As another year of blogging comes to an end, I thought it would be nice to do a little “recap” looking back on some of the main events that have happened over the past 12 months.
2020 has been a year that none of us will ever forget, but it hasn’t been all doom and gloom. Looking back through this year’s memories I am proud of what I have still managed to achieve, despite spending most of my days locked inside!
And no, I haven’t been to prison… although it may feel like it at times.
January
This year kicked off to a great start! I was focussed on my New Years resolutions and was working out twice a week at the gym – overall feeling much happier and healthier. I was then invited on a press trip to Forest Holidays which was such an incredible experience!
To this day, this is still one of my all-time favourite videos to have filmed. So many great memories were made that weekend and I can’t wait to do it all again one day – I still have dreams about that hot tub now!!
February
Looking back through the images in my camera roll, February’s highlight was definitely influenced by my blog collaboration with Boo Koos burgers.
After recently opening a new (and fully accessible) restaurant in Falmouth, I was excited to try out their “Mighty Boo Challenge“. Notice how my healthy New Years resolution failed already… haha.
Since then, my friend Charlie from NQPC also visited Cornwall and based on my recommendation, headed straight to Boo Koos!
March
March is definitely the month that I think we will all remember most, as it was the start of LOCKDOWN 1. It was a time of real uncertainty with businesses closing and people being asked to shield / stay at home.
During this time I started a new series on my blog called ‘The Isolation Diaries’, which also included a weekly “clap for carers” – featuring my saucepan. I remember feeling emotional during these first few weeks, as I really felt for my friends & family who were working for the NHS and other keyworker roles.
April
As lockdown continued, I decided to be a bit more productive and use my platform to try and make people smile.
Over the course of the next few days, I wrote and recorded a Coronavirus parody song (which I am sure you are all well and truly sick of by now!). The song had such an amazing reaction online that it was even featured on my local news.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LymH-a4RDtg%3Fautoplay%3D0%26mute%3D0%26controls%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.alifeonwheels.co.uk%26playsinline%3D1%26showinfo%3D0%26rel%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D3%26modestbranding%3D1%26enablejsapi%3D1%26widgetid%3D3
May
After all the excitement of my parody song I think it’s safe to say that I definitely peaked – as looking back now it seems like I lost the plot over the following months.
A personal highlight for me in May was when I challenged myself to see how many pegs I could attach to my face (WHY?), as well as feeding the “ducks” in my bathroom… SEND HELP!!
June
In June, I continued to have a mental breakdown (LOL) by painting my garden gnomes and dying the colour of my beard.
I never shared this photo at the time because it still gives me nightmares… but now I just find it really funny.
In June I was also able to meet up with a couple of friends from a social distance – by enjoying a takeaway in the garden which was really nice.
July
July soon came around which means it was my birthday month! Luckily the weather was great so I was able to spend more time with friends and family outside, as well as having a picnic in the park.
July was the month that I also made the difficult decision to leave my job after 8 years of service. Although I miss the people I worked with, I still stand by my decision and have no regrets. Mum also redecorated my living room and I had a disastrous haircut that left my head sore for weeks!
August
In August my dream job became one step closer to reality, as I opened myself up to more media opportunities. Talking publicly about the effects of being a “young shielder”, I was invited onto BBC Radio 5 Live with Laura Whitmore, as well as being featured in various other BBC News articles online.
Later on that month, I also collaborated with two more exciting brands. Not only was I given the opportunity to trial a “standing wheelchair” from Permobil, but I also left the house for a “dine in the dome” eating experience at Cape Cornwall Club – which was absolutely amazing!
September
In September I continued to explore my new found love for reading books. I also started to venture outside a little bit more.
October
In October I organised a small baby shower for one of my friends at home. We played Mario Kart, ate cake and also sampled baby food from nappies… just a standard day really! haha.
I also started posting more videos on TikTok and gained over 1000 followers!
November
As we entered November I found myself counting down the days until the end of the year. Recent vaccine news has given me hope for the future and I’m so excited at the thought of making plans for 2021.
One of my main highlights from this month was when I got absolutely rinsed online for my terrible Movember moustache. Comments such as “serial killer” and “70’s pornstar” were just a few personal favourites – however it was all worthwhile in the end, as together we managed to raise a whopping £195 for charity!
December
We all knew that Christmas was going to be a little bit different this year…
I hate the fact that Amazon have done so well out of me, but I just haven’t felt like going out shopping or browsing all the different stores in these circumstances.
As cheesy as it sounds, it’s not what’s under the tree that matters, it’s who’s around it that really counts. I’m so lucky and grateful that I got to spend Christmas with all of my family this year.
I am officially a pig in a blanket… and I’m totally ok with that.
If 2020 has given us anything… it’s time. Time to reflect, time to appreciate and time to focus on what really is important in our lives.
At the end of the day everyone is fighting their own battles, so please take this as a gentle reminder to be kind. Look after yourselves and I will be back with some fresh posts in the New Year!
Take care,
Ross x