Well hello there! It’s been a while hasn’t it?! Life has been so incredibly slow over the last year. Whilst the year has flown by, every day has felt like a lifetime. The year of 2020 has been a complete whirlwind. One that turned my world upside down – as it did for everyone no doubt. It’s been a year of change, a year of uncertainty, a year of guessing and a year of being in a pandemic. Life stood still and whilst so much has changed, it also feels like nothing has changed at all.
Lets start from the beginning and have a good old catch-up!
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12 Months of change..
To begin with, the first 6 months of the pandemic were a really nice and calm few months. Looking back now, I took those 6 months for granted. We spent more time than ever before with my Grandma & Grandad. We spent time in the garden and they came to stay with us for a few days. It was during this time where our plans for the granny flat came about. Those 6 months were a blessing.
Despite a blissful 6 months, October rolled around swiftly. We had submitted our planning permission for the granny flat and had chosen our builders. Everything was in motion to go ahead with the build. Then things came crashing down.
4 days after receiving planning permission, my wonderful and loving Grandma suddenly passed away..
Looking back now and as strange as it may sound, I am grateful to the pandemic for those 6 months. I worked from home, life slowed down and I spent so much more time with my Grandma. For that, I am eternally grateful. I know it’s odd to be grateful for being in a pandemic. I haven’t quite got my head around that just yet, but I’m hoping you understand what I mean.
Moving On..
Since October, life has moved ever so quickly, much like the rest of the year. Although, each day has felt like a lifetime. Grief has swallowed me whole and I’m fighting to get back out. Some days it’s overwhelming, some days it’s calm. I’m navigating it, slowly but surely.
The months following October have been a whirlwind. My grandad decided to continue on with building the Granny flat – now named “The Apartment” by my Dad.. It sounds much posher apparently! He moved in almost a month ago now and he loves it. It has been so amazing to have him here with us. If you missed our Granny Flat build, you can catch up here!
Whilst 2020 was the strangest and most unexpected year, 2021 so far is slightly better. I’ve had my first covid vaccination – with allll the strange side effects! Working from home is actually enjoyable now. Although I have been going into the office a few days a week to ease myself back into society. I’ve seen friends and extended family and life is slowly returning to “normal”. It may be a new kind of normal, but it’s a normal I can get onboard with.
My Plans for 2021..
I was hoping for an adventurous 2021 – however, that may not be the case. My head is full of ideas of what I would like to do. Whether I get to do them all is another question. I am planning a road trip and staycation for this summer but nothing has been set in stone just yet!
Travel may be on pause for a little while longer – although I am hoping for a little winter sun! For now, I have other plans. My first is to focus on my blog, to take the time to sit and write. To share the little snippets of happiness and all that comes with this “new normal”. I also want to focus on myself. Over the last 6 months I haven’t taken the best care of myself and that needs to change. I want to spend more time on me and spend time with friends. I want to get back to the gym and work on my health and fitness. There are lots of things I want to do, so I’m going to make sure I do them.
Life is precious and I want to make the most of it. So, for now I am going to be happy, do the things that make me happy and focus on all the positives in life.
It has been so lovely to catch up with you all and I hope it wont be as long till the next time you hear from me! I have lots of posts in the works and lots I want to share! In the mean time, keep up with me on Instagram!
With love,
Han x
