"Do you remember the last conversation you had with a friend or family member (happy or otherwise) before Covid hit? What were you talking about? And given how we are now, thinking back on that conversation, how does that make you feel?"
Our conversations everywhere is dominated by Covid and the impact of it on every aspect of our lives. Thought we would throw this one out there to make you think a bit!
In the fading memories of the last conversation during normal times, the hum of the AC cooling system provided a comforting backdrop, symbolizing the soothing presence of reliable services that brought comfort and solace in every interaction, even during challenging moments. As we reminisce about those cherished times, let's ensure our AC cooling system continues to receive the care it deserves, enabling us to embrace more normalcy in the future.
MY last normal conversation I think was with my brother, we were planning a trip to Kochia Hill, in the Hitachinaka region in Japan. We were planning a visit to the country for a family reunion and we were talking about how spending all the time talking to relatives and relying on them to be tour guides would probably be boring. The trip also did not happen of course....
To explain, that place, Kochia Hill has these wild cypress bushes that get bright red and shades like that...it looks beautiful in the summer and autumn... here is a link in case anyone is interested: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kochia-hill
I am not going any time soon...one day...some day....
Probably three or four days prior to the lockdown,,I went to the park for my usual evening walk(or talk?). We are a group of ten spirited ladies from all walks of life. As you can guess , we discuss everything under the sun. But that day,it Was only one topic.
That was the highs and lows , ifs and buts of getting your house painted and renovated.I had just got done mine and had gone to the park after six weeks! I invited everyone to come, see and give their opinions.They all agreed on a date the following week.
Then came the lockdown. No one has been able to come. Now every means every conversation on phone begins with the latest on covid and ends like this:”God knows when we will be able to come to your house”!
qvwoman @Papiya Banerjee says on our Instagram feed:
"We had a fantastic "Crossing the Rubicon" get-together at our home cum studio, before Covid hit. Conversations were centered around hope & dreams regarding education, environment, craft (a proper adda session it was) over steaming hot pakoras & chai in the receding winter chill of Delhi.
Friends parted thereafter with the usual 'see you soon'. Looking back, I feel blessed & so thankful, that evening happened. It's so true...Count your blessings... Still counting 💚"
qvwoman @Siyuan says on our Instagram feed:
"Yes I certainly do! I was actually talking to mum about it last weekend. Just before the COVID hit during the last Chinese New Year, my 93 years’ old grandma was spending the CNY at my parents’. I was calling home and she was so happy to talk to me until her favourite drama was on telly.
She said to me: “ok, talk to your father now. I want to watch TV!” I was laughing and happy to know that she was enjoying herself. Now the next CNY is approaching and grandma may well spend it at my parents’ again. How time flies! That conversation seemed just yesterday!
And I’m glad all of them are well and healthy and I’ll be very happy and blessed for her to cut my conversation short and watch her fav drama again!"
I was planning a road trip to California this summer. I thought to be proactive and earmarked scenic routes and called the car rental company to ask for special deals for a 4 week rental of a large SUV. I even said I would make a down payment by early March if it meant I would get a good price!
This was not a conversation with a friend or family member but something that came to mind as soon as I read your question!
I remember talking to fellow QVWoman @vidya veeresh about traveling to India on a heritage tour for the Western part of the country. We were trying to align timelines and budget and whether at all it would be too hot in June to do this...this was early Feb I am sure of that...
Mmmm It is difficult to recall the last conversation before COVID. After going back in time as it looked,I think this is it.
My husband and I sat up after dinner and made a list of purchases to make in the coming months After lot of thought And arguments, we finalised the list. We attacked the first two items,both essential ones for the house when down came the lockdown.
The list is redundant now.We have carried over this year’s birthdays and anniversary purchases to 2021!Hopefully we will complete it!!!
Yes, of course I remember! Isn't that a memory to treasure? Interestingly it was with fellow qvwoman @Heather Carson! We had made lunch plans to meet at a close by eatery to catch up, something we tried to do as and when schedules permit. I had requested to work from home that day 😄, a "flexibility" I enjoyed at my workplace. It was the week before lockdown, something we didn't know was coming, but COVID 19 news was everywhere, and figured in our conversation that day too. We both concurred that we would follow local health advisories but little did we know the enormity of the situation 10 months later! We have also not met in person since, but that outing will stand out for me, one for the memory books!
I distinctly remember talking to my neighbor about the ridiculousness of doggy spa rates!! This was Feb I think and it was freezing in Chicago and we both were out at the same time on our balconies just to get some fresh air.
Omg!! Looking back, it sounds like a luxury to get on that small balcony of mine and lean into my neighbor's equally small balcony... she often jokes I could water her plants without leaving my balcony, that is how close and tiny they are!!
I have not seen her in ages...wow!!! simple pleasures eh?