The day Before
The Movement Control Order was announced, and the day will start from 18 March until 31 March, which is two weeks.
The Movement Control Order was announced, and the day will start from 18 March until 31 March, which is two weeks.
I took a Grab Car, bringing the iMac set with me like everybody else. The road was fine and smooth. with little traffic. Many has gone to supermakerts and marts to stock food and supplies. I had too, spent half an hour buying groceries near my workplace.
It's was a rough night with unexpected heavy rain around 10pm++. The thunder were loud, because it happened to be above my area. Reminded me that one of my boss's house caught fire and how much he had lost and in business too, send shivers to my spine to switch off electronics and went to bed immediately.
Day 1,
First thing, when I look at my closet. Next thing I dress a shirt and tie with a vest. Dressing up fill me mood, and it's starting to get fun.
It feels weird sitting in my room with the camera ON. I can see my double-decker bed behind me. Everyone will see, so I did played the app around yesterday and find it Green Screen works, and solve my embarrassing room.
Early 8.40am, I standby. Switching on iMac, connect to wifi, set up my workstation. This will be my two-week temporary workstation, hoping I can fulfil my work and enjoy for the time being. 9.20am, it's clocking time, a few who clock in with me, saw my outfit and sightful background of KLCC, some even thought where I was. My first impression to them was, a broadcaster, because of the outfit I wore which matched with the scenery, I even joked about only wear formal at home.
Second thing,
Silent room. The desktop I placed reminded me of my office table. My imaginative mind took me to the office atmosphere where I look left, right and front, I see figures of my colleagues around me eventhough it seems real.
third thing,
Sleepy in the afternoon.
fourth thing,
I'm lucky to have good bosses who care us like kids of their own. I'm lucky that.. I still have a job and able to work at home during this difficult period. I'm lucky that I face lesser impact here, and still able to survive another month.
Hearing from news, that many people are still defying the MCO, and still eating at kopitiam, mostly are people who are is elder age.
Day 2
Clock in at 9.20am, starting work from 9.30am to 6.30pm. Takes a lot of energy not to focus on work but to self-control now with minimum supervision. I'm already taking the struggle on my 2nd day, trying not to slow down or procrastinating my work.
Thinking how time pass like Sonic speed.
Day 3,
I get upset in the morning when mom shared a lot of audio clips via whatsapp, because I hate unknown people claiming he/she knows who Dato this Dato that like rumours without proof but said. I as her child, hate it when others shares fake news to her, it's putting her danger and bad influencing when the situation is already heated.
I went to Jusco to replenish stock for next week, but was told they will be closed at 8pm and I returned empty hand with just my card, gonna bring cash next time.
I and my fellow team work overtime today after 8.30pm to 11.00pm, while my boss still texting at 3am for changing to my director who is still working around the clock.
Day 4,
Work at home these days isn't good for my back as my chair isn't as comfortable as office chair.
I drop a message to my ex-loveatsight, I just kind of missed her all the sudden, and she and her family are fine. I really wanted to hear her voice.
I failed to replenish stock yesterday, I plan to head out again. I was surprised that we have to queue to enter the supermarket, all the entrance is guarded and for exit only. The weather is fine, and I only waited 10 minutes before my turn for entry.
Only 50 people is allowed to enter one at a time, kids are not allowed, and practice social distancing which is 1 meter measured by blue taps on the floor. My temperature is checked and hands sanitize before I grab a basket into the supermarket.
Things that are cheap gone such as sausage, sardines, baked beans, milk etc, leaving only expensive brands on the shelves. Cans are quickly sold out, but instant noodles are plenty. All cashiers are fully operating. My strength capability is only 8 light-medium items with protective glove hands and legs to carry home.
I surf Grab out of blue at night, and bought a few items from MyNews, more importantly is Salonpas, and two embarrassing items which I never bought from store, is condom and razor. (to be honest, kotex is one of the embarrassing items I wish the cashier to speed up their work when it's my turn)
I try Razor for the first time to shave pubic hairs, I find it very convenient and fast. As for the condom... don't know, sexual fantasies ?
Day 6,
After reading the news about US's condition, with more than 82,000 people tested positive for COVID-19, I thought about whether I should plant vegetables as there's no guarantee to when the economy will get any better.
Our government exercises movement control towards kopitiam and restaurant to have their eating tables remove from outlets to prevent anyone sitting. Road blocks starting double.
Day 11
I was invited to join a free game called World War Z. It took like 3 hours to install the game around 6.30pm to 9pm. It's a Third person shooter mode, so I can enjoy to play, but also there's 40% chance to get motion sick.
I can play offline my and online with either random players or with friends. We started the game at 11pm, and the first gameplay is awesome, ganging up with friends bang bang zombies to complete the mission. We stayed playing until 1am. It's easier and less time consuming when playing with friends than with comp-players who they only follow and shoot.
Day 14
Work From Home culture, I can cook healthy food with less oil. Self-Discipline important to keep my job, by coping up with the work without much supervision, trying to speed done any work with creativity given, and updating to superior daily.
Rumour spreading like wild fires, from insecure people usually from our older friends and parents. I received a lot voice messages or texts from mother since the MCO started, and I help mother snap out from rumour brainwash by talking logical thoughts and thinking rational to stop her from believing those unhealthy spreading and to secure her sanity. She usually would believe that someone mentions about a popular person's name
Road blocks has stricken, only with a good reason they would let you pass. Many who defied the MCO are fined RM1,000.
Day 16
I had a dream. I visited her house. There is a undergoing construction behind the yard. The house is fully air-conditioned with sliding screen door and windows. The dining room infront the yard is dim, and it has a large marble table, perfect fit for her working project. Her cousin too gives us some space alone. It's a happy time to be with her.
Rain pour and strong thunder, strong wind from east and west... the pattern has changed drastically and mad.
I listened to LIVE Facebook on Myperintis in recent days, about the Movement Control Order aka MCO affecting many major business throughout the country. Many low income are shut down, forcing staff unemployed during difficult situation, while many still retain staff but negotiation on half pay. The government too, stand firm to help SMEs with wages subsidies and residents to apply via BPN to cope with this hardest period in history.
Business revive could takes months to a year for some fields. From the advise of former Tun M, all lifestyle has to be changed, and pick up new skill that makes profit to this turnout and turn hobbies into business is the only way to survive.
Day 20
When I saw one of my ex-colleague shared a news post in the group, followed by her online purchase and delivery to the needy homes, Ms. Jo followed. I, however.. surfed the internet and reminded me of my home, that I should help my own home, Sabah. I'm familiar with any trusted homes, that made think of finding a larger NGO, I finally donated to Tzu Chi.
Day 24
I start to adapt the "work from home" style, but at the same time I play half way work.. it's very hard to maintain self-discipline and accomplish self-plannings without a partner of positive encouragement.. I do lack the motivation when heating hard rocks and lost in dark room.
I get frustrated too for not doing a good job and feeling guilt for playing.
Ordering food delivery is double to triple time more expensive than regular dine-in and take outs.. But the ideal of food delivery can't be avoided when I need some specific nutrients from seafood and enough proteins or I just want to crave some taste other than instant noodles..
Scam and illegal entertainment in condo is on the new especially people were scammed from purchasing flu mask in bulk online even police imposters claimed your IC were falsely used on illegal shipping drug whatever excuses think to be true.
Day 25
LIVE talks has became the next trend for less digitalized country as a way to do business and target certain audiences.
Works here never less, looking back the passed three weeks, my planning of activity never complete and not in colours. I didn't do much for myself..
Day 26
Another two weeks extension announced on 10 April, to 28 April. Grocery prices are seen more expensive than a month ago, items among price increase are milk, and canned food. The most popular items empty from shelves are bread loaves since the 1st day of Movement Control Order. I do limit myself snacking once a week.
I received text message from father, who works in West Malaysia is alive and worry. He deposited some cash into my account during this crisis. Mother isn't interested in any of him, so I only keep it to myself, and use wisely.
Food delivery is hella expensive for some stores, it's not surprising... They try to survive by providing food on their families' table as well. I too, bought some cucumbers and potatoes from an auntie, a vegetable seller on my way back from Jusco. I cooked potatoes the next day and shared the dinner potion with my housemate who seldom really do home-cooking himself, being quite malnutrition
from taking only instant noodles and rice to fill belly.
The whole three weeks spending more than 8 hours working from home, does make my eyes heavy and stress. I do love blow off some steam by playing another new game called Risk of Rain 2 with my 3 other colleagues, usually starts at 11pm or 11am on weekends. They are eager to share what free games is on the online store and we download and play together online, and chat through Discord. Now most often we play World War Z, quite similar to the pandemic COVID-19 =w=, except that we are heroes exterminating them.
News about a police inspector's bad behaviour for confining two Mongolian woman in a hotel, is a shock of a shock, during this MCO. law enforcement is what we most trusted during this period, and this bad officer is ruining the reputation of other good ones
Day 28
I received call from courier service around 2.30pm. I traced back my online purchase app, Shopee, indeed there's a package, one is mechanical pencil nib and one is Apple charger cable. When I received the package, I kept guessing which item was it.
Wait, the address of the sender is from.... CHINA. ! COVID COVID! Sure I do make funny panic. To my surprise, it turns out the saviour has come, Apple charger cable. I placed the order since 5 April, and receive on 14 April. Just about time I need it to re-charge my Apple mouse and keyboard, damn worried the battery will run out before it arrives.
So, it's a relief for me, no more worries on that.
Day 29
I went to bed as early as 9.30am the previous night, feeling sleepy and no mood to even play.
I had a nightmare...
I received a text message that's written in BM,
which says my screening test result for COVID-19 turns out to be positive, and the health staff is on their way to pick me up at once.
Shhsssss ~!!!
I woke up about 5am, with the sense of terrified.
Just a dream... COme ON, April fool passed already !
7.35am, I prepare myself to hit the morning shopping at Jusco. There wasn't much fresh meat or fruit standby on shelves yet. Bread loaf are available, soup can ran out, replaced with soup packets. Not much choice to choose.
Day 30,
9.40pm, I stare at the window, looking at the pool. How time flies... working away from home since 2013. (write-up moved to previuos post)
With the MCO further extension to 28 April, I looked back the years I have spent working here. To my lifestyle of age 30s, more successful and ambitious people would already started family, own car and house and even long and steady side income during this period.
I have things that everybody would admires about. After 3 years of work and savings, I have a budget gaming laptop that support most games to play. and another 3 years, I own my first graphic tablet.
I may not have a high pay salary job, having big network in freelance business, nor lucky enough to have a girlfriend to love or family to raise. At least... I achieved to have things and hobbies that I affordably reach to enjoy on my free time. I have older colleagues who enjoy playing games invite me to play during this period, for the first time in life. And, whenever I want fresh air, I can always look outside of my window, where's luck to find a rented room with coconut tree s and swimming pool? I definitely cherish all this.
This kind of stay and enjoyment will not last forever, it will change in the time of future... just like the years I spent in Wushu, or companies I had joined, it will become memories, be it sad or joy..
Day 33
Gamers ready at 2.30pm,
We played Horde Mode [Normal] in World War Z, it was fun at the end of receiving big reward and EXP. Really fast to level, we play 2 rounds. The first round end in Wave 14, the 2nd ends in Wave 18. That's the advantages of partying in group, you get to level faster, by reaching up to 5 levels.
Mom on the phone spoked about travelling recently, to Dalat, Vietnam and Tokyo, Japan. However, my work will be very busy around the end of the year as many projects have been postponed to around the time. She might join brother side to Tokyo end of this year.
Day 34,
I had many dream today.. that made my brain fatigue... and only get out of bed 8.32am.
I was walking along a neighbourhood, and caught the attention of kids toys made in quality plastic, which was dumped on the road. I picked up and play, and for as long as the time I have. Bystanders thought I was "disturbed", came to check on me. I critique the great quality of them, and I just felt emotional that the toys were dumped. I packed them into my bag when the rain started falling.
I return home to see relatives gathered in. They were holding a ritual feast? I saw grandma walking around. And the relatives were quite disappointing about my lack of responsibility to bring more food like whole pig or goat as gift for the dead.
I went to the kitchen counter, there's a woman with water tap turned on to clean the dirty area. I joined in to help as her age may have little difficulty to bend over.
I woke up, my eyes are tiring.. feeling dizzy.
Day 35
I couldn't pick up my sleep, my back is hurting, my feet is hurting from standing, my knee is somewhat weak.. moreover, the temperature is 34C, it's hot enough to get me pissed off the whole afternoon yesterday..
I laid down on my bed just not helping, and I didn't have the appetite to eat either. I woke up feeling sleepy and tired. I managed to shower and make breakfast, eat it and wash it in 1 hour before 9am.
I have headache in the afternoon, the heat is killing me, I took watermelon, and then panadol, laid on bed about 4.45pm after I have no work to do, and constantly checking message.
Rain poured, it cools the room a bit. Finally 6.30pm, first time I went takeaway at the eatery I used to go, and it only cost RM4.60. I could have saved a lot for daily meal... each food delivery cost me between RM30 to RM65...
Day 38
The only affection from the lockdown is I can’t go out exercise, socialising isn’t a matter, I’m semi-introvert and long-term single LGBT anyway. I can be friendly with anyone but doesn’t mean I would do anything they want.
I don’t address others as friends but as people. Bonding may last longer, but relationship will either become memory/nightmare. They are either straight, in relationship, married or motive. The only people I trusted are older colleagues, who they gave me advices and work | lifestyle experience.
I used to had 8 months isolation due to depression and suicidal in 2017. I played games, I watched documentaries and related articles and animes, I envied them, I felt them, I learnt the lessons from them, I started to accept things it will eventually be, I stopped holding the past because medicine can’t heal the scars.
I understand that they will part their ways and have their lives of marriage and have babies which I see is a common human life cycle, and I will have my circle of new people, new colleagues start over unconsciously.
That 8 months stage has finally over. I found that life has to continue, which comes to a new stage of return to society, starting work again from lowest salary to pay bill and rent just to enjoy games, animes or drawing or try things I may start to enjoy until whatever accident/disaster/disease/poverty/aging kills me so that atleast I feel content.
Day 40
MCO really created business struggles to whole country, many people either lost their job or struck by pay cut. Many business running during MCO also highly affected and had no choice to retrench their staffs or force pay leave. However, to contain the virus of the country's people is the ruler's top priority to ensure all the people be safe from the deadly infection spread, and life to resume running the country securely...
Other EMCO aka Enhanced Movement Control Order are placed in certain area with higher COVID-19 cases, with immediate effect of road closure with barred wires set to resident gates by soldiers. Business hit by the EMCO, many people caught in road block to enter and have to drive to another town for supplies and groceries...
I too, received a form to fill up for my workplace, to how employees' heart to help the company keep running during and after this MCO. My bosses are working hard everyday to prepare topics for LIVE Facebook and Webinar with many top companies, senior management too advise us to continue save up extra income for the unforeseen future.
I... however.... regretted with many things I did during this awful period.... for spending expensive food delivery, still procrastinating my freelance work and office work... unmotivated and lazy to work harder... I'm such a loser... half-assed ambitious person... who has owned valuable things but never appreciate much to learn and master them for new road skill....
Day 42
We had a town hall meeting before end of the work day. Our bosses are struggling at the beginning of February to keep our job secure and have food on table. It is indeed their darkest hour to share his similar past experience. Yet, there's still minor of us want him to shoulder more, and want the remaining bonuses. With many of our events cancelled and postponed, the real problem after MCO.
I received my gaming chair this afternoon and quite excited, and later exhausted after tiring work, I took a nap on the chair, it feels like paid off.
Day 45
Labour Day, also the announcement by Prime Minister that the Movement Control Order will be lifted, and almost all business sector can back to business starting 4 May. According to our last meeting, boss mentioned his darkest hour as event industry is largely more impact than travel and Tourism industry, even after MCO lifted, there will be no events large gathering allowed as the so call "New Normal".
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/05/01/get-ready-for-a-post-mco-reset#cxrecs_s
The company will more likely to be zero income this year, which affecting all employees longer pay cut period, and virtual agreement of taking 2 days unpaid leave a month, delayed bonus and may come to a voluntarily resign and find job elsewhere...
My question will be :
1. Which industry will have more hiring power in this New Normal?
2. What skill person will company recruit in this New Normal?
3. Will landlord has intention to sell his property, and force tenants to move out in short notice?
4. Will there be any room rentals available?
5. Will I be jobless and homeless due to Global economic down crisis in the next 2 months?
Day 46
Today's Dream
A large house, with one area can fit a office studio. It's a grand Victoria interior, I'm one of the employees working in the studio. curious of the surrounding I follow the hallway to different rooms, I somewhat ended up dragged by a colleague into forbidden basement, locked.
There's no food, just low lights and narrow corridor that probably an escape route to garden? Boss found two of us misbehave and for leaving our desk post, he gave the word that stunned me, "You're fired, leave at once."
I woke up, relieved.... a nightmare.
Day 48
Today marked the end of Work From Home in Malaysia though some states remain under MCO watch including East Malaysia.
The feeling of coming out of the town, with inspiring music rhythm in the grab car, I'm updating this on my first day way to office.
I woke between 5.15am - 7am, went LRT renew my TnG..
Office, only designers and management department are required to work in office daily. I regretted that I didn't make good use of the iMac when it's in my room. (like freelances)
Shuttle bus is unavailable during this CMCO ( Conditional Movement Control Order), some of us are forced to take Grab from train station to office. The cost per trip is between RM5 - RM6 in the morning while RM9 - RM10 in the evening. Even with my current salary, taking Grab daily to work is un-affordable.
I drop by KLCC to fetch some groceries, the atmosphere of 7.25pm is like 8am, with many shops remain closed, those open rarely stand like camels, and business close at 8pm.
Day 50
Today's Dream
A woman sneaked through the public toilet door I was in, caught me by surprise when I'm most vulnerable of being sexual prey. The next thing I know, I'm awake, felt like anxious but awesome than thinking it's a nightmare.
Wesak Day. Go no where.
Day 54
Today is public holiday, yet I still never done much on the work.. my achievement deadline is tomorrow, and I yet master the shading or follow the to-do list on time, again...
three days of rest feels restless to me, for playing multiplayer games late at night, wake up 10am in the morning.
Despite long wind and reminder from boss, I still ... spend unnecessary on food delivery.. just wanted to eat fast food and cheeses.
Day 55
2nd week of working in office. Worms crawling out on the 3rd day from takeout boxes. Gaming at 11pm-2.30am really messed up my sleeping pattern. I was supposed to get some work done.. The weekend passed like waterfall.
I stayed awake the entire night, washing clothes and smelly shoe. I did workout when I heard there will be a photograph session today. My tummy and thigh ain't losing much after 1.5months miserable stay-at-home unsystematic due goal schedule failed!
I took shower, trim under hair the 2nd time in my life! It turns out more neat and save more time from neck getting pain.
In the train, I feel the slight of sleepiness hit my brain. When I missed my sleep for a day, I feel like I have not sleep for very long time, I kind of missed my bed so much..
It's been a while since I did a proper sketch. I thought my creative went dull, but I actually need a start of figure pose to get creativity run along.
Works pile up very fast and keeps coming. That sense of constant alert really worked me diligent and feeling sharp.
I didn't do a fine post, when I myself actually think that post a strong meaning applying to current pandemic. Well, after being mentioned, the post did look like more of a message than about business..
Day 56
Overslept. Woke up 8.25am, my Grab still not working. I have to get it done before I ready to head out. 9.07am.. Works.
Day 57
Today has finally come.. Long queue at the train station, train capacity applying 1 meter social distancing is almost full.
Day 58
Today's Dream
I met the ex-colleague one day coincidently on a street. He looked fine. We sat down have a drink, but I felt uneasy meeting him for two reasons, he's cunning. Second he asks for money.
When he finally opened mouth, I refused. However I was concern about my girlfriend's, as he knew I live with her. I took a dash home to lock every windows after being followed. Afraid he might already know my stay, use her as my weakness to get the money he wants, I contact her not to come home, instead I meet her nearby a safe place.
