Me:
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Francois:
The first thing I bought was a carton of 20 packs of menthol cigarettes… Twenty lucky strike menthols made me feel instantly safer. I wanted a diet in touch with the changing of the seasons: mint flavor is super springy.
But then the next day, I decided that quarantine was the perfect time to stop smoking. No social smoking equals less temptation. And also, with better lungs now, I was lowering the risks of complications if I ever caught the Rona. So, I bought my own « quit smoking package » made of nicotine gums and patches. And so far, so good: not one cigarette since March 17th (the beginning of quarantine in France).
Me:
Aw this is funny. Yes I have heard that smoker is not good with this virus.
And I love that idea of quitting something using this confinement time.
I wanted to quit social media for sometimes... but I guess I'm not doing a good job at all during this. But maybe that's something I should think about!
Francois:
I understand! I wanted to also. Unfortunately, I was sucked back in by friends’ invites to Netflix Party movie nights, drinking games on the app Houseparty …and the discovery of Ina Garten’s giant quarantini. I needed to know the recipe!
Me:
Haha I want a massive cosmopolitan now! And what else was on your quarantine list?
Francois:
A new box of ODEFSEY was also on top of my list. It’s my HIV treatment. I wanted to have some medication in case there were a shortage of the production of the drug. Realness diet is sexy.
Me:
Oh my mom, too! She has a health condition so her doctor filled 3 months of medication so she doesn't have to go to the hospital for a while. I think that was a good move. I'm glad you got the extra. Any food items?
Francois:
I got a couple bottles of bubbly because if you’re locked up in your apartment, you need to feel that life is still worth living. And sparkling wine definitely does that for me. I wanted to still have a positive and gay regimen, so I opted for Crémant de Bourgogne, a wine similar to champagne. But champagne felt a tad too festive for these circumstances. I also purchased coffee capsules because I’m French. And addicted to caffeine. But don’t you judge me! Coffee capsules can be recycled now over here. Well I do feel guilty using these wasteful pods. But if the virus takes me away, I’ll be leaving this world as a honest weak person who spoke the truth about their diet. Then I purchased eggs as I love making quiches! And I got some bananas because one fruit a day keeps the virus away? The phallic form is a decent visual stimulus for my confinement sex life. Soymilk was also on my pandemic shopping list because let’s give the cows a rest during these stressful times. Everyone needs a break. Let’s not forget canned food of spinach, eggplants and lentils. Don’t believe I buy these because of the quarantine. These are part of my ordinary shopping list. Yeah I have a solid track record as a lazy cook. Can France revoke my nationality because of these? We’ll find out!
Me:
Thank you so much for the full lists Francois!!! I love your honesty always ;) And it was fun to read all your decision making!
Great idea on giving cows a rest in this stressful time, I'm really into oat milk now. I think it's as delicious as cow milk.
Did you hear the tiger from Bronx zoo got the coronavirus? I hope the farm animals will be safe, they are much closer to humans. I'm still puzzled over this tiger case.
Francois:
Poor thing… Another good reason to let animals live in the wild so that they can develop stronger antibodies against viruses in their native ecosystem and among their own species.
Me:
I'm posting a photo of Francois and his bestie Kiki having a dress up video chat party from Paris and New York. It's hard to socialize these days but it is good to be connected.
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!