It is always a big bunch of hope every time we end a year and face the new one. And from the previous one we all have had, it’s safe for me to say that we are all looking forward to a better new year. Of course, at the back of our minds we know that the virus is still there, and will be for quite some time, but with all the experiences we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learned from these, we are looking forward to a fresh start.
On the eve of the new year, I spent my afternoon with my colleagues at one of their houses. We cooked (I did pansit, while they did tartiflette) and had late lunch / early dinner, and had some games and wine afterwards. Since there was a curfew here in France that starts at 8pm, and I don’t want to stay overnight in their house, I bid goodbyes and new year wishes to them at about seven in the evening. It’s a quiet, New Year’s eve for me, as I read my books and listen to others in nearby apartments having a party of their own. That certain kind of quietness might have been less appealing to some but I am most content in those simple moments. I love going out and be with friends, too, but there are times that I just don’t want to expend so much energy into. Before the clock struck at midnight, my sister called. She’s spending her holidays in one of the islands in Thailand because like me, she could not go home to the Philippines to spend time with our families, too. So, I welcomed the new year with my sister on a videocall, and it’s nice. It’s simple, quiet, but nice.
Since the new year is now upon us, I had plans of decluttering my apartment and I started already as early as November during the second lockdown. I don’t have a lot, but I felt like I have to still get rid of things that I don’t really need. The first days of the new year was spent indoors since it’s raining outside. I started with the pantry where I was able to empty two shelves! I re-arranged some kitchen stuff and my kitchen looks better and more spacious.
Then I went next for my cabinet and deliberated which clothes that I no longer need. I realized during the lockdown that I only favored a few tops, dresses and pants, and I don’t think I will need more. Then in the closet at the hall, I got rid of the boxes that I have been keeping but didn’t find any use at all. At the end of the day, I surprised myself to have more spaces in my cabinets than I thought.
But, there’s still a lot of work to do.
Currently
Reading. Re-reading a regency romance novel by Julia Quinn, titled Splendid.
Writing. None. I’m busy reading, getting rid of stuff, etc. etc. etc. 😛
Listening. Bridgerton is playing again on my TV, haha. I was laughing at this part where Lady Berbrooke, Nigel’s mother, said during the afternoon tea with Violet and Daphne Bridgerton – “God did not bless me with another because perfection had already been achieved.” If you watched this series, you will know who Nigel Berbrooke is and how comical this is! Hahaha. You can find this scene in Episode 2.
I have lots of favorite scenes in the series and it’s one of these:
Wishing. For this pandemic to be over. I’m tired of it. Aren’t we all? There’s a new strain that everybody is talking about, and the Alpes-Maritimes region has gone into an earlier curfew of 6PM. It’s too early and I can imagine how much of an added strain that this has been doing again to the local businesses. So, I wish that this pandemic to be over. I just wonder how and when.
Hoping. I actually don’t know what to hope, perhaps a focused mind. There’s a lot of things to think right now.
Loving. I just had cake and tea. I love cakes. Better as I watch Bridgerton (again) today.
Needing. I plan to go back to that book I am reading tonight. It’s always relaxing to read on this quiet Sunday night.
Last week, we had a bit of a commotion here since there was an unexpected hail storm on the night of Christmas. Since then, it’s been raining for the whole week and even colder. I don’t have the energy to go out in the rain. I wish that the sun will come out soon, but after looking at the weather forecast for the week, it’s not going to happen anytime soon.
PS. I uninstalled the Amazon app last night. 😛
Wandering Pinay 