I think we can all agree that 2020 was unexpected. We all did the countdown to 2020, and welcomed the new decade with open arms. BUT THEN came the possible threat of World War III, Kim Jong-un faking his own death and the virus that could not be held back – COVID-19. As a person who plans for the future, this left me very uncertain and anxious, made me deal with some emotions that were buried for too long and gain weight. Joe Exotic lockdown feels so long ago and we are in this constant feeling of the year is going by so fast yet so slow. But with 2020 came a lot of positives as well in which will be discussed below in my monthly review of 2020.
January
The year started off in New York with two of my best friends from high school. Jodi and I planned a trip to visit Carolyn. We shared many laughs, many fights and a hell of a lot of subway trips. Enjoyed way more cheese than needed and in the words of Joe Exotic – [we] ‘would never financially recover from this’ – read more on the trip here.
February
The campaign for #StirCreativity launched and it was such a fun collaboration with a local artist name Seth. It was a cool campaign where they got different bartenders and local artists to swop tools and use those tools in the art they made. I have always been fascinated by Seth’s work. He does all these cool layering and texture work that gives me goosebumps.
Photo taken by: @starlavida // Star Zwane
March
This year I decided that I was going to live life at the all the jols apparently. It started off with Ultra 2020 – which was my first time going. It was definitely a vibe. The last jol before, Covivi walked in was spent at the Sunday Editions which is a lovely SundayFunday rooftop day vibe filled with others who wanna share a drink and a dance.
April
So lockdown got me in the kitchen – which was the reason why I gained almost 10kg (ouch). The kitchen adventures started off with making some delicious Beefeater Pink custard filled doughnuts. Im not calling myself a photographer, but it was definitely some of my best work. To see my photography skills grow was such a highlight of 2020.
May
Baking series 2. My love for scones has never died since the first little flakey piece my grandmother put in my mouth. I used her recipe and edited the cream and added in some Remy Martin into the mix. Although there was controversy on whether the cream or jam goes on first, it was definitely a delicious month with these scones around.
June
Family is important. After not being able to see them for so long it was good to see them and say hi (in a socially distanced manner). 2020 proved that when the going gets tough family will always be there. During the month, I also baked a chocolate babka. A delicious chocolatey, malty twisted bread that will satisfy all the cravings. This was the last of my baking adventures before exams kicked in.
July
We have all dreamed of walking across the stage for your 10 seconds of fame at graduation. Unfortunately that couldn’t happen but I did indeed get my degree in the mail and had taken some photos. I was proud of myself and all that I had achieved. My cousin organised some bubbles for us to cheers to – so that was definitely a highlight.
August
FRIENDS. I finally saw some human beeings. From birthday getaways to socially distanced bars that were beginning to open up again, it was good to see some faces off of zoom, Houseparty and all the other apps we used.
My cousin also gave birth to another magical little bean which I’m so excited to meet. Arg look at that family grow.
September
We all know the girl MoniqueFit and all the cool things she does to uplift the girl gang (and men too) to choose a healthier lifestyle. As seen in the first couple of months in lockdown, me and food got a whole lot closer. I baked, I ate all my favourite foods and when UberEats/Mr D was open that made my eating habits even worse. I lost all my muscle definition and hadn’t really exercised that much. MoniqueFit had one of her 8 week challenges and I finally took part. I am happy to see my body grow strong and my relationship with food and gym change for the better. I have no idea how much I weigh because that scale is just triggering and doesn’t really tell me much about health. Instead I have used photos and measurements to let me see the ab lines that are developing and the 6cm lost on different parts of my body.
Saw my darling friend Caroline, on more than one occasion so that was lovely for all the catch ups and foodie adventures.
October
Haartebeest with the lovely people I call my close friends. It was so lovely to see some old faces again. Almost Orange always makes my belly and heart full.
I love birthdays, because they have a way of bringing people together again. On this particular birthday is when some friendships were solidified and made me realise how much I have missed some important people in my life. Since then I have seen them more often and its been so magical.
November
Some more friends I hadn’t seen in a while, I finally got to see again with some delicious pasteis da nata, laughs and kombucha.
Christmas party in November? Yes! The girl gang got back together and enjoyed a few sangrias, lots of bellyache laughs and hugs and photos. Carolyn is in NY and we definitely couldn’t not have her there so we got her on the zoom and exchanged our secret Santa gifts. I have gotten close to a lot of these girls again and forever thankful for that.
December
Another trip around the sun and I am so grateful. I type this only half way through December after getting back from a trip from Durban. Although things are still up in the air on whether or not Rona will still be here for 2021 seeing that there are some vaccines up and running – I am hopeful for the year and hope all good things go well. I am grateful for the friends and I have and that my family is still with me. Thanks to all those who have dealt with my sassy-ass for another year.
I hope you all take a moment and reflect on the positives of the year.
I love your positive take on things. You have a special way of looking at the world and it’s a pleasure to read.