We, as a people, seem to need a lot of encouragement to stay motivated.
I’ve really noticed during the last year of lockdowns and pandemic living that I am in constant need of things to inspire me.
It is also getting harder.
By now, those of us who are so inclined have already tried our hand at the baked feta pasta recipe that went viral on the internet. If you haven’t, I highly recommend.
Credit to Live With Kelly and Ryan for the recipe:
20 ounces of cherry tomatoes
Half cup extra virgin olive oil
Quarter teaspoon sea salt
Quarter teaspoon black pepper
1 eight-ounce block of feta cheese (drained)
10 ounces of pasta of any kind
2 garlic cloves minced
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Quarter cup fresh basil, chopped
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place tomatoes in oven safe baking dish. Pour in olive oil, salt and pepper to coat.
Put feta in the middle of the dish.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and feta has softened.
While that is baking, make the pasta al dente.
Save a half cup of the pasta water.
Once dish is out of oven, add in the garlic, basil and red pepper flakes.
Add in the pasta and toss until evenly coated.
If sauce is too thick, add in the water a couple of tablespoons at a time.
Trust me — it's good!
Same story for the making of bread.
There’s been so much bread, I fear yeast infections.
By now, you have likely interlocked your millionth jigsaw puzzle piece.
There are now Facebook sites set up so people can trade puzzles family to family for more variety.
I saw an article saying that puzzling was also popular in the Great Depression referred to as an antidote for the hard times.
Historian Anne Williams says: “It's something you can control. It’s a challenge, but one over which you can prevail.”
I think all of this crafting is also comforting. It's nostalgic and much more pleasant than current day.
I have done so many diamond art pictures, I wake up with teeny tiny beads in my sheets and dare I say underwear. (If I still wore underwear.)
I’ve watched all the Netflix serial killer documentaries, so that’s gotten old by now.
Lots of people have been getting outside and walking or jogging.
You may have visited and revisited every trail in the neighbourhood and know each twig and rock.
As I am not into fitness (preferring fatness), these virtual walking programs may not be all that new but they have increased in popularity.
A friend told me about this idea and I thought I would share it.
You purchase an app for your phone which then allows you to do your exercise as if you are walking through either the Inca Trail, the streets of London or one of several options.
There are a ton of these things, so I won’t pitch one over the other.
As I understand, you can create your own walking trail. If you want a hike in the mountains — there you are. A Scottish countryside— close as your phone.
Personally, I wouldn’t be able to walk and stare at the screen at the same time without tripping, but I do get the attraction.
It is a pretty amazing concept.
Oh, it's not free. There’s a monthly fee. But, heck you get medals for progress. At least, in this one program, after you conquer a certain challenge an actual Olympic-type medal comes in the mail.
You know how we all love awards and packages at the door!
I get it. I find myself having to reward myself for the slightest endeavour.
"I did the laundry. I need a treat.” (Insert cookie into mouth.)
“If I clean the basement, I can enjoy a nice afternoon nap.”
I’m like a very old child who insists upon a participation ribbon or a gold sticker.
It’s a bit ridiculous, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
We are all on our own a lot, these days, so self-motivation is key.
If our satisfaction comes from a series binged, a puzzle completed, a recipe conquered, or a virtual walk in the woods, so be it.
We are all like pandemic pioneers — figuring it out as we go.
We’re doing well. We deserve a medal!
