I don't think any amount of words could adequately sum up 2020, although I'm sure 'unprecedented' and 'global pandemic' would probably feature if someone were to try. However, my end of year posts have always been a personal summary of my year - largely through photos, so I'm going to follow suit and keep the words to a minimum.
This year has had its lows, challenges, a scattering of highs and a lot of quiet moments. Despite all the massive changes going on in the world in a lot of ways my life has been largely static. At times it has seemed as though I've made very little progress, that I haven't reached any major milestones and the aims I had in mind at the start of the year have dwindled away. That has been a big source of anxiety for me amongst other things, but most of the time I have managed to get myself out of the negative mindset. I started running which in itself is a massive achievement for me but it also got me outside and moving, albeit just in a physical way. I'm also very grateful that this year wasn't super turbulent for me and am thinking of all those whose lives have been shaken and significantly impacted.
Here's to hoping 2021 is a better year filled with lots of opportunities, good health and a little more kindness (because the world could definitely use it). Wishing you a Happy New Year and thank you to all the people who have made 2020 bearable - we've made it though!! I miss you all and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for all the in person reunions next year.
Much love!
Here are the photos:
JANUARY
My only non-work related visit to London this year - Foyles, Charing Cross Road
One of the best sticky toffee puddings @ The Green Man, Eversholt
FEBRUARY
My 25th Birthday @ The Waffle House, St Albans
Dinner catch up with Dani @ Pasta Nostra, Old Street
Drinks @ Tayer & Elementary, Old Street
MARCHTea and cake @ Frosts, Woburn Sands
Animal Crossing featuring the only house I'll own for quite some time
APRIL
A Zoom call for my Grandad's 81st Birthday (which was turned out to be the first of many)
Easter
Blossom on my one of my 'once a day' walks
MAYBinge watched Normal People
Watched the Waterstones & Faber virtual Normal People event
My work from home set up before my screen arrived
Cake from Black Goo Cafe, Tring
Bank Holiday Monday
My first walk in 10 weeks that was somewhere beyond my hometown 25.05.2020
Emma's Birthday
The only screenshot I have of one of my Facebook catch up calls with Fran, Becca & Jess
Early morning walk at Verulamium Park, St Albans
JUNE
BLM reading
Burger kit from Patty & Bun
Rushmere Country Park, Heath and Reach
My dad grew tomatoes in our garden
JULYWhipsnade Zoo
St Ives, Cornwall
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
The best blueberry scone from Olive's Cafe, St Ives
First meal out since March - The Gannet Inn, Cornwall
Godrevy Lighthouse, Cornwall
Carbis Bay Beach
Mousehole
Falmouth
The Loft Restaurant, St Ives
The best cream tea and crab sandwiches @ The Rock Pool Cafe
The rock pool
AUGUST
Socially distanced walks with my grandparents @ Ashridge Forest
Catch up walk with Sam
Dunstable Downs
The rain after the heatwave
Work from home set up with my screen, I spent so many hours sat here...
SEPTEMBERRestarted Couch to 5k after stopping last year due to an injury
Cookies from Creme, London
Mr Whippy ice cream for dinner @ Rushmere Country Park, Heath and Reach
OCTOBERI think everyone needs to watch this documentary...
Completed Couch to 5k (33mins is still my best 5k time)
NOVEMBERLockdown 2.0
Christmas Tree @ Priory Gardens, Dunstable
DECEMBERMy little starry Christmas tree from Bloom and Wild
Picking our Christmas tree @ Frosts, Woburn Sands
My first proof copy via social media
Watched James Acaster's stream of his show 'Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999'
Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Paddington 2, one of my favourite ever films
Christmas Dinner
Laura.
Some songs from my 2020:
Hope for the Night by Gary Go
Never Break by John Legend
Exile by Taylor Swift and Bon Iver
Chew On My Heart by James Bay
No Body, No Crime by Taylor Swift