I can’t believe we’ve been in lockdown for over a month no thanks to lockdowns because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the one hand, it feels shorter. April went by the same way Tatiana Thumbtzen did in Michael Jackson’s music video for “The Way You Make Me Feel.” But thankfully, I’ve not had a fever like I’ve never, ever known during this period. And on the other hand, I may throw a tantrum for being unable to go for my evening walks.
Being made to stay home here in Kuala Lumpur has given me time to reflect on the little things that used to make my day feel complete.
1. Walking to the LRT train station
I enjoy taking the train, except during peak hours. That’s war. The station is about a 15-minute walk from where I live, but it doesn’t feel like it thanks to the company I get from Spotify. What I miss about the walks though, is feeling like I’m on fire from walking under the sun. It’s not an enjoyable, slow burn that you’d have from sunbathing by the beach. This is one of those “my face feels like it’s melting, is this how I go?” type walks. It kept me in check, you know? Made me walk faster, made my calves look better. I miss it.
2. Cancelled Grab rides
There was a point in time I believed I had a healthy relationship with the e-hailing service because of how often I used it. I’m consistent, I put in the work. If Grab was a gym, I would have rock-hard abs by now. But Grab never fails to keep me on my toes. If I had a Ringgit for every time I’ve had a “ooh sorry, we can’t find you a driver” or had a driver that cancels the booking when they’re close to my place, I could buy myself a few things from Zara. The entire booking experience on Grab increases my blood pressure, the uncertainty of whether I’ll be able to make it to my destination or not gives me anxiety; it’s a rush. I miss it so much, especially now when everything’s chill, and there’s nowhere to go.
3. Window shopping in Zara
I know, I know. It’s unethical, it’s not sustainable, but have you seen the shoes?! They’re so pretty. I miss trying them on, and gasping at the price tag. RM100++ for a pair of slip-on sandals (beautiful ones though)? No, thank you.
4. Being stuck in a traffic jam
Don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I don’t drive, so Grab is my best friend. Or so I would like to think… So even though the LDP (Damansara-Puchong Highway) and Federal Highway become car parks the second 5PM comes around, and it takes me close to an hour to get to Bangsar when it’s usually 20 minutes or less, I enjoy it because I’m not doing the driving. I use this time to listen to an audiobook or to look out the window while listening to music imagining my life as a music video. It’s me time. Yes, I can do that at home, but I prefer doing it when I’m on the move. Let me live.
5. Going to the cinema
Since we’re getting to know each other, I think it’s only fair that you know I am in a very serious and committed relationship with MBO Cinemas. We see each other two to three times a month, sometimes twice a day even. It’s my happy place; my place of peace and zen. I’ve had so many good memories with MBO; some of my fondest ones would have to be when I monitored its app two weeks before the premiere of Avengers: Endgame because I had to watch it on the first day or I would’ve died. Then, I ended up watching it five times… in the span of three months. I used to believe that money couldn’t buy happiness, but after sitting on a reclining chair in the Premiere Hall, I think it can. But alas, streaming movies will have to do for now.
What are the things that made your day pre-MCO that you miss deeply now? Let us know in the comments.
