Before Christmas I had the forethought to book a few days off in January, and over the past few days that’s what’s been happening here. It’s been much needed, even though my company shuts over Christmas, and that was nice too. We haven’t done a huge amount - it’s still lockdown after all, but some bumbling around and not having to be at the dining room table has been nice.
We’ve walked into Greenwich, and into Blackheath and haven’t got wet. We’ve caught up with things at home, which are dull but need doing - fixing the shelf in the wardrobe where the Christmas decorations go, defrosting the freezer and that kind of thing. We’ve had days of domesticity with cake making, bread baking and some very fine food - and wine - being consumed. Fridge jenga is back after a trip to the butchers, our monthly online shop, a veg box delivery and a visit to the farmer’s market all within a few days of each other.
But best of all we’ve had some time to ourselves. Apart from each other I mean.
We probably do during the working week too, when MOH pops out on his bike. But usually I’m working, as he’ll leave here before dusk, and so I notice the alone time less, mainly because spending it working doesn’t count! And while there’s no one I’d rather spend lockdown(s) with than MOH, I’ve realised that I’ve also missed having some time to myself.
And I’m sure he has too. With (usually) busy social lives we’d often get an evening to ourselves, or solo nights out with friends, but as we all know life has been quite different to that for a while.
So these past few days I’ve found myself making a list of things to fill that time so when it happens I can make the most of it, even if that is enjoying the time without feeling the need to get things done.
My tax return - yes, I just need to get on with it, don’t I?
Reading my newest book
Picking up my crochet hook
Editing and sorting my photos - I’m up to December 2019
Planning and writing more blog posts
Catching up with TV recordings that MOH’s not keen on
Listening to podcast episodes I’ve tuned out of but enjoy
Sorting out my craft supplies, for my next and current projects including those I’ve not quite started yet
Joining a fitness or wellbeing session, either alone or online
Enjoying the silence and just being.
Each of them have their appeal and I know that having a variety of things will suit different days and different moods, and the one I think is important to include is the last. Sometimes enjoying the moment is just what’s needed and often what’s missing when we get caught up in the whirl of our daily lives.
So more of a reflective post from me this week, but I think that also ties in with the start of the year. I’ve already looked back at the top 10 posts here last year, and a word or maybe a phrase is starting to bubble in my head. For 2020 the word I chose was gumption and while the year didn’t turn out as anyone imagined, gumption was definitely something that was needed.
More on that another time though, and most likely once that tax return is submitted.