2020 started off great – with a lot of traveling. We rang in the New Year in San Francisco. During our trip, we waited shoulder-to-shoulder in line for fortune cookies in Chinatown and strolled mask-less through the Musée Mécanique at Fisherman’s Wharf.
In February, I stocked up on hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes (which hadn’t yet become a form of currency) for a work trip to Miami and a birthday trip for Poppy to Cancun.
While we were there, reality sat in for me as I took multiple work calls to prep for the looming pandemic. And, I stopped going into my office downtown three days after I arrived home from a last work trip to London.
Over the last three quarters of the year, I watched the news, online shopped, catastrophized, watched more news, and spent a lot of time with my family at home. Here are some of the things that I learned during the time at home:
- I don’t miss commuting to work and the corresponding dirty, cramped train. The extra two hours each day has been wonderful. I’ve been able to spend time with the girls in the evening (doing crafts, watching movies and generally just being present) instead of rushing home to start getting them ready for bed.
- My skin doesn’t miss make-up. While, personally, I don’t feel as confident without make-up, I haven’t had a breakout in months. I wonder whether this no make-up trend will linger after people start going back to offices more regularly.
- I cherish my new breakfast routine. I really enjoy sipping a perfectly frothed, homemade oat milk latte (using my Breville coffee grinder and espresso machine) and savoring an extra buttery English muffin (using my coordinating Breville toaster). I splurged on these appliances a couple months ago, and this morning routine has become one of my favorite parts of the day.
- I have grown to love my home more. Despite it’s small size, it is my sanctuary, where I feel comfortable, safe and content.
I think we can all agree it’s time to turn the page on a difficult year. Let’s hope for brighter days in 2021!
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