Grateful
Happy Thanksgiving!
I thought I’d check in and say hello! I know it’s been a while since the last blog but I have been feeling unmotivated. It’s tough to write about traveling around New England with the COVID-19 rules constantly changing. I haven’t traveled out of Connecticut (beside the occasionally hop over the border to Rhode Island as long as we weren’t banned from traveling there). It has been a weird year for sure. Never thought back in spring that we would be here still dealing with the pandemic.
Thanksgiving is usually the time to be with family and friends. Unfortunately, my family isn’t in same state so we are spending the holidays in our own households. I am bummed about not seeing my parents, but keeping positive that Christmas will happen. (Let’s also keep in mind that while we may be missing this Thanksgiving with families, first responders and healthcare workers have missed many holidays, so let’s be grateful for all they do for us!)
2020 has been tough on many of us, but I got to thinking about what I am grateful for and thought I’d share.
Family - of course. I’m the luckiest girl with wonderful parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more relatives. This year allowed more time for me to catch up and talk with some of them. It allowed me to reflect on many memories too.
Books. I have had more time to read. It also helps in times when I’m feeling super stressed and it allows me an escape to another world for a hour or so. I have been borrowing many eBooks from the library. After each book, I share my thoughts via stories on Instagram. Sometimes I will get engaged into a conversation with someone else who read it too, so it’s fun to talk about! Drop your recommendations in the comments! I’m starting to read holidays themed books now.
Instagram. I have a love and hate relationship with social media. One thing I have noticed is how much information I get from IG. Last year, I had to change to gluten-free and dairy-free diet (food allergies) so it was a challenge. Instagram allowed me to find influencers who share GF & DF recipes. This fall I cooked up some delicious pumpkin mac n cheese! I missed breadsticks terribly too, which I was able to find a recipe and it was GOOD! I’m munching on a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie at the moment!
Time. We rush through life all the time. Sometimes we forget to take the time and enjoy the moment. Enjoy the conversation we have. Enjoy the nature around us. Enjoy the food. Enjoy the affection. It goes on. I’ve been able to take a lot more walks around neighborhoods I’ve never seen. I got to enjoy other people’s beautiful homes.
My husband. He does a lot for me. During this time, it’s been extremely difficult on me when in public with wearing masks. I can’t see if anyone’s talking to me. There’s been a few incidents. Once I left behind a bag of groceries (at a specialty food store a HOUR away) because the cashier informed me that the solo bag was on the counter since the cart was full. I didn’t see her talking to me, so imagine my surprise when I was missing a few items once I got home. This whole experience with the masks has made me feel even MORE deaf. I feel like I lost my independence. My husband has been so helpful during this stressful time, accompanying me more and help with all of the communication.
There’s more that I am grateful for but those are a few. What are you grateful for? I know it’s hard to feel positive at times. It’s OK to feel any emotions that you are feeling. I have been there too. I have some bad days. I feel hopeless at times if this pandemic will end someday. I’m trying my best. I’m sure you are too. I would love to hear your thoughts or if you need to chat, I’m here or on Instagram @knotsoloud.
Wishing you a happy day with whatever you are doing. I’m cooking a small feast for my husband and I (my dog will get some turkey too). We will watch our favorite Friends Thanksgiving episodes. Slainte!
1. FAMILY one of our summer BBQ dinners.
2. BOOKS one of the books that I read.
3. INSTAGRAM pumpkin chocolate chip cookies where I found the recipe (@healthygffamily).
4. TIME one of the beach walks at Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
5. MY HUSBAND us at the Roc Holiday Village (Rochester, NY) last winter.