“Don't count the days. Make the days count.”
— Muhammad Ali
Reflecting thus far.
2020
JAN | B U S H F I R E S... The month that brings us all in with a bang, right after the captivating fireworks (legal or illegally displayed ones), piss-up with friends, or quiet night in with friends family, whatever it may be... it wasn't the usual way to spend the start of the year.
I recall working a day or two prior to going away for a planned trip away for New Years.. about 13-15 of us to get away and enjoy quality time, when work keeps us apart, different schedules etc. During my short shift, talking with a work mate about the plans, yet the online news was suggesting otherwise for these plans. A few friends had already driven up on this particular day I'd been getting a sinking feeling on.. despite the excitement of going away; something about it never sat well.. eventually, the feeling was a frightful reality - thus, ensued irreversible destruction when it the way of the raging fires... Thankfully our friends made it home, after some road closures occurred right after they'd made the trip back. For us, we were able to celebrate safely in the city (where no fires were nearby too)... but days to follow this, led to my horrible curiosity watching a virtual map for updates, witnessing areas warned of minor fires, increasing flames, being told to evacuate, or in some extreme cases told to remain where you are... those individuals praying to make it out alive. Feeling helpless is one of the worst feelings. Many homes and lives lost later, came a sign of an end through the haze it was slowly down. Unfortunately, the aftermath will still take months, if not years to undo the damaged caused by the Australian Summer.
My heart goes out to everyone, the lives lost, the damage done... I'm so sorry.
FEB | T R A V E L - As time passes, when things started to settle. I'd started a new job in Jan, which saw me through till Feb, where for the first time, ever, I went to Japan, to visit a friend now working there, and also any excuse for a holiday. My bf and I got to visit/particularly spend time in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo. Honestly, I cannot wait to go back. The food is delicious, the fashion, the aesthetics of the buildings, just.. uhhhh... there's so much I've yet to explore, but I did as much as I could and i loved every second of it. I was walking at least 8-10 hours a day, which was great for me (because come March there'd been a severe decline in this).
Also, going back to Wilmington, North Carolina, for the FWB Charities event for OTH - first time at this event, but 3rd time going to Wilmington. That town feels like a second home to me. It gets me right in the feels, when reuniting with familiar faces, and making new friends. To see the cast of One Tree Hill, whom are just incredible people.. they make you fall even more in love with them, beyond the characters they portrayed years ago.
MARCH | COVID19 - Once I'd returned from my month away, sadly returning to the 9-5 work/lifestyle, which is hard when I'd just had a few weeks off; but, I will say, I do enjoy routine, so it's not all bad, I just got a bit of wanderlust and laziness strike me by having to work haha, but this pays the bills and future adventures.
I was home a week before I went back to the office, no signs, no concerns for my health, by this stage, it was certainly not to the extreme it is (present time).. however, I was then told to remain home for 2 more weeks.. to be on the safe side. Once I was back in, it was only a matter of days till we were told to work from home.. this homebody was rejoicing by this request; wouldn't have to ask me twice... it was a bit stressful, new in my role, but at the same time, you really channel your inner boss babe to learn and develop skills. It's no rocket science of a job, but there's a lot to be mindful of in terms of processes etc. It's all about focusing on the victories, and daily challenges we set ourselves, in what we achieve. Nothing is too big or small - any victory, is a bloody amazing victory, if you're proud of yourself and results.
APRIL | MY 30TH - April is a month of birthdays', my own and family/ friends. It's a fun occasion... and there's always a first time for everything. I celebrated in isolation, which is sad, but I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm not hospital / bed bound, nor need to fear for my life due to health concerns, as many others are. Ever since COVID progressed, I did my part to remain at home. I've probably left home less than a handful of times, to see my family (who are at least a 30-40 min drive away), but aside the essential shopping, I've remained home. Really by end of march/april, things seemed to get more serious and life as we knew it was changing, forever.
MAY, JUNE, JULY - PRESENT... There's been many ups and downs over the past couple of months from March till Present. The isolation period has been rather testing for many of us. Some are more accepting of our new reality, than others. I'm relieved in knowing there are a lot of us are doing our part to follow the rules, yet sadly for those who wish to go against it, we witness the daily increase of number in COVID cases, plus.. deaths... my heart goes out to all those this is effecting.. mentally + physically.
My feels during these past couple of months: I've developed the worst cracky knee, I blame on my old age (i'm kidding - 30s are where it's at) - but it reminds me to keep actively moving the body; as much as I'd want to be a couch potato, I wanna be a hot potato. I've played a lot more video games then I ever thought possible - Dragon Quest Builders 2, My Time At Portia, Stardew, Animal Crossing New Horizons etc. I've reached a peak level of adulthood when getting excited by new utensils and the fact our oven (which kept dying) was finally fixed so I could keep baking - hello... were you part of 2020 if you weren't apart of the banana bread making saga? (okay, i was baking that long before) but any excuse to satisfy my sweet tooth.. I even brought a hand mixer to do my own at home coffee - I'm not ashamed to admit it haha. I've joined TikTok, which is something I didn't think I do. I've not spent nearly as much as I thought I would.. online shopping can be just as dangerous as it can be in person. I've been able to live contently with my bf, without us going head to head, living in an apartment with little living space can be a test for any relationship, but if anything, we're even stronger than before. I've been discovering my style/fashion tastes are changing, yet I always find myself going back to some trends, or appreciations and that's what I love... somethings are just timeless and you'll never get sick of it.. I've had more quality time with my fur babies, which makes this crazy cat lady even happier and so much more to ramble on about... but that's about it for now.
In conclusion of the year so far... although we've yet to see the end, we're all in this together and some days may feel like it's just a repeat of the day before, we can still find a positive to this negative situation, a light at the end of the tunnel. there's always a way out! I also wish to let it be known, I'm always here for a chat to those who need it. Especially for some living alone, with no direct support... but if not me, there's always others who can help... which is why I'll share the following links..
LINKS FOR HELP / MORE INFO (AUS):
some of the below websites include more links on their pages.
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