2020 - End of Year Roundup

What a year it has been.  Who would have predicted all that has happened this year?

On the whole not much changed in our house.  Hubby had to work from home and the Younger Male and I continued to go to work.  Some weeks I only worked part time and did some work at home but then from 1 June I was back to full time.  There were plenty of restrictions in place and lots of hand washing and mask wearing. 

I don’t know about you, but it’s now become second nature to do these things.  It used to be “Have you got your keys?” when we left the house, now we ask, “Have you got a mask?”  The answer is simple.  Yes!  We have them all over the place.  In the car, the kitchen drawer, work bags and pockets.

Dealing with local restrictions and national lock downs has become part of our everyday life and if we all continue to do what is asked we should see the light at the end of the tunnel next year.  Fingers crossed.

So, what did I learn from 2020?

·         Don’t take the things you have or the freedoms you enjoy for granted.

·         Make the most of the time you have with those you love.  It was such a joy to able to see our grandson during the summer when the restrictions were reduced for a short while.  Talking to them, face timing or texting just isn’t the same as seeing them in person.

·         I crave the company of friends and family.  My best friends live 420 miles away and have totally different restrictions from us, so it has not been possible to arrange a time to visit when it has been safe(ish) to do so.  Our son and grandson only live 2 hours away but are in a different tier from us so that has been difficult to manage too.

·         Communication isn’t for everyone.  Some people just don’t want it.  Let’s leave it at that.

·        Having to stay home is not a chore.  I love to go out and visit friends and new places or revisit old favourites, but I can also find things to do whilst staying home.

·        Hobbies are a must.  Being in the same house with others for weeks on end and with nothing to do can be a challenge.  Luckily, hubby and I both have hobbies and time apart doing them has been a good thing.  He has been busy in the shed with his wood lathe and I have had time to make lots of blankets and scarves for Christmas presents.  All items made this year, I am glad to say, have been gratefully received.  It is so nice to get a thank you from someone who appreciates the time you put into their gift.  After all it doesn’t take much to say thank you does it?

·        Housework.  I know it’s not everyone’s favourite thing, but it has been so nice to be able to keep on top of the dusting and ironing.  I’m loving the empty ironing basket.

·         Shopping.  For me this is a nightmare.  I like to go in, buy what I need and come home.  I stay apart from others; I gel my hands and I stick to the restrictions.  I don’t understand people who wander about just for something to do or stand so close to you when you’re looking for an item or are at the checkout, or those who simply won’t wear a mask (and I don’t mean those who are exempt).  Moan over!

·        You can’t change the way people see you.  Even a global pandemic can’t change that.

·        Moving home isn't easy during a pandemic.  This year has given us time to make decisions on moving to a new house.  It hasn’t been an easy year for house sales etc, but it has been a good time to decide what comes next.

·        I am thankful for a lot of things this year.  From small simple things like good friends and being able to donate blood, to larger things like being able to pay our bills and to still having a job at the end of all this. 

This year has been a good reminder to be grateful for the lives we have and the people we have in them.  I hope that 2021 will be a much better year.  I know it won’t happen overnight, but it will be good to put 2020 to bed and embrace what the new year has to offer.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year and safe and healthy 2021.