Living In Quarantine by Nurul Aida [14 Pictures You Can Relate To]

Be mermerized by Nurul Aida's beautiful illustrations, depicting how life has been for most of us Malaysians during this quarantine.

Almost of us (if you are reading this) are probably living in isolation at the moment, right? No thanks to the rampant Covid-19 virus, we are need to be in quarantine in an effort to curb infection and of course ultimately flatten the curve. Can we break this vicious chain? I am sure we can sooner or later as long as all of us adhere to the laws and rules of Movement Control Order (MCO). I doubt that everyone is actually enjoying their prolonged stay at home. Then again always look at everything from the Bright side, shall we?

This is a series of art illustrations of daily life in isolation and social distancing during mandatory lock-down by a very talented illustrator in Malaysia who goes by the name Nurul Aida. In this wonderful collection which has begun since 18th of March (till present), you will see how she "paints" her daily life, depicting what she is doing to stay productive and motivated. Her illustrations also show us daily like from buying groceries to doing her laundry. So is her life somewhat similar to yours? Let's find out shall we?

Living in Quarantine by Nurul Aida

 Feeling homesick

You don’t need anyone’s validation on how your body should look like. People will always have opinions and sometimes it hurt your feelings but hey, whatever right? You ARE just fine being yourself and in the meat-suit you’re wearing now.

Running out of ideas what to do at home, besides snacking and bumming on the couch- well, add another activity- declutter! clothes don’t fit no more or not worn in 4-6 months, even if it’s new or in condition where you’d still wear them (but it doesn’t fit and losing weight is a perpetual struggle) why not pack away some and donate (after quarantine is over, of course)

Laundry at midnight. I hear vacuum sound from next door neighbor. She’s kinda quirky but don’t we all have our own quirks?

Have you done your taxes? Tax filing deadline has been extended two months due to coronavirus pandemic. I am terrible at keeping receipts, paperwork and filing stuff but I try not to be so messy. Luckily I got mine sorted last month and I got back some moolah on my medical claims. It’s not much but any small amount will do ... 

 Social distancing in the lift. Many of us can relate to this. I had to go down to the lobby to pickup groceries and “chap fan” meal. Just another day in paradise, I tell myself. Anticipating the day for “real” and “outdoorsy lunch” when the lockdown is over.

 How did you react after the prime minister’s announcement? The fight isn’t over, he said. Stay home, stay safe. it’s Saturday, I’m making my #goodvibes Saturday by browsing through all full pack Adobe design softwares and teach myself something new today. Probably toy around with Animate for awhile till lunch time.

 Don’t go out to crowded places unless it’s super necessary- limit your grocery shopping. You don’t know who is infected and sick among at the supermarket, markets. Wear a mask, bring alcohol spray and gel sanitizer with you and use them frequently. Coronavirus is no joke and death is no laughing matter

 Family and friends, Thank you for sending love, calls and texts, loads of cakes (like four!!!) food, bobba tea, gifts, pizza last week. I wish everyday is my birthday and I wish everyone good health, peace and wellness during this difficult time. Go make a wish list of all the things you’d like to do, places you want to visit, dine in restaurants and have food feasts with family and friends, or take the train go KL for whole day/night outs, or just simply shout “we made it!!” (or “F*** you #covid19 “) at the balcony after this “prison break”. Me- I just want to go home and see my parents 🥺🥺🥺.

Time to include The Self Care package- meditation, rest, pray, relax, breathe and find peace.

 Baking cookies. It has to be 80% dark chocolate.

 “Cik, nak pergi mana?” Dear Malaysians, please be courteous law abiding citizens. Our Police are brazing through night and day working under tremendous pressure of long hours of extreme weather conditions- hot sun and thunderstorms evenings to keep Malaysia whole and safe. Don’t go out unnecessarily.

If you knew @rbf_ruby you’d know she loves walking in the park, eats cheese, whipped cream, pak choy and... loves her monthly baths! She’s an amazing cat.

Life in quarantine and self isolation. I need a haircut.

Personally yours truly me is inspired by her illustrations and candid captions as well. Her creations go to show that life should not be bleak after all; That we can choose how to reach for the skies in our life even if our wings have been clipped (temporarily). I am mesmerized by the ways she frames and pictures her life in beautiful strokes of lines and colours. Wish I could draw and paint just like her. Well at least I get to admire her masterpieces. If you enjoy her creativity and wants to catch her latest illustrated updates, do follow Nurul Aida on Instagram:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aidanurl_0