December 2020; Work, Birthday, Christmas

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. - Albert Einstein

All the times I've wanted to sit down and write a post, to bring you up to speed on what's been happening in my life recently, I come up with excuses for why I couldn't. Often my lack of energy after work would be a big reason, and then on my days off I'd be too busy catching up on my sleep and making sure I'm ready for the next series of workdays, that I would put it off. Between all that's been happening over the last few weeks, I've barely had time to think and sleep. I've been sleeping a lot more recently. I'm also more used to the early starts that I'm now required to commit to, thanks to my job, which I love. When I first went into care work, back in May, I was only doing night shifts. Despite the fact that these shifts tend to have better pay, due to working unsocial hours, they do require a higher level of commitment from those working these shifts. Personally, I found out that night shifts dragged on a lot more, they didn't seem like they were only twelve hours long, it often felt twice that. Day shifts aren't half as bad in comparison, especially at my new job. Now, continuing on the thread of my job, I'm sure that many of you may know that I now work in a beautiful, privately owned care home in Reigate, which is a 45-minute commute (without the walking) away. If I could drive, it would only be 15 minutes away, roughly, but no car equals total dependence on public transport. Not that I'm complaining about it or anything like that. I enjoy the commute, on the whole. It gives me the chance to wake up. Though the last six weeks have been a bit tougher on the staffing team all as we've lost several residents (to age and health-related causes, not to COVID-19). Their deaths weren't unexpected, but it meant that we've all had to adjust to losing them.

With December's arrival, two big dates come into the forefront, one is Christmas (today), and the other is my birthday (three days ago). Just a week before Christmas, Surrey was put into Tier 4*, which has basically meant that our Christmas plans were thrown out the window. Andy and I had planned to spend it with his family in Sussex, but this has all changed. Andy and I are spending Christmas together, at home. My birthday was also spent at home, and I'm so grateful I could spend it with Andy. He's home for a few weeks and that's really brightened up my days. He's spoiled me so much over the weeks he's been home. At the moment we don't know what the future holds, but I'm so glad that I have Andy for Christmas and that we're together.

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Tier 4 has brought the following restrictions into place:

• All non-essential shops, as well as pubs and restaurants, gyms and swimming pools, as well as indoor entertainment venues (like bowling alleys and cinemas), have been closed.

• Beauty centres, like hairdressers and nail salons, aren't permitted to open.

• Those living in Tier 4 areas are to required to work from home where possible.

• You aren't allowed to travel outside of tier 4 areas or spend the night anywhere. you're also not permitted to travel abroad until for work or education.

• People can meet up with one other person in an outdoor setting (with social distancing).

• Places of worship can remain open.

• There's no news about whether schools or universities will close.

• Support bubbles are unaffected.

• People can go outside for unlimited exercise.

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I don't know what the future holds. Everything is uncertain. Every time plans are made, they don't last long as something happens to throw them into disarray. I'm just grateful that I have family around me, that Andy's home, and that I have a job that I love. I can look forwards to 2021 with the hope that it will get better, and at the end of the day, I am certain that God has it all in His hands. He is in control of what happens, both with nationally and internationally, but also on a personal level. He'll open the right doors at the right time and I know with total confidence that He's directing my steps, and Andy's. He will work all things for the good of those who love Him.

So, here's a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from us!