I hope I haven’t jinxed it, but it looks like the end of lockdown is in site. It’s still months away, but at least there is a glimmer of hope. We’re hoping that the vaccines keep rolling out quickly, and our friends and relatives are vaccinated soon. Although we’re very lucky that no one we know has been severely affected by the disease, my Dad fell ill not long after lockdown began and passed away in November. We were unable to visit him properly for months. So rebuilding family ties is a huge priority for us.
I’ve already written about the places I’d like to travel to as a family over the next few years. I mean, who wouldn’t want a holiday after all this?
So, in what little free time i’ve had between childcare and self-employment, I’ve been making a mental list of all the things I want to do when lockdown ends.
To see family and friends more
This is probably top of everyone’s list. We’re all regretting the times we didn’t get together because we were too busy, too tired, or in our case (too disorganised). We’ve missed everyone and the thought of just being able to get in the car and go and spend time with people is filling me with hope.
To get ‘civilled’?
OK, civil unions really need a verb, because getting civilled is not going to catch on. I cringe just writing it. We’ve been together over 12 years now. We’ve never really wanted to get married. I love going to weddings but the though of having one for myself is my worst nightmare. So, when it became legal for heterosexual couples for form a civil partnership we thought, why not?
Now, it’s not going to be anything resembling a wedding. No rings or photographers, but we will have our immediate family there to celebrate with us and then have a lovely meal. We’re planning on having a bigger celebration at a later date an one of the many fab event venues we have in Durham
To take Ava swimming
When I was on maternity leave after having Alex, I signed us up for baby swimming classes at a local pool. He absolutely loved it and it was a great bonding experience. When Ava was born, she had some problems with her skin which meant that we couldn’t take her to the pool. By the time her skin had calmed down, it was almost lockdown. So she’s 18 months old and she’s never been in a swimming pool. I feel really guilty about that. I hope she loves it just as much as her brother.
To treat myself to a spa day
One thing we have a lot of in Durham, is really great spa hotels. There’s so many to choose from. I am waiting for the day I can leave the kids with their dad and just disappear for a few hours relaxation and massage. The only one I haven’t tried in the area yet is Ramside Hall, so hopefully I’ll be able to book something there.
To explore Durham more
It’s criminal how much of Durham we haven’t visited. It’s such a beautiful county, second only to Northumberland, where i’m from. Other than a few day trips, the nature reserve near our house, restaurants and shopping trips. We’ve hardly scratched the surface. So we are definitely going to be exploring all of the fantastic things on our doorstep once lockdown ends.
I realise these aren’t particularly lofty goals, but the though of even getting to do one of two of them makes me very happy.
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