#SpeakeasywithRuchiNDips- 8 Beautiful memories of “Not so beautiful year 2020”!
Super excited to be a part of #Speakeasy blogging challenge once again. Thank you Ruchie and Deepika for this awesome initiative. I always had a great time while reading and writing for this blog challenge.
Honestly, first when I had seen the theme of this time’s #Speakeasy challenge (Adieu 20202), I was little skeptical about it. As we all know, “2020 = Covid-19 pandemic” is a well known equation. Unfortunately, 2020 has been a tragic year for all of us. This pandemic has shaken up whole world and affect all important aspects of our life so badly.
Since more than 6 months, we are struggling to get back our normal lives. sadly, this pandemic has created a long list of problems (ranging from poor economy to unemployment) worldwide.
Covid-19 had also put a strong impact on blogging and writing industry.
During this time, “Covid-19 pandemic and related topics” had been most popular among writers and bloggers. I believe, a lot is already been said/talked about Covid-19.
Somehow, I felt that for this post, I do not want to write anything exclusively on Covid-19 pandemic.
I had sensed that I want to write something more positive that brings smile not only on my face but also give a positive vibe to others as well.
After thinking for a while, I had analyzed that despite being stressful, there are many good things has happened with me (in year 2020). So, with this post, I want to re-call those beautiful memories of not so beautiful year 2020. Read the post to know more!
Beautiful memories of “Not so beautiful year 2020”
January-February
Exploration journey of “California” (most beautiful state of USA)
We come back to USA after long wait of 8 months (visa issue) again in august 2019. This time, we are in Pleasanton (California). California is one of the most beautiful state of USA. So, in the beginning of year 2020, we had just started our exploration journey of this beautiful state. We had visited few nearby famous traveling spots like Mystery spot. Kids were enjoying their new school and routine. All and all, a good time we had spent during these months.
March
Learning of important life lessons from “Covid- 19 pandemic”
As we all know, March was the month when “Coronavirus” has entered in our life. And affected it so badly. Despite having high stressful time, this month has taught us so many valuable life lessons. We had realized that we have a habit of taking many things/blessings for granted. This stressful situation had made us realized that life is precious and be grateful for what we have. We had also learnt that we are stronger that we think, and we had adopted new life and new routine without falling apart.
Also, this month had taught us that keeping “Patience” and develop an attitude of “Acceptance” are only key to deal with any adverse situation.
April- may
Successful participation in BlogchatterA2Z and publication of second e-book “Healthy eating for busy moms” & Angel’s graduation ceremony!
Along with dealing the pressure of covid-19 pandemic, this month I had decided to participate in #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Though it was not an easy decision for me but I had completed my participation successfully and published my second e book too. My e book “healthy eating for busy moms” got great response and appreciation from readers. I am glad that this participation has kept me busy and helps in reducing pandemic anxiety.
Download book here, if you find it interesting
In May, my elder one has completed her “Elementary schooling”. Though she has missed her “Traditional graduation ceremony”, but still we went to school and had great time in enjoying parade and virtual “Graduation ceremony”.
June-July – august
Summer vacation with cooking fun
Though this was time of “Summer vacation” but unfortunately, we all were bounded with so many restrictions (no swimming, water part visit and other outdoor fun). Despite these restrictions, we had tried to keep ourselves busy in learning something new.
This summer, girls had decided to learn cooking. We had tried many exciting recipes and girls had great time while learning “The art of cooking”.
Check out our “Cooking with kids” series. I am sure you will like it.
September
Trip to “17-mile drive” (after long 6 months)
During September, the things got better. And we had started going out gradually. After a long wait of 6 months, this time we had planned our first weekend gateway as “17-mile drive”. 17-mile drive is 3 hours car drive away from Pleasanton. The place is so amazing and has an incredible natural beauty. Though we all do routine travel all the time but after long gap of 6 months, this time this mini travel felt like a “Lifetime treat”. We had load of fun and relaxation from routine stress.
October
Diwali, Halloween and first e-guide publication
October was again a busy month. Diwali, Halloween and Alexa had kept me super busy and creatively engaged during this month. I had completed my third Alexa participation successfully. my series “Blogging for beginners” got excellent response and I had published my first e-guide too. All and all a good month with festivity and creative accomplishment.
Download the guide here
November
Welcome “New member in the family”
This month is happiest month of year 2020 for me. this month we had welcomed new member in our family. My brother and sister-in-law got blessed with a “Baby boy”. we are so happy and excited with this news. I am so glad that Angel, Pranjal and Aahna (my brother’s daughter), now have a baby brother in their gang. Cannot wait to see him, until my next India visit?
December
News of “Coronavirus vaccine arrival”
This month is so special and relaxing because of news of “Coronavirus vaccine arrival”. I had seen the complete coverage just 2 days ago and I am feeling so good and relaxed with this news. I hope that vaccine got proved highly beneficial in giving us protection against this disease. And we can start re-live our normal lives in upcoming new year.
I hope, I did not make you bore with my personal stories.
Feeling good after re-calling these “Beautiful memories of not so beautiful year 2020”. Would love to know, what was your “Feel good moments of year 2020”. Please share with me.
This blog post is part of SpeakEasy Blogging Challenge by Dipika and Ruchi.’
Wow i love the positive vibes from your blog. a lot of good things have come from the pandemic times. i have also written on the same lines. LEt’s celebrate life!
Surbhi, looking back at the year with achievements and appreciations is definitely a good way to look back . Working towards positive goals is always good practice to be happy.
First of all congratulations to your brother and sister-in-law for the baby secondly it wasn’t a pretty bad year as you actually had a good time.
I loved your post.You are sharing all memories of your life in this pandemic. It gives us a positive vibe through the stressful pandemic.
I just hope we have left the bad times behind us and are moving forward with renewed positive energy. I enjoyed reading your blog post as it was all about the positives of the year 2020. Congratulations for your books.
Love your take on this theme.. It’s like revisiting those memories which might not be that great to recall but have taught things which are going to be a life long learning.
How beautifully you summed up everything in positive way . I get more time with family , done many activities.
Its nice to revisit happy memories of the year 2020. Congratulations on completing both A2Z and MyFriendAlexa amidst all the chaos. 🙂
Yes, I agree Surbhi. 2020 may not be a beautiful year but it gave us many beautiful memories. The minute trip that you mentioned and the experience you had, I experienced the same a couple of weeks ago. We made a impromptu trip to our nearby Beach and believe me it was so refreshing..
Wow so nice to know these all. It’s beautiful to know such good things took place in your life. This is life. We just have to move on irrespective of the situation. Lovely post. Wish you have more happy moments in life in the coming year. Good luck.
The little one in your family is the most beautiful memory. I appreciate you for finding the best from worst.
So happy to read that you got to make some wonderful memories even during these difficult times Surbhi. It’s good to celebrate life even in these times. Congratulations on being an Aunt ?
You literally made me walk down the memory lane. The year has been tumultous. There have been good instances like spending time with the family but on totality it’s half half
Wow Surbhi, this is out and out positive post. Glad you could return in January before covid guidelines were enforced. My sis came from US in Nov 2019 for her daughters first birthday in India and could go back in September 2020. It was tough for them.
I loved the spirit of how positivity you recalled all the precious moments despite the anxiousness of pandemic. Best wishes and congratulations on all the achievements and good vibes which you got this year.
loved how your write up was so full of positivity…many congratulations on the lovely addition to your family!
You and your family have accomplished quite a lot and definitely created memories on the way. Covid 19 couldn’t dampen your spirits?
just tried and still am to survive through it ! thanks for dropping by 🙂
True. Though this year has been tough on everyone, we have also found a number of little things to celebrate. It’s been a great year for learning.
This is a refreshing take on theme 2020. Finding happiness in unexpected places is a good thing. 🙂
What a great way to sum up the special events of the year, through this post I felt I was a part too of those special moments 🙂
Looks like great year for you. First of all congratulation on publishing of your first ebook and secondly for the new family member. And of course it’s been a great year for learning.
Loved the way you weaved this year dear, it indeed was super awesome for you isn’t it, keep the positivity alive forever
2020 has been the dreadful year for all of us but I just want to take away only the best and beautiful memories from the pandemic year. Loved reading the beautiful memories you have shared and indeed it was full of positive vibes.
2020 has certainly been an eventful year for all of us, but it was nice to see your personal journey. It has been a very momentous one for you in so many ways. Happy new year 2021 to you!
2020 has been a long year… Loved reading about your year! Mine was spent realizing that I needed to get help about my mental state and finally getting it!
2020 has been a mixed bag of an year. While things were not so good globally, people at individual level have found the best out of this trying times.
Congratulations on a year well lived.So happy for all your great work.Eguide sounds so interesting. Glad you are doing it.
This year has been mixed bag of emotions for us too . So happy to read that you got to make some wonderful memories . Congratulations on being an Aunt ?
wow you surely made a good deal out of this seemingly horrible 2020. The e-guide for blogging beginners is really very good.
You took me back to those memories when I went to California. I was literally reliving my memories when I read your post! Looks like this year was very special to you.
Very well written!
Inspire of covid pandemic and stress situation your year was quite productive . So happy to listen this ..
This year had different meaning to different people.. I guess you made most of it in a positive sense. Glad to know your this years journey
What a lovely roundup, Surbhi. I haven’t got a chance to reflect upon my year as an individual. In terms of family, we spent the best time cooking, playing family games and doing things that we might not have done in usual days.
This was a Lovely read. Love your positivity. God bless the new baby ?
Year 2020 is really a tough year for almost all of us and I am glad you shared great roundup in this post!! Happy to have you for this blogging challenge!!
This is so productive . You have made this year so well organised. This years has been terible for all . 2020 will has made human realise how to live a life .
Your post simply spelled positivity, Surbhi. It is so important to find little moments of happiness in tough times and enjoy in whatever we have.
These are great ways to remember the catastrophic 2020. BTW I didn’t know you were based in US. What are your thoughts on the vaccine?
Your post took me back and revived all the memories. Though year was not good still it has madesny positive impact in lives.
You seem to have had a pretty eventful year. And many congratulations to your family on the arrival of tiny tot. How lovely that would have been! Unlike you, I want this year to go away as quickly as possible. 2020 was a bad year on my accounts for me. I’m so looking forward to 2021.
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How much we love when you participate in SpeakEasy challenge, thank you for your support and trust in us. This year has been a hell of a roller coaster ride for all, but the best outcome is we enjoy the journey and learn so much more from this challenge.
Wow, comgratulations on the arrival of your nephew. In my home also, my nephew was born in June 2020 that brought back many happy moments in the family after this pandemic news broke in.
what a lovely read! you have really focused on the positives and found the good in every month – inspiring read!