A fun Q&A to cure all ills

Posted byMicahPosted inEntertainment, leisure, LifeTags:, , , , , , ,
Taking it easy

Along with gray skies and rain, June brought plenty of stress to our tiny house life, so much so that my respiratory problem flared up and I was chugging medications again. I swear, stress will be the death of me.

This is why I put all my effort in designing a life that I love. Then again, we can only control ourselves and never others – there are always ways for us to be dragged in messes we did not create. Fortunately, things seemed to have calmed down and while I remain tired, I am now focused on recovering.

How about an easy Q&A for today’s post? This is inspired by my blogfriend Janis and the questions are from here. Let me know what some of your answers are, too!

Have you learned anything during the pandemic and especially the lockdowns that has changed your outlook on you, your life and or your personality that is truly significant?

This is the longest I have stayed home. I never thought I could last a month without traveling but it has been almost two years! It was nice to see home in a new perspective and to actually create a home.

In your ideal world or lifestyle, how much sleep do you think you really need to function at your most optimum level and more importantly – do you get your desired amount daily?

I am a big believer in sleep and quickly turn into a zombie when I am constantly sleep deprived. I like sleeping for 10 hours. This is good.

Are you a thinker, a deep thinker or an active overthinker and if so what do you think about the most and for how long do you need to ‘think’ on a problem before you reach a satisfactory resolve or what steps do you undertake to not think as much?

In this family, over thinking is Markus’ job. I like to keep things simple and practical. This does not mean it is without elegance or creativity. I just prefer to be an essentialist in thought and action. Mind you, I do not always succeed but I try.

What are you most terrified of today?

I do not want to get COVID-19 because my lungs are compromised. Even if it does not kill me, there is a good chance I will be a long-hauler and that thought does not excite me at all.

What do you do for fun or excitement to fill your day/days or week?

Plants!

What is one of the most important features people should know about you?

If you keep it honest, simple, and straightforward, all will be well between us.

Whilst in recent times much of life has appeared gloomy and doomed – in the last 15 months or so, what have been 3 really good things to happen in your life?

Adopting our cats, keeping my plants happy, and having good times with people who come to our tiny house.

How often do you watch old television series and if you do, what makes for a good viewing on older content in your eyes and do you find that time relaxing?

I do not watch TV but I like cooking shows. I think they are calming. My favorite one is The Delicious Miss Dahl since it fits my thoughts on home cooking and the sprinkling of classics and poetry appeal to me very much. I have made the food from the show, too!

How often do you use herbs in your cooking and which ones are your most favourites and why?

Every day! I love them all. The most accessible one to me now is basil because we grow lots of them. I would love to resume traveling again so I can learn more about food and spices from faraway lands like Turkey, Mexico, and the Middle East.

Homebaked bread is the secret to good mornings

How confident are you about taking a vacation/holiday to another destination that would involve air travel?

I am not confident at all since I have yet to be vaccinated!

Are you a tidy or a messy or somewhere inbetween type of person?

Tidy.

What is the most useless product you have ever bought unwittingly or accidentally thinking it was more practical than it actually was?

I cannot think of anything now. My purchases are minimal and I only buy things that I need. If I realize I got something that is not that useful for me, for example, a couple of really nice linen blouses I got last month were two sizes bigger, I pass it on to someone who I know will be able to get the most out of it, which in the case of the linen tops is my physician sister. I am not the type to keep things actually. Are you?

59 thoughts on “A fun Q&A to cure all ills”

  1. Pingback: Disease, dis-ease, di-seased – Markus + Micah

  3. Hi Micah, I am sorry to hear you’ve been ill. My son, Michael has also been ill and we were in the hospital four times last week. He is doing better this week, but I also don’t want him getting Covid. I don’t want it myself either. We also haven’t been vaccinated, but my mom and aunt (82 and 86 years old, respectively) have been.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Eeeks! I feel for you, Micah! I hope you are breathing better and have your stress (and lungs) back in check! And yes, I hear you – you definitely want to steer clear of this (and other) bugs! As a fellow lung-compromised sufferer, we definitely want to keep as healthy in this regard as possible – which is why, like yourself, I have organised my life for minimal stress. Where I run, what I cook, when I write are the biggest decisions I plan to make each day!
    I wish I could sleep 10 hours a day – falling asleep is not the easiest thing. But I do lay down a lot throughout the day for resting – does that count?
    You set a beautiful table – it must be such a pleasure to sit down for a meal with you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you. Things are slowly improving. And I am glad to know I am not alone on this boat. In a way, I feel lucky we are able to organize our lives, that we have a choice. Just that stress is imevitable sometimes. We can only address our own stupid after all. I think as long as you feel rested it is fine. Do you sometimes get days when you sleep a lot but still feel tired? Bummer. And thank you. I find joy on sharing simple food with people. I hope one day it will be possible for us. We are just near each other after all. I will dream about it until the universe makes it happen.

      Like

      Reply

      1. I love how you put your thoughts and feelings into words, Micah: “we can only address our own stupid” – I wholeheartedly agree! There is too much to get overworked about out there!

        I am mostly ok with the sleep I get – I try to do all the important things early in the day. And whatever else I manage is just a bonus! I, too, am very grateful that I am able to organise my life to suit me – I realise there are many folks who don’t have this luxury.

        You are right – we are not so far from each other at all! One day soon ….

        Like

        Reply

        1. Oh, same! I try to be done with important stuff half the day so I am free for my leisurely things for the entire day. I cannot be stressed, honestly. I do not think dying from cancer is dying well. And yes, looking forward to exploring Sg actually. I feel like there is so much more to eat there that I have not eaten.

          Like

          Reply

          1. Cheers to a stress-free life! (or as little stress as possible, anyhow!)

            You must give me a shout when you plan to come to SG – we’ll give you an eating tour!

            Like

            Reply

  6. I’m sorry to read that you’ve been under the weather. Hoping you feel back to your better self now.
    I like your line: “If you keep it honest, simple, and straightforward, all will be well between us.” Ditto for me.
    The most useless thing I bought thinking it’d be great was this pancake turner/ kitchen tong thing that claimed to do both jobs with one utensil. The thing was too thick to flip pancakes and too clunky to grab anything being cooked. Stupid thing. Total waste of money. Still have it, on principle.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you. I am recovering: taking lots of naps and drinking extra cups of tea. And yes, life can be a lot simpler if we are more honest. I try to be in all interactions. I wish I could see this utensil. What is it called? I want to see it. Haha.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    2. Ally – i feel your pain! I would keep “failed” purchases on principle for a long while as well – until time for the big clean-out when I would bemoan it’s uselessness and then put it in the charity bag.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you. I am starting to recover and will take my time. Yes, especially when we did not do anything wrong yet we are still wrong. Probably the hardest problem to solve. Haha.

      Like

      Reply

  10. Aww, I hope you feel better soon!!! *big hug*
    10 hours of sleep – wow. I think my perfect day would be 6 hours of sleep. I feel very anxious when I spend too much time sleeping. 🙈

    I know garlic is a vegetable but it is my favourite herb/spice. I can’t eat food if it doesn’t have garlic. 🙈

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you for the hugs. I am starting to feel better. I am slow to recover but I have time so that is good. How come you feel anxious when you sleep more? And I get you with the garlic. Totally legit answer, I would say. Filipinos always start cooking by sauteeing onions and garlic. Any other way is clearly wrong. Haha!

      Like

      Reply

  11. Too many questions, Micah but here are a few of my answers:
    – the pandemic has given me time to “stop & think” rather than simply reacting to something
    – to bed at 10-10.30, rising 6-6.30. Sometimes rising at 5 am on these bright mornings
    – I think too much but haven’t found an alternative, except for slowing things down
    – dementia frightens me. My mother suffered from it for the last 8 years of her life although it didn’t seem to distress her. She lived to be 98
    – Being retired, every day is a weekend 😂
    – I need people to be honest with me
    – 3 things: being able to video call our daughters and grandchildren; sponsoring those turtle eggs; being in contact with so many different people around the world via WP
    – definitely NOT confident about air travel
    – both tidy and messy
    There! Now it’s back to learning how to crochet! 😂 I’m all fingers and thumbs 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh, thanks a lot for sharing these answers. I am always happy to learn more. Is there any way to stop dementia? If we keep our brains active will that work? And I get you with everyday is a weekend – such a lovely feeling, lots of freedom, and it is spacious. We are not retired but so far our lifestyle has been good since we consciously created it. And super nice that the turtles made a mark on you as it did to us! I think about them often. They should be a lot bigger now. Envy you for taking the time to learn how to crochet. You give me more motivation. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. These are good questions, and your answers are interesting. I think the amount of time I think about a problem depends on the problem. Over Covid, I learned that it’s really not that hard to not eat out. So many times pre-covid, I would be like “I’m tired; let’s eat out.” But when you can’t go out to eat, you make do. I found I enjoy eating at home. I hope you feel better soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Actually, my husband does most of the cooking, but I will make one or two dinners a week. I enjoy cooking that much, and it gives him a break. Enjoy your day!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  13. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering why you have been quiet lately.
    10 hours sleep. WOW! I am a terrible sleeper, and always have been, despite doing all the “right things” the experts say. I usually get between 6-7 hours a night. Sometimes less, but rarely more. I function well and have lots of energy so that must be the right amount for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Maybe your body is used to the rockstar schedule and being awake at night? But I am glad you feel okay with six hours sleep. How does that work, do you wake up early then? And yes, this month literally rolled in. But I am recovering and hoping to catch up with all of you soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Ha ha! No, I mostly stick to a regular bedtime schedule. I go to bed between 10 and 11, and pretty much always wake up between 5 and 6. On the weekends, I stay up a little later, but I’m always awake before 7.

        I pretty much always wake up on my own without an alarm so that tells me I must be getting enough sleep.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  14. I am a big believer in sleep

    I literally laughed at the way you’ve put it because I know you are being serious but somehow, it’s like hearing Seth Rogen say it…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

          1. I believe you’ve got better list in this regard, hehe, we’re very plain when it comes to food shows… we’re still watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives… we’ve had our days when we binged on Chopped, Iron Chef, Hell’s Kitchen, Barefoot Contessa, Bizarre Food, Guy’s Grocery Game, Mystery Diners, Food Network Stars, Food Truck Nation, and anything of Giada DL’s as she’s my husbands ultimate crush… hehe

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.