A lot has happpened in 2020 - or not a lot actually, depending on how you look at it. The major thing that happened is COVID-19, and as we speak the UK is on a third national lockdown amidst surging cases of the new coronavirus strain. There's a new normal, that of people wearing masks and social distancing.
To some extent, people in New Zealand have been fortunate as the threat of COVID has been kept under control. We had 1 major lockdown early this year and we've been on Level 1 for the better part of the year. We are a country that relies heavily on tourism though, so the effect of having our borders closed for this extended time will surely be felt (if not being felt already!)
Yes... there are concerns of a national level. But this is a personal blog after all, so I'm now winding back to a more personal level...
I've had some difficulties coping with my parents' passing away (yes, that's still ongoing), but I'm reaching out and I think that's important. A priest I talked to said I might consider keeping a journal, and that's what I'm trying to do now, albeit an online version and pretty much anyone can read. I think it's liberating that way, being able to write my thoughts and knowing that some random stranger (or someone who might even know me!) will be able to read what I have written. I don't expect any comments or other form of interaction, just a sense that someone might be there reading this and having some sense of connection to whatever I'm sharing.
I've grown a lot more plants. Actually that's the trend not only here in New Zealand but in other parts of the world as well as people try to cope with lockdowns and extended periods of isolation. Truth be told, this is not my first time taking care of plants. I've been doing this since way back in high school! So having a green thumb is nothing new. Instagram is relatively new to me - that's where I post my plant journey (and then some), and have actually met some interesting people there.
We travelled to Taranaki for 3 days over the holidays. That was fun! I posted some photos on Instagram.
What else is there.... hmmm... not much else to talk about at this stage. I guess I'm just trying to get back into the groove of blogging again, which seems like a lifetime ago....
Frankly I dread the thought of grappling with my extra activities (those that I need to do besides work and family) for this year. I hope this feeling changes as the year goes on.
Anyway, since this is a new year post, I guess I need to write about things I'm looking forward to as well!
- I'd like to win lotto
- I would like to learn something new
- I'd like to dedicate some time to volunteering
- I'd like to go back to cooking
- I look forward to spending more family time
- I'd like to have more time playing the ukulele
- Also play some chess
- I'd like to have a Risk boardgame and play it with friends
- Have more plants!
- Have more time just sitting on the couch and watching TV / movies - though my list might prevent me from doing just that!
- I wish for good health for me, my family, my friends.
