you Big W order is a notebook and pencils. They should arrive Monday. Tried to get envelopes but they only had bulk packs. Thought you could write your thoughts etc in the notebook, and maybe letters home with the notepad. But, sadly, no envelopes. That other thing, well that’s a freebie. No idea what it is.

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    Replies
    1. Look again Chick. There is a notebook and coloured pencils.

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