strange day in the remote teaching world...

Strange day in the remote teaching world...I feel I was doing so much - including a Google Meet staff meeting at the end of the day. But I'm not sure I actually achieved anything...Much like being on a treadmill and just keeping pace... pic.twitter.com/d2LNaqPJ8K

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 16, 2021

lack of focus in lockdown...

I thought that suddenly I had heaps of lockdown time to do marking...catch up...It's nearly midday... Have I started yet? NO! What have I done? Cleared cobwebs from windows, leaves from pathways (courtesy of foraging blackbirds)+ worried about next door's police presence.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 15, 2021

exhausted Melburnians but...

David Milner beautifully represents the stamina of Melburninans... https://t.co/c1QcAQlL4T

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 14, 2021

new lockdown reflections...

Just been for a walk. Melbourne has slipped back into lockdown like slipping on a pair of ugly but necessary orthopaedic shoes. #MelbourneLockdown

— Neil McMahon (@NeilMcMahon) February 12, 2021

Southbank at midday. #melbournelockdown pic.twitter.com/rvK0WlbwKm

— Madelaine Burke (@Madelaine_Burke) February 13, 2021

The roads are pretty quiet. Nice work Melbourne! #melbournelockdown

— Dr Krystal Evans PhD (@dr_krystal) February 13, 2021

Im glad we are locked down for 5 days if the risk is warranted, which it sounds like it is. After going along southbank 2 wknds ago, it was packed and would spread so quickly if it is the UK strain. Lets be mature Melbourne and take a chill pill #melbournelockdown

— Andrew G (@andrewg248) February 13, 2021

#melbournelockdown Funny how much pleasure I got from returning to Beautiful Fawkner Park for my routine lockdown walk with man and dog.. maybe there is an upside!

— Dame Jaymay (@jaymay42) February 13, 2021

Millions of blokes breathing a sigh of relief in Melbourne. Now they can say with dewy eyes they had GREAT plans for #ValentinesDay - until cruel fate intervened.

— Hugh Riminton (@hughriminton) February 12, 2021

Yeah... we're locked down..
But we're good #victorialockdown #Victoria #Melbourne #melbournelockdown
Think about what you have
Mine is Wine, a view of the best city in the World & ruffles on my doona cover.🤗 pic.twitter.com/CuXYO9gVfM

— 🖤💛❤MillyParkerOAM (@MillyMParkerOAM) February 13, 2021

#ilovelockdown3 #melbournelockdown #Melbourne
To all the pets out there, lockdown is officially the best thing ever pic.twitter.com/lxJQQuSp4t

— Neil Smith (@neils888) February 13, 2021

The sign in the lower foreground is so symbolic...
Indeed, the street is very clear...
Clear of traffic and clearly seen... https://t.co/rtyfAWvVQp

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 13, 2021

Macarthur Park melting...

lockdown
my Macarthur Park
is melting
but tomorrow still promises
Valentine roses #tanka pic.twitter.com/chudcQn27K

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 12, 2021

quarantine at Point Nepean...

OK here...Teaching plans changed AGAIN...a pain...But I ask, why hasn't the fed govt considered Point Nepean as a federal quarantine station? It's been used before...Lots of space...Security can be housed there...separate from Melbourne...Used early history...Greg Hunt knows😠...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 12, 2021

Fed govt should use Mornington Peninsula's Quarantine Station at Point Nepean - played a vital role in keeping early Victorians well away from those carrying disease, with a period of intense activity to shield the colony from the Spanish Flu in 1919. https://t.co/pUeUAk8PdF

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 12, 2021

Agree...There should be more than one option...Christmas Island in Australia's north + Point Nepean in the south...Why hasn't the fed govt considered these 2 viable options? There is already a quarantine station at Howard Springs in NT, but we need more... https://t.co/2vjTRwYpKe

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 12, 2021

19th C fears of smallpox+other diseases in rapidly developing colonies. Quarantine stations temporarily confined crew+passengers upon arrival in Australia.
Islands were a preferable location.
12 quarantine stations established at Australia's major entry ports.
Good idea? pic.twitter.com/pgsHTzzVuS

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) February 13, 2021

Google acknowledges donuts today...

Just to celebrate the day ... pic.twitter.com/rY6nG62Yl8

— Dr Behrooz Hassani-M (@behrooz_hm) October 26, 2020

a toast...

And notice Dan has selected a Melbourne whisky... Here's a premier who does not celebrate politics or self, but those who walked the walk with him... It's definitely a great Donut Day for Melburnians, for Victorians... https://t.co/XgP1eTLyup

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 26, 2020

Melbourne's fantastic news...

This on the back of the outbreak and the massive testing blitz... can't wait to hear Morrison's praise and congratulations today. Oh no wait, I meant can't wait to hear Hunt talk about how our contact tracing isn't up to par with NSW while Morrison goes to Bunnings.

— Jugzilla (@jugzilla_vi) October 25, 2020

Kind of feels like Vic just won another premiership. Fantastic. 👌👌

— Michael Tindley (@mickeyj2020) October 25, 2020

Who needs a grand final when you can have zero cases of coronavirus.

— Edie (@edie_le) October 25, 2020

Replace the calamari with cheezels, but otherwise this. https://t.co/4N8IegFsjK

— Michael L (@wtb_Michael) October 25, 2020

When nothing is everything! https://t.co/qVL0gKGKVo

— Ambulance Victoria (@AmbulanceVic) October 25, 2020

Zero, zero 🤍 Victoria, Melburnians, you are magnificent. #ThanksDan And a giant open-ended fork you to everyone who’s made this incredibly difficult time even more difficult pic.twitter.com/amSN2s5l1L

— Fiona Wood 😷 (@f_i_o_n_a_w_) October 25, 2020

The most beautiful thing on Twitter today https://t.co/f3rFZeQPLt

— Angela Savage (@angsavage) October 25, 2020

very first question to Daniel Andrews at his presser, after announcing easing of VIC restrictions: "is what you're saying, that we can finally get back on the beers?"

Andrews: "I don't know that I'll be drinking a beer tonight. I might go a little higher up the shelf." #auspol pic.twitter.com/8z8scPrcr4

— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) October 26, 2020

 + many noted that Dan wore a North Face jacket - on a Monday. That was inspiring.

Said I'd go a little higher up the shelf. Here's to you, Victoria. pic.twitter.com/JbsbmUxmoZ

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) October 26, 2020

AND NOTE, Dan has selected a Melbourne whisky...Love how Melbourne's crazy weather plays a vital part in the production of this whisky... 

Daydreaming about heading back out there on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/vg7JxwwGDj

— anna spooky-ryan (@annaspargoryan) October 26, 2020

Victorians naming today donut day is the most truly beautiful Australian things i have seen in years.
This shows the true Australian spirit, not pissing and moaning about being oppressed.
Take one for the team and get on with things with a smile and laugh.

— DomoFacetious (@FacetiousDomo) October 26, 2020

Look what I just arrived home to. Well done Victoria. What an amazing State we live in and what an amazing achievement by all. Thank you. 🍩🍺 pic.twitter.com/Kv3vPKwiF5

— 🍩 Chief Health Officer, Victoria (@VictorianCHO) October 26, 2020

 NOTE the subtle addition of a donut to Brett Sutton's profile name...Good one...

+ 8th November, intrastate restrictions on Melbourne lifted...

Mother Nature offers survival...

Melbournians are simply so appreciative of Nature's outdoors...no matter the weather... All part of the survival kit... https://t.co/7sB6bzykIw

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 25, 2020

a walk with Nature...

So I went for another walk in Plenty Gorge Park today. I’d only intended to be there for a couple of hours but I got carried away and ended up walking along Plenty River from Middle Gorge Station on the Mernda Line to Greensborough Station on the Hurstbridge Line - about 5 hours.

— Harry Saddler (@MondayStory) October 25, 2020

Anyway enough of the preamble, let’s have some photos! Here’s Blue Lake, living up to its name. Blue Lake and Yellow Gums Picnic Ground we’re busier than I’d ever seen them - loads of people. pic.twitter.com/6LxwwzlnyX

— Harry Saddler (@MondayStory) October 25, 2020

wobbly weather...

NOTE TO SELF: It may be wobbly weather today, so dig up some gratitude. I'm grateful for today's call of over-caution rather than under-caution. I'm grateful for power, to hear music. I'm grateful for sea and sky outside my window. I'm grateful for strength to keep walking. pic.twitter.com/wXKeJrMTf7

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 25, 2020

Some days, the emotional struggles can be harder...A little bit of challenging news, and somehow, the pile- up of dark emotions rises significantly...The logic is elusive...as is the core reason...It's like an accumulation of growing questions, growing fears of the world outside...and growing urges to hibernate long beyond winter dimensions...Sleep patterns are fractured...Common sense seems not so common...Procrastination is on a wild spree of madness...In those times, it's best to call on another self...the one who seems immovable, unshakeable, surreal...the one who holds the reins...and humbly ask that one for a sign...of a better universe...

Daniel Andrews says it's "not safe" to ease VIC rules today - but says the November 1 timetable to relax restrictions is still on track, and hopes to make some announcements as early as Tuesday#auspol @TheNewDailyAu https://t.co/f19mLoodet

— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) October 25, 2020

Good on #DanielAndrews for keeping the strategy cautious. its infinitely better to open up when you know what cases are around then with potential unknowns. The virus dgaf about how bored you are of lockdown.

— Kieran (@CautiousKieran) October 25, 2020

Daniel Andrews says it's "not safe" to ease VIC rules today - but says the November 1 timetable to relax restrictions is still on track, and hopes to make some announcements as early as Tuesday#auspol @TheNewDailyAu https://t.co/f19mLoodet

— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) October 25, 2020

I like many am upset at postponed easing today. But from a medical/pandemic point of view, it’s the correct decision.

Yes there’s ongoing issues with contact tracing, communication, risk of HCW that need fixing.

But sticking to dates, not data, is dangerous.#AusPol #SpringSt

— Dr Peter Morris 😷 (@drpete00) October 25, 2020

Sweden is currently at 11k cases with some days bringing in over 1k new cases per day. Sweden has a similar population density as inner Melbourne. Sweden has 58 deaths per 100k to Australia's 3.6 per 100k. #DanielAndrews #IStandWithDan

— Naviques (@Naviquel) October 25, 2020

ON TRACK...

And this grand news proves that there is far more to the number '1' than the stereotypical concepts of 'first' and 'One is the loneliest number...'. This very special '1', we Melburnians hope symbolises 'last'. This '1' is the key to opening the door AWAY from loneliness...😀🙏😀 https://t.co/ct9zHspvdl pic.twitter.com/WbkKl2ei3m

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 22, 2020

lawsuits...

Very sad to see the barrage of lawsuits claiming 'business poor', yet ignoring the overseas evidence of what happens in pandemic times when businesses given 'thumbs up' too swiftly. The law's not fashioned to acknowledge the extreme conditions of a pandemic. The law doesn't fit.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 22, 2020

open lockdown window...

An open lockdown window... I've checked the official map... I have never seen a 25km radius look so good. The world is at my feet, and it's time to start driving and walking this weekend. (5km radius was unbelievably limited...unless one enjoyed walking in the sea...) pic.twitter.com/cTwwqymGIX

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 19, 2020

I can't believe how excited I am... So tempted to get out this afternoon - after work... But no...I'll keep the reward for the weekend...an early start... Now all I have to do is ensure my panic attacks don't start...They've been a challenge even while grocery shopping...

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 19, 2020

demystifying the covid numbers game...

Demystifying the covid numbers game at last between NSW and Victoria...A great, clear explanation of how the contexts/situations are different...The numbers alone do not tell the whole story... https://t.co/Hb1IGevGhb

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 14, 2020

Twitter lifeline...

I have to grudgingly admit that beyond the social connection, (I'm shy at the best of times out in the world), Twitter is my 'go to' for inspiration, to keep my creative sparks alive... Yes...That means that Twitter is a lifeline in these times for me in more ways than one... https://t.co/sPsmdOJilo

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 13, 2020

inventive Bendigo couple...

*ALERT... Good news story...
Bendigo couple, homeless on temporary stay visas, give back, amid pandemic hardship, by cooking for the welcoming community of Bendigo in Victoria... https://t.co/qSgE27KaTW

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 12, 2020

lockdown in perspective...

If anything puts the discomfort of Melbourne's lockdown into perspective, this graph from Holland does. Yes. We are so close. But don't give up yet. Don't discard the safety guidelines in frustration. We can't lose all this hard work now. Keep walking...keep walking...Be safe... https://t.co/yyhcSfM6QQ

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 12, 2020

I won't snap...

PASSING THOUGHT: So sad that so many Melburnians have 'snapped' (or 'snapping'). I don't want to get to that point. I won't. Positive platitudes don't work. They're irritating. Don't plan the day too tightly. Doomed to fail. Just drift + be open to varied new interests. It works.

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) October 11, 2020