nats office

Natasha Parry – Winner of the SATIB Insurance Brokers Brokers HOME OFFICE Award

 

Position at SATIB Insurance Brokers Brokers: General Manager

Based in Johannesburg

 

How many days have we been in lockdown? 49, 459 I lose count? It feels like ages since myself and my dear husband, became housebound. We are foodies and love going out to restaurants, so this has been a little traumatic for both of us. I can’t even imagine what the restaurant owners are going through. My kitchen has officially been dubbed Tash’s (no copyright infringement intended as my nickname is Tash!)

 

To all the parents that have had to motivate their kids to adapt to ‘home-schooling’, all I can say is well done. We don’t have any school-going children, although our daughter is a teacher and will gladly assist parents that have run out of patience!

 

What I am grateful for most, since this life-changing lockdown, is not sitting in traffic every day. The time spent watching traffic lights change, people cutting in front of you because they’re also rushing somewhere is something I will never miss. I can be online and working productively from 7am till 6pm, which has been exhausting, but also rewarding. There are no unnecessary interruptions, not that we don’t all enjoy a good chinwag, but it has shown me that the banter around the office water cooler takes the same amount of time as sitting in traffic. We have been forced to be more productive and efficient and though I miss seeing my colleagues, we’ve engaged as regularly, thanks to online meetings!

 

On a personal note, the foulest experience during level 5 lockdown was not being able to go out and exercise. I must admit hubby and I did cheat in that we snuck out at 5am in the morning and ran in our complex; we had to be very quiet and did several rounds! I now know every nook and cranny of our complex, the car the residents drive and who leaves their dustbins out the entire week (tsk tsk). Our saving grace has been this exercise and getting fresh air! Yes, we noticed the air is clean for a change.

 

Maintaining a routine every day helped me remain sane and gave my day a sense of normality and purpose. I have also become quite a creative cook. We have yet to order anything from Mr D or Uber Eats as my husband seems to prefer the love I add to our meals. Admittedly, when we get back to level whatever, I will indulge in the most expensive champers and meal I can afford. This may come from a box and wrapped in newspaper, but I’ll be grateful, nonetheless.

 

One thing is for sure, I will never take for granted the services of a hair stylist, a massage therapist, or a delightful facial treatment, which includes a lovely glass of Rose! I will appreciate the services of my domestic helper far more, not that I didn’t previously. I discovered very quickly that I won’t make a good housewife and thank heavens for a dishwasher, tumble dryer and good fibre connection!

 

I won’t take any of the privileges we have for granted. Being able to touch and hug family, having a meal or a laugh with a colleague or friend, a nice glass of champers, being able to go for a run at 5pm in the afternoon and being able travel.

 

I’ve been to Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands (my favourite), Croatia, Mauritius, South America, and some places in Africa. I didn’t realise how travel enriches my soul. We were planning a trip to the Seychelles this year and our daughter’s wedding in June. Both have been put on hold.

 

I’ve been taught something bittersweet. Don’t take anything for granted.