Well, that was quite the dumpster fire of a year, non?
Looking back, it kinda feels a bit naive that we thought we’d be doing all the things in 2020. But COVID had other plans for us all. It was hella challenging, not mention scary as ‘eff, but this forced time out gave us an opportunity to reflect and remind ourselves of what is really important. And that is our relationships, the people in our lives and in our community. We can get through anything together as long as we look out for each other. Anything else is inconsequential or just icing on the cake.
We can only hope that this upside down, darkest timeline of a year was the exception and not the rule. And that we should not forget nor take for granted the lessons that we learned last year. Although we all didn’t get up to much, there are things to be grateful for.
Let’s rewind and reflect on some of mine, shall we?
January: Thrilled to be joining the team at Corus Entertainment. The bestie comes to town and we go see alpacas and dine inside of a giant, plastic bubble.
February: Fancy time dinner + hotel stay birthday. Rocking out at the Platinum Blonde concert. (the one and only concert I would go to in 2020)
March: A low-key 2nd decade anniversary celebration because COVID has us all quarantining.
April: The fear of being Asian during the pandemic is real. My job has us working from home which means heaps of cuddle times with our kitties. Flowers are blooming. Cherry blossom trees are blooming. And I get to see it every day in our neighbourhood.
May: So many virtual quarantine challenges. Phase 2 of re-opening has us masking up to see all the murals on boarded up shops, which were dedicated to frontline health workers, and keeping community spirits up.
June: Continued feelings of gratitude and lots of neighbourhood blossom walks. We’ve even gotten to know the regulars who go out for walks around the same time too.
July: Phase 3 of re-opening means that we can now go to the movies. We start with drive-ins. Our after work neighbourhood walks continue to keep us sane.
August: Masking up and checking out more murals. This time in the Strathcona and Mt Pleasant areas.
September: After hitting the drive-ins, we hit the cinemas. (too bad there were only 2 movies that we were interested in seeing). Cautiously continuing our outdoor time with some pick-me-up horseback riding.
October: A weekend in an Airstream on Pender Island. (the only getaway or vacation I would have in 2020) Inspo board for my Halloween costume.
November: One half of the evil twin aunts from Kubo + the Two Strings. Continued gratitude of being able to spend so much time with our furry faces. However will I be able to go back to the office full time (when that time comes)?
December: My 2020 listening habits was about all the comfort songs. No friends or family time during Christmas, but we are hopeful it’ll go back to normal this year. And then news of an immeasurable loss and never being the same again…
So 2020 closed off as a year of pain and heartbreak for me, but I’m trying to remind myself of all the fortunate things, in which there were plenty.
And so I am going to meet 2021 with hope and optimism that things will get better. Our struggles and challenges will make us stronger and more connected to each other than ever. Please continue to mask up and socially distance, friends. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t wait until we can all come together and hug each other again.
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