Me, Myself and PDA

What has 2020 and the pandemic taught me…..the year we spent on pause……

Even though this year has been such a non-starter for many and the worst of their lives for others I’m feeling pretty upbeat and positive as we approach Christmas and the new year. Yeah, I know I must be mad right! But seriously 2020 hasn’t been all bad……

The new year started well when a friend took myself and Paul to see Swan Lake. It was the first ballet that Paul had ever seen and he was very impressed. We planned more but then covid landed. Maybe next year huh? 👍

At the end of January I was honoured to be a co-organiser of the first PDA conference in Bristol focusing solely on adults. It was the first event of this size that we’d organised and not to sound big headed but it was bloody good and well attended. Feedback was extremely positive. We had hoped to hold others but yep, covid landed. 🙄

So then lockdown came and put a hold on my training but it’s only on hold. 😷

Oh yeah I had tickets to see Keith Urban in May. The first time he’d been to the UK in 13 years but damn it: cancelled. 🥺

I thoroughly enjoyed lockdown if I’m honest. It was just the break I needed. Meeting cancelled and moved to online formats like Zoom, dentist appointments cancelled, parties cancelled. Unexpected visitors, social norms and feeling like I must take part in things all became a thing of the past. I’d even go so far as to say that I was a little disappointed when the first lockdown ended. Don’t get me wrong I’m well aware that covid is a hideous little virus that has snatched so many away from their loved ones. My heart goes out to all those who have lost this year. Be that a loved one or financially. 💜

June was Paul’s 40th birthday and in true resourceful PDAer style I made sure we celebrated regardless. I organised a socially distanced garden party, complete with individually wrapped sandwiches and party games! Okay, it wasn’t what I’d originally planned for him but we made the best of things and still had a lovely time with good friends. Sadly family couldn’t be there in person due to lockdown rules but we called them so they were still part of it. 🥳

Ruth Fidler and I used lockdown spare time wisely and cracked on with the book, which we finished by the end of summer, and it’s now in the capable hands of the publishers. Release date is August 2021!!! 🤩

October really wasn’t my month. I fell down the stairs at home and broke my arm and had minor concussion. Then the very next day my dad passed away. October really took a lot of effort to get through. We had my mum to stay though as Paul took her to see my dad before he passed. Don’t nag, we formed a bubble. It was good having her here when we got the news that he’d passed. We were able to support each other. 🖤

November brought another first for me: a funeral/memorial service held over Zoom. It wasn’t the send-off that we would have chosen for dad but it was well attended and we were able to share memories of him and say goodbye. 🌈
November wasn’t all sadness though. Paul and I held the Christmas craft/gift auction in aid of PDA Society and raised an incredible £1,222.89!!! This is the 5th year we’ve held the event and it just keeps growing. We’ve raised well over £5,000 so far! We can’t wait for next year! 🎁
Oh and we can’t forget Paul’s operation at the end of November. It was traumatic but he’s healing slowly and doing well. 💜

So it’s now a week before the big day and I’m feeling positive and I’m looking forward to our Christmas of just two….well four if we include the cats. 🥰

I’m nowhere near ready for it though! Still got decorations to put up and presents to wrap! 😬 I’m very much a last minute person. Not by choice I should add, it’s just how my brain is wired! 🤣 I’m a bit hindered by my broken arm but thankfully I have the wonderful Paul to help! 🥰

So I sit here listening to Christmas music, writing this, surrounded by mess and I don’t think I could be happier. I truly am blessed. 🥰

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas (or whatever you believe) and my heart goes out to those suffering. I’m optimistic that 2021 will be better and brighter for us all. Be kind to each other and stay safe. 🎄

(Selfie taken last Christmas Day)