COVID-19 is death.
In the beginning, as much as it’s someone else’s problem, you fear it.
You tried your very best to avoid it.
Heck, the government forced you to stay away from it.
And then it got to your distant relatives, your high school friends, your colleagues, even those who were more pro-vaccine than you are. They’ve moved on, traveled to Malaysia, Singapore, America…
Suddenly, it’s not that bad.
On Wednesday afternoon I just felt really, really cold.
Even though I was under the thick blanket with my camping jacket, I was still shivering. Shit was colder than the internet comments I received.
It was the reverse of the usual COVID cough and no smell symptoms. I could smell the browning banana on the counter, the five spice powder from the pork belly I made the night before, the grease from the opened bag of potato chips.
I went immediately for a PCR test, only to be told *points at the poster* since July 1st, PCR tests are only reserved for the old, disabled, and pregnant. I was given a pack of RAT tests (score!) and a shrug by three nurses. There was no one there - they could’ve, but they wouldn’t.
So after 2 days, 5 RAT tests, 1 canceled shoot, numerous toilet runs and fever dreams later, I’m still technically COVID-free.
It’s probably flu, but not the flu.
That’s worse than getting COVID.
Because every bump, fall, or hiccup makes me think it’s COVID.
Mentally I’m like that old man who was resuscitated by CPR - ribs broken, lungs punctured, heart merely beating.
For all I know I’m already dead.
What’s the difference?
You know what, I’m being overly dramatic.
It isn’t death; COVID is taxes.
Some never get it; some get it once and never recover, but for the majority, you learn to accept it and grow up.
Nothing is certain in this world, except death, taxes, and COVID-19.
It sucks because of the illnesses, but winter is also awesome because it is Cara Cara season.
You know Cara Cara, right?
The love child of Navel Orange, Blood Orange, and grapefruit?
It’s sweet, not too acidic, with plump, juicy flesh.
Usually, I buy half a dozen, and just stand at the kitchen bench, slicing them into half, then quarters, then eights, like sashimi, and finish them in one go. Even when I was sick, I woke up and carved one at 3am. Yes, mum, it’s not good for the stomach, but it’s also full of vitamin C, so it’s a draw.
It’s been my secret for the last five years, but now I want the farmers to thrive.
A 2-hat restaurant tried to impress us with a ‘Cara Cara’ sorbet.
When I replied ‘so, orange?’ the guy wasn’t exactly pleased.
It’s my fault, I’m sorry Mr front of house.
Once you tried Cara Cara, you can’t go back.
Do I need to teach you how to pick oranges? Hint: water is heavier than air. Just go for the ones that feel heavier than it looks.
I’ve seen organic ones going for $6 per kg, $4 per kg at Woolworth online, and even Victoria Market:
I’m pretty sure your local markets stock them too.
Sure inflation sucks, but the best things in life are usually almost free.
If you look hard enough.
I think Bunning’s sausage sizzle is still on the menu.
Did you hear they’re increasing the price to $3.50 soon? You should come to Bunnings Port Melbourne this Sunday 2pm - 4pm to see me before I complete my transformation into an old man complaining about the good old days when Bunnings Snags was $1.
Take care of yourself, Harvard! A month ago, I got COVID on a business trip to San Diego - and the tests kept showing negative, until 1.5 weeks after my initial symptoms.
I’ve read that this is a recent trend. :(