Time to Reflect…

I haven’t posted in a while and that is not because I haven’t had anything to post about. Quite the opposite actually; it’s been extremely busy this holiday period. Even though it’s been a tough year and totally not what we expected last New Year’s Eve, I want to look back at all the amazing things I have accomplished this year.

I moved abroad…

Arguably the best, most amazing and exciting thing I did this year. And I understand that I am very lucky that I was able to do this in the year that was 2020. This time last year I was absolutely certain that I was going to be moving in the summer, and then it became maybe, and then it became no, and then overnight it became a yes again. Through all the uncertainty I made it. And I still do not have any regrets. Yes, it’s different than it would have been (sans COVID) but it has been incredible!

I changed jobs…

I started off my year teaching 3rd grade (8/9 year olds) and ended my year as an au pair. Don’t get me wrong, I love teaching, and I did not leave because I wasn’t enjoying it any more. I just knew that since I am still young, it would be a good time to experience more of the world and what it has to offer. After some debating of what to do and how to go about that. I created an au pair profile and matched with an amazing family, who I love very much 💕. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I would be leaving my job after months of home learning and not seeing my colleagues as much as I would have liked.

I traveled…

That sounds so weird to say. But I did manage to travel safely this year. In February (just before everything went downhill) I went to London for a weekend trip with one of my really good friends. We spent a last amazing stress free weekend full of food and shopping. Then 2 weeks later we ended up in lock down.

I also traveled to America, which was as safe as could be considering there were only 4 other people on the plane with me. Very strange seeing such a big plane almost empty. But it worked out for me because I was given extra food and drinks!

While being here, I have taken 3 weekend trips to Smith Mountain Lake, VA, Charlotte, NC and Asheville, NC. They were all unforgettable trips and am pleased that I was still able to explore places.

I met some amazing people…

As I said earlier I have met some amazing people this year. An extra family through the au pair program; sometimes I still think about how lucky I am to be working for such amazing people.

Through them I have met their friends and I love hanging out with them, outside of course. Whether it’s drinking wine in someone’s backyard or at the playground with the kids, I always have a good time. Can’t wait to spend a lot more time with them in 2021!

Last but not least, my fellow au pair friends. I could not imagine being on this journey without them! I have made friends for life, when I applied for the au pair program I just thought it was something they said. But it is 100% true.

I had fun…

If I look back on this year – I think about a lot of good, positive, happy memories. Like me and my best friend hanging out at my place every weekend, or baking with other friends. Laughing with my brother and my parents. Eating sushi with my aunt, enjoying beers with my dad. Running round after kids and seeing their smiling faces.

And yes, I have complained – COVID is annoying and it sucks, and home learning was not fun to do. I can complain about a lot of things, but ultimately 2020 was a pretty good year for me.

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