Self-Isolation Due to the Coronavirus (Day 8)

31st March 2020
Day 8 of isolation. If you’re reading this then you may have noticed that I didn’t post anything the last two days (Days 6 & 7). I won’t post everyday but I’ll post as often as I can. Today I had mostly school work to do again, but after that I decided to do some more cooking. I made some Maple Bacon Scrolls and they are delicious 😋 Although I’m still not quite sure if they’re supposed to be sweet or savoury. Maybe a bit of both.
The Karate club I attend has closed classes due to the coronavirus, which is no surprise. Luckily the club is using the platform Zoom to continue classes online via live video meetings. Today I had my first proper class (there was a few before today but then I wasn’t training because I was helping out since my parents run the club) and it ran mostly the same as a normal class, save a few technical difficulties with my internet connection. I’m really glad that I’m still able to do karate so I have something to do during isolation and also so I can maintain a somewhat regular routine.
Also to pass the time, I’ve mainly been doing lots of reading. At the moment I’m reading a book called ‘Specials’ by Scott Westerfeld. It’s the third in an amazing series, I even got my dad reading them, although he’s only on the second book.
I’ll hopefully be posting some more this week, until then stay safe, stay positive and remember to wash your hands.

Self-Isolation Due to Coronavirus (Day 5)

28th March, 2020
Day 5 of isolation. Today is a Saturday, the first day of isolation where I haven’t had school work to keep myself occupied. To pass the time, I’ve decided to start learning a new language. I’ve already spent a good hour of today trying to learn Greek on the app Duolingo. It’s actually not as hard as I thought it would be, but it’ll definitely be a while before I’m speaking it fluently. I’m using today as an opportunity to do some tidying of my room. After that I might try and learn a new song on the guitar. I started learning (online) how to play acoustic guitar about a year ago but I haven’t really had very much time to play. I know a few songs and basic chords, hopefully I’ll learn a lot more whilst isolated.  I’ll also get to catch up on some reading. I have plenty of books in my bookshelves that I’ve yet to read. Last year I had a goal to read 50 books. It’s not much, considering how fast I read, I just find it difficult to find the time. I’m happy to say that last year I achieved my goal. This year I have a new goal to read 75 books. Each year I plan to slowly increase my goal, to push myself to find more time to read. Although...so far this year I’ve only read 6 books, I’ve got quite a while before I reach my goal. But whilst isolated, I have plenty of time to read, which is good because I love reading. At the moment I’m reading a book called ‘Raelia’ by Lynette Noni. It’s the second book in a series that my friend recommended to me. She has a blog too, you should check it out...
http://maddiebookworm.blogspot.com
Anyway, I’ll be updating my blog with more on what I’m doing. And remember: stay positive!

Aussie Bacon Potato Salad Recipe

Aussie Bacon Potato Salad:

Serves 8

Ingredients:

4-5 Slices of bacon 

1/2 Brown onion

1 Tablespoon Olive oil

500mL Water

1000g Potatoes (about 10-11 small potatoes - when I made it my potatoes only weighed about 100g each)

6 Eggs

200g Mayonnaise

20g Whole grain mustard

2 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar 

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

1. Dice bacon (2-3cm) and onion
2. Heat frying pan with olive oil
3. Fry bacon and onion on medium heat until lightly browned (stir constantly so the food doesn’t stick to the pan). Once cooked, set aside
4. Cut potatoes into 3-4cm cubes (they do not have to be perfect cubes), you can peel the potatoes if you wish, however I personally prefer the skin on. 
5. Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil
6. Add potatoes, keep heat on medium-high until potatoes are soft. You can test how soft they are by piercing them with a fork. Set aside to cool
7. Using the same water from the potatoes, place whole eggs (with shells on) in the still-boiling water. Cook until hard-boiled, this should only take 7-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
8. Once cooked, peel and cut eggs into quarters 
9. To make the dressing, place mayonnaise, mustard and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and stir to combine. Add cooked bacon and onion.
10. Once eggs and potatoes have cooled down for at least 15 mins, put them in a bowl together with the dressing mixture. Toss to combine (do this gently so the egg doesn’t completely fall apart). Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top (optional)
11. Refrigerate/freeze for later or serve immediately. Best warm but can be had cold. Enjoy 🤗 

Self-Isolation due to Coronavirus (Day 4)

27th of March, 2020
It’s day 4 of self-isolation due to COVID-19. I do not have the virus but I am staying home to prevent getting it. I am currently in year 11 and am having to do all of my schooling at home. I’ve decided to post regular updates on my blog to let those very few who read my blog see what I’m doing to keep myself occupied during this time of isolation. It’s a good idea to find activities to do to keep your spirits up whilst unfortunately being unable to catch up with friends and family. I’ve decided to have a positive outlook on this whole situation. I see it as an opportunity to learn how to adapt and to be able to do my school work at my own pace. I also get to spend more time with my immediate family. Aside from the school work I had to complete today, to keep myself entertained, I decided to make some gluten free bread rolls because I love to cook. I used a Thermomix recipe and they turned out great, I’m using them as burger buns for the ‘Mexican Style Burgers’ I’m making my family for dinner tonight. If the burgers (and the potato salad I’m making on the side) turn out well I might post the recipe on here. Look out for more updates on what I’m doing during isolation 🤗