#AtoZChallenge – Pandemic Journal: Joie de Vivre

I am writing another entry yet using my iPhone Notes app! Yay!

It’s 9.44pm on April 12, and the J-day entry for my Pandemic Journal is, once more, delayed. I procrastinated on this entry because nothing great was flowing through my mind… until a few minutes ago, after I posted on Facebook a photo of my new recipe, lemon sinigang na manok (chicken in lemon broth, in the featured picture).

I originally intended to write about jogging for the J-day entry, but I felt it was hackneyed, especially I didn’t do many jogs. Then I replaced it with job security, because of the fact that so many people have lost their jobs nowadays. I wanted to write a reflection on my current job and how it has become a blessing in disguise. Then I thought it would be too serious of an entry, so I replaced the J-day piece with jaunt, as a reference to my recent short trips.

A couple of minutes ago (it’s 9.49pm when I reached this point), as my mind went into a light sleep state, wondering the topic of my upcoming long-form piece for Keystone, it dawned on me that the aptest word for today is Joie de Vivre – the joy of life, especially in times of negativity.

It’s fitting that I am writing this entry at Easter, a day of celebration for Christians around the world. But this year’s event is so different as virtually everyone is cooped up in their homes as a safety measure. But then, I don’t like to dwell on the negative energies that have highlighted the recent weeks – I’m going to list some of the moments that have brought me joy during the outbreak here in Beijing.

(Ended writing this point at 10pm)

I find it funny that I created a list full of J’s, to make sure that I don’t forget the reason why I changed my entry.

1. Job. I’m almost 10 months into my new job, and I feel extremely blessed to be working in an institution that has a leader who has motivated and guided us since the onset of the pandemic.
2. Jaunts. Because I was able to see springtime-Beijing with few people!
3. Jog. Not really, but yes. I jogged outside ONCE, and have been trying to do more walks when I have my grocery run.
4. Joint. In relation to the previous item, I feel happy that my joints are still moving, because I keep them lubricated by doing daily exercises!
5. Jolly eats. This doesn’t make sense, but okay, jolly eats – specifically the recipes that I have tried or created during the pandemic, including the chicken in lemon broth dish.
6. Juggling acts. I’m not a professional juggler but I am a professional juggler, if it makes sense. I’ve tried to get my own act together — from the usual house chores to the online work to the weekly grocery runs to blogging!
7. Janitors. Okay, this is the item that I feel so thankful of. Janitors, alongside the people from the service industry, have been the bomb in this crisis. C’mon, they keep our surroundings clean while staying alive. What an act!
8. Jing. Specifically the Jing — Beijing. I referenced this in my previous post, but I am repeating it: I am thankful to be here during this crisis. I think things would have been different had I traveled or gone back to my country before the pandemic began.
9. Jazz jingles. That’s the closest thing to music — and music has helped soothe my mind when all of the things are overwhelming me.
10. Jot. And in part, journaling. My Pandemic Journal!  No need to elaborate on that!
11. Jesus Christ! And finally, He is risen!

Photo: Andy Penafuerte III