My year during a pandemic

What a year 2020 was. I started out this year out quite normally with work, study and plans to try for a baby with my partner. In February this year I attended my last major function, which was a friend’s wedding and it was a big event in the city with hundreds of people. Looking back I cannot believe how lightly we took things like functions and going out back then.

In March Covid 19 was declared a Global pandemic and my life like so many other's changed overnight. I was still on my annual leave when lockdown was declared and at the time I was working for my employer in the city and suddenly had to adjust to working from home. That means getting used to setting up my computer, necessary equipment and also getting used to working without my team leader being nearby for questions.

Isolation was difficult to get used to and not being able to see family and friends. It was funny the ways I found to pass time, without seeing work friends and or family, particularly over Easter. I used to stream movies and television shows and watch long documentaries and even tried my hand at a puzzle, which didn't go too well!

When we finally got out of lockdown in June for a short period it was such a relief, but to be short lived in Melbourne for in winter we hit the second wave and were plunged into a strict stage four lockdown. This was the hardest time of my life! I had had a failed I.V.F cycle and could see my doctor, except on a screen or phone.

I really struggled with the stage 4 lockdown, as I am sure that a lot of people did. It was incredibly restrictive and I missed being able to see family and friends. Even simple things like going down to the shops became a lot harder, as we needed to click and collect or get delivery, although that was my main activity during lockdown and I often shopped online and through click and collect and brought some t.v series and books and even managed clothes, although that was harder with online shopping. As I enjoy trying on clothes and they take a lot longer to come.

What a year! I am sure everyone agrees that 2020 is a year to forget with political upheaval and a virus running rampant. Like anyone else I have definitely watched a lot more news this year than previous years and you really can’t escape it! The news is always on in the background and I don’t know about anyone else, but especially during the first lockdown, when the news was new and every television was showing news most of the day. The normal television shows I watch were cancelled and I enjoy t.v and am dedicated to the shows I watch every night.

I made it a point to switch off from the news and take care of myself, especially since working from home is stressful during lockdown and there were not a lot of ways to go out and have fun, unless you went for a walk. I find exercise is good and I enjoy dancing in front of the t.v and putting my favourite music on and I brought weights a step and exercise videos, since the gyms were closed like everything else.

As we now slowly get back to normal in Melbourne post lockdown I look forward to a vaccine this year. What does 2021 hold in store for me? Here is to the New Year!