Still Here

2020 sucked.

IT. F*CKING. SUCKED.

& I feel like that statement probably resonates with a lot of you. If it doesn't, blessings on you for getting out unscathed.

I didn't vent much last year because I didn't have the energy to. There was plenty of drama that went on (believe you me) but something about being in a global pandemic in an election year really takes away the luster of rehashing petty stories…but don’t worry, I have a good memory.

So yes, of course there was girl drama in our social circle; but even with that drama, 2020 itself wreaked the most havoc. Like, 2020 was TOTALLY the Regina George of years. & I was in her burn book for sure.

I have never felt more alone than I did last year.

Anyone else?

If so, I see you.

When we went into quarantine, I thought I'd get more time with my husband (seeing that we live together & both of us would be working from home). Long story short, I sorely underestimated how busy that man is. He's on the phone 24/7 and somehow our daily conversations went from 30 minutes down to 10. Thus, working from home and quarantine turned into the most isolating experience I've ever had to date. & that isolation funk transcended into the rest of the year. I couldn't shake that feeling of loneliness even when I was surrounded by friends and Colorado was coming out of lockdown. Hell, even now I still have days where that panicky feeling of seclusion starts creeping in.

So I turned to one friendly face with floppy ears that wasn’t phased by the pandemic. My doggo & number 1 main mans - Forbes.

To all my fur baby owners out there - who else now has a WILD codependency on their four legged friend?

*everyone with doggos raise their hands. (I truly don't know how I'm ever going to go back into the office without this dog.)

Since most activities have been limited during the pandemic, I started taking Forbes on really long walks. With these walks came a stark shift in my attitude. I wasn't as sad and the walks made me feel better. Yes this is a "duh" statement - working out makes you feel better - but when you're feeling down on yourself, even a walk can seem daunting.

THEN I discovered Audible. & along with audible, I downloaded - wait for it - ALL of the Harry Potter books. I had never read them.

If you have never read/listened to Harry Potter, DO IT. I cannot think of a better escape than these books and my walks went from 2 miles to 10 real quick.

JK Rowling is a magical genius. & I'm a 29 year old patiently awaiting my letter to Hogwarts.

This is an unconventional vent. And a short one at that. But if you're struggling like I was - a dog, walks, and some good books (HARRY POTTER) can work wonders. & after 2020, I'm happy to say we're all still here. I’m still here, You’re still here. And after that hellish year, I think that's pretty darn admirable.

Till Next Time!