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It’s my father-in-law’s 73rd birthday today, so we organised a family Zoom party to celebrate. With a son in the UK, and a daughter who lives 15 minutes away but can’t come over because of the lockdown, this was the best possible celebration we could arrange where everyone would be together. We baked a brownie cake and sang him a birthday ditty, with his near and dear ones looking on. Though we weren’t together in physical form, we definitely were in spirit.
It’s strange that a month ago we viewed our world so differently- as one large globalised unit. My husband is pursuing his Master’s Degree from the University of Cambridge in the UK, for which he attended lessons at the University for a week, every three months over a period of two years. Having submitted his dissertation recently, he was due to graduate this July.
We booked our hotel in Cambridge well in advance of the seasonal rush, since the entire family planned to travel to be with my husband on this momentous occasion. Unfortunately, the graduation ceremony has been indefinitely postponed, and I worry that even if the situation begins resembling normalcy soon, we may not go for fear of falling ill with the coronavirus abroad.
The same goes for other plans we made earlier this year. International and domestic travel for weddings and other special occasions, have been put on tentative hold.
Are we gearing up to return to the life that existed before ready cash allowed a large populace to zip around the world at will? Are we set to usher in a world where online connections must suffice for all operations- business and personal?
Honestly, at this point I’m unable to fathom the long-term scenario. I’m sure the world is set to change drastically, but I can’t predict how and to what degree. Many will argue this is a blessing in disguise- we are finally being forced to reduce our massive carbon footprint that harms the Earth tremendously. Perhaps it is a blessing, but one that makes me sad.
With nations shutting down their borders, airlines going bankrupt due to loss of business, and a huge economic downturn set to affect the disposable income of many, un-globalisation seems a grim reality of the future. Anyhow, we must weather whatever is in store for us, to the best of our ability.
On similar lines, here’s my book recommendation for the letter G:
“Gone With The Wind” by Margaret Mitchell is set in the deep South, during and after the American Civil War. The protagonists are slave-owners that have to adjust to a rapidly changing world after their side loses the war. Some of the astute observations in the book ring strangely true to our current situation. It’s a rather long book and requires a serious commitment of time, but it’s definitely worth it!
Another serious time commitment that will draw you in, is my TV show recommendation for today:
“Game of Thrones”, available for viewing on Hotstar, is a fantasy show set in a mythical world. It’s based on the book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. This show was a game-changer for TV. Production companies began pumping in tons of money into this medium of entertainment, realising its immense potential, which allowed them to shoot in exotic and grand locations. Though most loyal fans of the show were disappointed with its final season, it’s worth watching the first few seasons for a wonderful escape from the real world.
As for a tip to beat the lockdown blues:
Taking inspiration from the theme of today’s post, I advise you to learn a new language on the internet. It’s a wonderful skill to have in general, and if everything moves online in the future, it will become an even more desirable one to have.
That’s it for today folks!
Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter G?
Goodbye till tomorrow!
Celebrations at home!
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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up.
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*This is not a sponsored post.
**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.
I don’t want to think how the world will be after Covid-19. Right now, I just want this to end and then we will see.
It is sad that all plans had to be altered this year, hoping for a better 2nd half of the year. Stay happy!
And I’ve read Gone with the wind in bits and pieces when I was a teen!! I need to get my hands on it again 🙂
Oh you must- this is the best time to pick it up again 😃
I share your concerns. It’s hard to foresee the future at this point, but un-globalisation doesn’t seem to be a long term solution to anything. I had “learning Kannada” on my agenda for this year, but so far made no progress. Thanks for reminding me.
Yes I hope it doesn’t get to that situation! Good luck with Kannada 😊
I hope the graduation ceremony happens soon, and with everyone around well & happy. Its such a weird time to be alive, all of us are losing so much, yet the heart only wants to pray that nobody else loses any more.
Yes… so many changes in so many many different ways!
Yay! – to Gone with the Wind
Nooooo! – to The Game of thrones (I quit after the first season)
and I think un-globalization is quite unimaginable
Hahaha loved your reaction to the recommendations today!
It’s unimaginable and I hope it stays that way 🤞
I know Noir. This will change. I am just hoping, it should change for good. COVID-19 has definitely impacted the economy. We can just pray that things should not go out of our hands.
Lately, I have seen many of my friends doing birthday celebrations over Zoom. Atleast we are blessed with technology and are able to see our family using technology.
Yes I worry that technology will take over the need to actually meet… but let’s hope that never happens 🤞
I have read Gone with the wind in college. It is a lovely book. I also like both the bloggers mentioned by you. Sometimes I wonder what will happen after lock down … what will happen on the 23rd day. Will we go in for another lock down or there will be chaos. The whole economic downturn is very scary though.
I think the lockdown will continue on- at least in Delhi which is fast becoming a hotspot
First a very happy birthday to Uncle and I am sure you all had good family time with the celebration. yes, with Covid 19, we all had a state of disturbed routine and plans..and no one knows when everything will become normal..hope for best..will check the series”game of throne”, you had recommended in this post. I had heard a lot about it.
Thank you Surbhi! I hope things get back to normal soon
This is a unique post with so many different things brought together like in an orchestra.
Thanks! I hope that was meant as a compliment, and I will take it as one 😊
I have no clue how the world and our economy is going to be post covid19. It’s best to not to think about it, and hope only good things will follow us. I have started to learn Hindi, I’m able to understand words now, but these grammar part I am stuck, any suggestions where I can learn better? Right now I’m getting help from a book by Richard Dellcy. Thanks for the recommendation again, all are must watchable, whoever have not watched GOT must watch it. Have a beautiful day Noor 💐✨
Thanks Simon, I wish the same for you. Sorry I don’t have a clue where you can learn Hindi online but I’m sure there are many resources!
Thanks Noor! I just rely on some random sources, Hope before the quarantine ends, I could at least start to understand this language 😉
Hindi is a tough language! I wish you luck!
Yup! tough indeed🤓 it’s interesting to learn tough language ☺️
Yes!
On another note, I notice you don’t leave your post link on the comments section of the Facebook post announcing the linky. You should do that- that’s where most of the traffic comes!
Thank you for saying that. I was not aware of it. Let me do it from today 🤗. thanks again 💐
My pleasure!
Happy B’day to Uncle, wonderful idea of online gathering. Don’t know what future has for us, how long things are going to be like this or worsen? only prayers faith hope belief are things we are living with. things are getting worsen in USA. hope happy days will be here again.
I understand Archana… it is a very worrisome situation indeed. Hope you and your family stay safe and healthy 🙏🏻
Yeah.. absolutely this uncertainty about the coming days is disheartening. It is entirely wait and watch situation. But, we can definitely contribute our share of positively to the best of our abilities.
Yes for sure 😊
That’s a lovely pic Noor. Birthday wishes to your father in law.
One of my earliest tweets when corona started read… So much for all the globalization.
I so agree with you. Corona is like the new border drawn between nations.
It’s a tick with the book recommendation and the Game of Thrones both. So I’m doing good today.
I’m readiNg Dr Roshan everyday and am going to check Dipika right away!
Glad you agree with my recommendations Sonia 😊
Sitting here in Hong Kong, I don’t know how it would unfold (both in India and in UK) but I writhe in anger seeing how both, and many others- ironically all of them led by Hard Right, Personality Cult driven buffoons let it unfold!
Just think how we dealt with it- sitting just 900 kms from the epicentre, Macau, again a mere 60 kms, or Taiwan- just 85 kms from mainland, or Singapore dealt with it- immediate intervention, screenings, assurance to general public, awareness-
Be alert but don’t panic- just don’t! And here we are- largely safe and sound!
May you all too be. May everything returns to the ‘normal’ sans the apathy for the poor, public health and so on.
Thanks for the recommendations, will check them out.
You are so right Samar- we should look East for inspiration on how to smoothly handle this global crisis. Here’s hoping the world never comes to a situation of un-globalisation. Thanks for stopping by 😊
And yeah, forgot to wish your father in law- a very happy birthday to him.
Thank you 😊
These are the times no one has every seen so no one can predict what will stay and what will change. It’s full of uncertainty.
I have read gone with the wind however never watched GOT.
And you surely arranged for a warm bday party.
Thanks dear 😊
I have watched the movie Gone With The Eind and simply loved it. I read the book after watching the movie and still enjoyed it. I read the very first book of George RR Martin’s Game of thrones but did not like it much with its complete lack of morality and values. I did not watch the serials on TV or read the other books of GOT. But I guess I should have persisted because so many people are telling me the GOT series is really good.
Well the series also has no morals or values, but it is a well-made show with a gripping story. Perhaps you should avoid it if you didn’t enjoy the book 😊
Although un-globalisation is quite a possibility, I doubt if that will happen. I mean, the governments are having a tough time trying to keep the people indoors even in this dangerous hour. Gatherings and large weddings have still taken place in our country and it has had its consequences. Once there aren’t rules for lockdown anymore, how many more people are going to spread their wings and fly without considering the dangers! I’m more worried about the chaos that might await us on the other side.
Yes that is true… let’s see how the situation pans out!
Happy birthday to uncle!! Noor, at first my heart saddened reading the global scenario. But as I proceeded, somewhere I felt good again. There is still hope, I guess. Seeing your family having that cute party, and seeing your child, I felt so good. Nice post as always.
Thank you dear 😊
Very touching Noor! I hope and pray you attend the graduation ceremony at Cambridge soon, and so do you visit many other places as you had planned. I am writing for my theme of Travel Diaries and every article I write my heart turns heavy. But I write with the hope that one day and soon enough, we are all able to rediscover places all around.
I had read “Gone with the wind” long back and had loved it. Will read it again now.
“Game of Thrones’ has long been on my ‘to-watch’ list. 😊 Now even stronger on my wish list.
Yes all of us travel lovers will make sure we find a way 😊
Thanks for reading and appreciating!
Happy Birthday to your father-in-law, i share your concers too. Seeing the trend, I believe it will take a lot of time before things will get normal again.
Thank you so much for the feature, I truly appreciate it.
Good luck with the challenge.
Thanks Dipika.. Wish you the same!
I hear you Noor, being an avid traveller myself am feeling the pinch badly, had a v special trip planned this May June but now I really hope at least to reach back home safety by then
Yes fingers crossed everything falls into place soon 🤞
Happy birthday to your father-in-law. I hope the world after Corona sees a change in our attitude towards the environment though I doubt if we have learned anything at all.
It will be interesting to see how everything pans out… thank you for the wishes!
Happy birthday to your father-in-law. I hope there’s a change in our attitude towards the environment in the world after Corona though I doubt if we have learned anything at all.
Belated birthday wishes to uncle. I share your concerns, Noor. We don’t know how it is going to be on the other side of the pandemic. All we can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Well said Ritu. Thanks for always dropping in and supporting me and also for the wishes!
Thank you so much for featuring me 🙂 Happy to see the series on kindness does have a positive impact.
The discussion on what comes after the pandemic has been going on in the hospital for awhile now – it will be an entirely different world. People will be afraid to travel. Businesses we’ve frequented would be shutdown.
Need to find a way to walk out those doors confident and more importantly, optimistic when the time comes.
Yes I hope the future is positive, however it may be!
Wishes to uncle, that’s a beautiful click of family time.
Uncertainty indeed is bringing the pain in the back of our minds, but being strong we are still keeping that sane smiles alive. We are learning this too and will surely come out as winner.
Have read gone with the wind but not at all a GOT fan.
Thank you for stopping by!
I hope the situation becomes better soon! Everyone’s travel plans have been postponed. Wonderful recommendations for both book and the TV show!
Thank you for stopping by!
Even my brother marriage is postponed which was in April and my masi who has booked and planned to visit from England is cancelled. We all are upset because of it .
Yes I have read dipika post. She writes great and very supportive person.
Sorry to hear that Gurjeet… hope the marriage happens soon..
Dont think too much about tomorrow Noor..live each day as it comes…..Gone with the wind is my lifetime favourite.I saw the movie too a number of times and used to imagine myself as Scarlett being wooed by a Rhett Butler 🙂
Ah we all imagined ourselves as Scarlett 😊
Interesting post. And definitely something to think about. My hubby also just started his ISB course and it’s on hold now coz the official classes have been dismissed.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope his course starts on time again
Oh, I think our world will never be the same again. This pandemic will change everything… on so many levels.
Gone with the Wind… I read this decades ago… and it is on my list to re-read. Hopefully soon! I must be those few handful of people who havent watched GoT ;D
Actually many people who commented on today’s post haven’t watched the show surprisingly! But most have read Gone With The Wind. Perhaps GoT is not big with bloggers!
Possibly! I thought I was the only one 😀
😃
Wishing uncle a very happy birthday. We have the same discussion more or less everyday. It might be good for the environment but economically it will be really bad and it will take years to come back to the same point. I don’t see any business which is not being affected. Let’s hope we get out of this soon and hope things can be managed. Thanks for the recommendations as always
Yes let’s hope for the best 🤞
What would happen in the next moment, we can’t predict? This is the best lesson for human beings to balance equilibrium. Belated happy birthday to uncle.
Thank you for the wishes
Thinking of the future gives more anxiety and stress which I’d want to put away. Good recommendations as usual
Thank you for stopping by
So glad that technology made it possible for everyone to join the birthday celebrations despite being far away. Nature is definitely healing. This is going to change our lives even after it has disappeared. Hopefully, it’ll be in a way that benefits our planet. Economies will crash. But the important thing is – lives are important than economy. If humans are not there, what good will come of the economy? Roshan sir is an amazing blogger. His posts are the ray of hope we need in this difficult time.
I agree 😊
Really the biggest fear at the moment. Especially families of expats like us are highly worried.. that when will they be able to see us. Few people just ran home panicking and resulted in carrying the virus with them..
Yes that is extremely worrying
Belated birthday wishes to uncle. The virtual gathering is the only possibility these days. Hope you had a lovely time with your family. Gone with the wind is till date my fav after Mills and Boon. But somehow I did not like games of thrones much though it had a roaring success.
Thank you for stopping by
I liked the first 5 seasons of GOT after that it was a downhill, like you said, I was one of the disappointed fan who was looking for something else in the season finale. Well at least nature is healing , and hope that soon life will get back on track.
Thank you for stopping by!