Giving with one hand and taking with the other

Evening Ya'll, 

So last week I explained my departure of leaving my job and handing in my resignation. It has been nearly a fortnight and almost halfway through my notice period and I suppose you could say that time flies when you're having fun, especially so when our current lockdown in England has been lifted. Well, Kinda?!

They dubbed it "Wild Wednesday" after Boris Johnson made his announcement of easing out of the second national lockdown in the space of a year which was imposed across England. All non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities were to close for at least four weeks, starting at midnight on Thursday 5th November 2020, with measures due to remain in place until just last week. 

Now I must say, I was doubtful that Lockdown 2.0 would have ended n December 2nd, for various reasons, not least of which is my absolute lack of faith and trust in the government or what they have to say - Something many of my generation face after the coalition government fucked up university fees and screwed up most people's chance of getting on the housing ladder. It goes without saying that had the vaccine not been announced, and in the subsequent days that followed more and more good news about other vaccines and drugs and science then we would still be still simply kicking the inevitable can down the road by teetering between being locked down and free (with restrictions). 

That being said though, I am not sure that I know what it really feels like to be "free" again. Freedom from face masks, queuing for shops and unable to cuddle loved ones? I certainly don't feel "free". I still feel trapped as England has now returned to a stricter three-tier system, far worse than before. 

Some people have described it as just lockdown continuing just under a new name. As reported through the Independant.co.uk, different parts of the country have been allocated different tiers - medium, high or very high.  Dependant on the rates of coronavirus infection in the local area, the majority of areas have been placed in either tiers 2 or 3, with just three regions in tier 1: the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. Just some of the areas placed in tier 2 include London, Somerset, York, and Cheshire, meanwhile, some in tier 3 include Bristol, Manchester, and Birmingham where the virus is rife. 

As with everything, the government has said that they cannot confirm an end date for such restrictions and that the tier system will be reviewed every 14 days. Should coronavirus infections have dropped substantially in a local area within this time then, naturally, its tier allocation could be lowered, or increased if changes in the opposite direction. 

The new tier system has been scheduled to run until the end of March 2021, however, Boris Johnson has now offered MPs a get out of jail free card (otherwise known as a “sunset clause”) that would end the system early due to a growing rebellion amongst the public as well as within the Conservative party itself. So living where I do, and working where I work, it turns out I am in tier 2 - High alert. But what does it mean and what can I and can't I do?! 

Meeting friends and family? The Gov.uk website states that "You can only meet socially with friends and family indoors who you either: live with or have formed a support bubble. ‘Indoors’ means any indoor setting, including private homes and other indoor venues such as pubs or restaurants". So basically if I don't like my household (which, as much as I love my dearest Mr Warehouse I have seen very little of anyone else's face this year than his) then your fucked. 

Gov.uk continues to state though that "you can see friends and family you do not live with or do not have a support bubble with outdoors, in a group of no more than 6. ‘Outdoors’ means in a private garden or other outdoor space. You can continue to meet in a group larger than 6 if you are all from the same household or support bubble" Unsurprisingly though, as before, this silly rule is inclusive of all children at any age. But you can send them to school with 30+ other kids?! 

But alas, "normal" sociable activities are still restricted. Gov.uk confirms that venues can host multiple groups and should follow COVID-secure guidance (whatever that means), however, you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors. This includes in: pubs and restaurants, shops, leisure and entertainment venues, personal care and close contact services, places of worship or public buildings such as libraries, community centres/halls, recycling and waste centres (oh yeah 'cause that's where the fucking parties are at the effing tidy tip), public toilets or car parks (although to be fair I have been to many a rave-up in a car park). And even if you do attend these places, at least one person in your group should give their contact details to the venue or check-in using the official NHS COVID-19 app so NHS Test and Trace can contact you if needed.

So where does this all leave us now? Well, we still have to go to work in an office environment (as long as it is COVID secure, again, whatever that means) and if you break any of the rules you better have a good bank balance as fines can be hefty. Have I been out for dinner yet? No. Will I? Yes. Can I guarantee that everyone in that restaurant lives with each other in that household - No of course not! No one will listen and with Christmas plans already confirmed by the government about who you can and can't spend the big day with, eating turkey and arguing over the queen's speech, I can't think of anyone that will abide by the new set of rules. 

I can guarantee that within a few weeks we will be in lockdown number three. We might make it into the new year, but rest assured it is almost certain to happen again. And despite the new Pfizer drug being rolled out throughout hospitals and doctors surgeries and care homes in the coming few days producing some golden news for the nation, I fear it will be a long while before we can hug friends and family again. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

To Vax or Anti-Vax?!

Heyy, 

Over halfway through as we start the beginning of week number three of our new UK lockdown and with more news of the incredible efforts from pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer and now a home-grown drug produced by Astra Zeneca over in Oxford, the new coronavirus vaccine (vaccine's now) are now on their way. 

However, with a new vaccine on the horizon, I have noticed a new strange phenomenon. People actively shunning it. This new wave of people, who would have otherwise been described as "Karens" several months ago are now being heralded as "Anti-Vaxxers". As a side note, if you are not aware I am not against Karen's in any way, this is just the 2020 version of saying "you're being a douchbag". On the website, UrbanDictionary describes being labelled a "Karen" is a way of describing someone who makes solutions to others' problems an inconvenience to her although she isn't even remotely affected. For example - Karen complains that her favourite parking spot was replaced by a ramp for wheelchairs. She parks her car in the old spot anyway and shoots a vlog about it. Being a Karen. 

Anyway, after being sidetracked by "Karen-ism's", whilst I can understand the "Anti-Vaxxers" reasonings for not wanting or actively being against such an immunisation, I do not support it. Some people may simply be a bit unsure about whether or not they want one, or have genuine questions, for example around safety and side effects. It is understandable and I totally get what those people are mindful of, especially so when this virus is barely even a year old and already we have a magical new miracle drug for it?! But I am discovering that there are also people who are against vaccinations full stop - Known as 'anti-vaxxers' - And are part of the anti-vaccination movement.

But what is the anti-vaccination movement and how harmful is it really? The children's website describes finding a coronavirus vaccine is seen by many scientists and experts as a key way of tackling the pandemic and helping us return to normal life. 

Reading up online about anything you will find loads of articles for and against whatever your controversial opinion maybe - Hitler was a saint, blue/black dress vs. gold/cream dress or my personal favourite - The Queen of England is actually a lizard-person controlled by the Illuminati. This proves that regardless of your orientation you will make up your mind based normally on how you feel, not on the facts. And sometimes they can be hard to find online in a world of fake news and bogus articles. Finding a reputable article online from CBBC of all places in the media (news outlets are the one place I would only mildly trust what I am being spoon-fed, albeit a children's one). 

The kid-friendly website goes on to explain that the anti-vaccination movement is when people don't believe that some or all vaccines are a good thing, and do not want themselves, family members or other people to be vaccinated. But the anti-vaccination movement isn't something new and isn't just against a coronavirus vaccine. However those who make anti-vax claims usually don't have a scientific or medical background and claims can sometimes sound far-fetched, They want to try and convince people that vaccines aren't safe or to make them believe a conspiracy theory. This is something that has been going on for generations, ever since the scaremongering in the late '80s and early '90s when having the MMR jab for Measles, Mumps and Rubella was a huge no-no for Moms & Dads the world over. The NHS website now makes it clear in their guidance that the MMR vaccine is NOT linked to autism. After the Doctor who wrote the damning papers was struck off it was widely made available that there is no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. There are many studies that have investigated this all made available in various links to lists of MMR studies and their findings on the Oxford University Vaccine Knowledge Project website. 

But even if a successful vaccine has been made and developed, enough people need to have it to make it effective. Some people who are curious or nervous about vaccinations might be put off having one because of what they hear from other people, or what they see online or on social media. They might already mistrust the governments or companies that are creating or giving out the vaccines. However further informing young (and a few older) minds, CBBC confirms that the UK government says it takes the issue of vaccine disinformation "extremely seriously" and social media sites are working with the government in order to tackle lies about the new coronavirus vaccine online. But this is a big task - and some say they have not done enough to label or remove posts on this topic that have been shared online for months. 

Would I take a vaccine if it protects me and my loved ones? If it meant we can go back to some sort of normality? If it meant I might have a fighting fucking chance of getting married in the next six months? Yes. Yes, I would. But I know I would not be first in line and that in itself lends itself to resting my worried little head about any fears surrounding its safety or efficiency. Who knows, I am sure it will be several months yet before people in my age group get anywhere near to the top of the list. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Beginning of the end?

 Hello, 

On the start of a new week, we are about a third of the way through our current new lockdown 2.0 in the UK. Last week I wrote about the fabulous news that the huge pharmaceutical company Pfizer have produced a new coronavirus vaccine that is 90% effective (or at least as far as the early data suggests). And the good news continued as late last week I discovered a post on one of the wedding groups I am apart of with an open letter from the co-founder of BrideBook.com, a bridal organisation website helping with everything from guest lists to budgets. 

In another article on the helpful website, it goes into detail that there will be some significant effects on weddings to come into 2021. With 64% of 2020 weddings expected to be pushed-back, 2021 is set to be a busy one. Couples who have yet to find their suppliers or venues yet (I mean WTF are you doing with all your lockdown free time?!) will have to make quick decisions on dates to get first dibs on the date they want and guests can expect more clashes as midweek weddings make more of a comeback due to the limited dates left. On the bright side, the website expects post-coronavirus weddings will be bigger, bolder, and even more full of meaning. Everyone, including Mr Warehouse and I, are longing for the days of confetti, cake, and bubbly, and BrideBook.com have the scoop on the trends you can expect to see post-lockdown.

So what will be the Post-Quarantine Wedding Trends - and will I partake in any myself? I think everyone can agree that the one thing that has come from COVID ruining my fucking life is the normalisation of online meeting services, such as zoom in order to socialise and work from home. Travel restrictions may persist for some time, and with BrideBook.com expecting two-thirds of weddings post-lockdown to have at least some guests attending virtually, for us this is something I may reluctantly have to look into. With my Mrs Tweedle-Dumb located in sunny L.A and other friends and family, some of them elderly or with underlying health conditions scattered across the country, it may be the only option they can be included in the wedding at all without having to postpone a second time. 

Like most people who have worked from home the majority of the year, months of wearing the same pair of leggings and jumpers, I am certain that everyone will be jumping at the chance to dress up and look their best. BrideBook.com are expecting more adventurous guest fashion, with brighter, more fashion-forward dresses and bolder jewellery choices. And it won't just be guests making bold statements; the popularity of statement embroidered veils, feathers and even lights sewn into dresses are certainly something I have been sent on a few occasions from excited work colleagues and friends suggesting something unique for my special day. The article continues that trends to expect may see many more brides opting for more luxe looks including catwalk-inspired statement sleeves and pearl-embellished dresses as seen at the likes of Dior and Chanel. However since I have already purchased my dress, this is not something I can see myself adding, however, you know the old saying - Never Say Never!

With more time than ever to think about wedding details, BrideBook.com expect a move away from some more traditional elements to more creative and modern takes on decor. Floral hoops have also been growing in popularity, something I personally have thought about since I have an abundance of time and faux flowers, I am just a roll of Gaffa tape and a hula hoop away from the Pinterest goal. Post quarantine, I am expecting myself that there will be a revival of the Do-it-yourself Bride and Groom as couples cut costs where they can (and have more time on their hands!). 

Food is one of the most important items at any wedding, at least for me anyway and the pandemic has only heightened issues surrounding sustainability and the environment so it is no wonder that there has been a shift to a focus on menu seasonality, as well as plastic and waste reduction. This is something, whilst not being eco-warriors, was at the forefront of our mind when Mr Warehouse and I come to thinking about our own wedding breakfast as we wanted things to be from as local as we could get - The local meat, veg and suppliers all from within a thirty-mile radius. Moreso than anything to keep the cost down, it's always nice to have a bragging right that the pig your eating was wandering around in a field in the next village just last week. 

The BrideBook.com article continues that after the storm of COVID, when weddings begin again, they are set to go on till the early hours. This is something we are mindful of however as our venue (luckily) is restrictive on the noise and partying as it is in a residential area surrounded by houses and so the cut off will be a hard line. However, hopefully, all that learning Tiktok dances will help the dancefloor to move better and everyone will be eager to show off their new fancy footwork. 

For us, the gift registry was never really a thing as we had most things the traditional lists would force you into adding. Like many couples, we have been questioning what gifts we can live without. For Mr Warehouse and I, we have everything we need. Silver cutlery and crystal bowls are a nice memento, but I remember my parents never using them or only when special guests come over for dinner and so they sit in a draw, redundant for years. A costly present that is rarely used. Not something I would want to bestow anyone for their future. And so, like lots of couples, experiences, starter funds for a new home, a pet or funding a honeymoon will be higher on the agenda, not things. 

Despite me writing this whole god damned piece, the Facebook page still hasn't loaded for me to share with you the good news and wisdom from the original article which goes into detail about what the new Pfizer vaccine means and how this will affect weddings in the next year or so. In no uncertain terms, wedding before the end of March 2021 will see little changes and moving through the spring into April and May the vaccine will allow for the reopening of bigger venues in order to host what is being described as hosting weddings of "substantial numbers" (although what that means in terms of our personal circumstances is another matter). By June and July 2021, as summer peaks its head around, events such as theatre performances, gigs and music concerts and sports are set to return to pre-covid normality. I hate to get too optimistic, but maybe this is the beginning of the end?!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

A Break Through?

Hello, 

Day five of current new lockdown 2.0 in the UK and I am fucking done already. Last week I wrote about how, just as Mr Warehouse and I had been released from our very own personal lockdown, we go into another effing one! After Boris Johnson made his announcment last Saturday (31st October 2020) Mr Warehouse and I decided to try and keep our faith high and enjoy the last few days of freedom before things started to seem bleak again like eating out and a spot of shopping. 

Our first few days have not been too bad since the second national lockdown in the space of a year which was imposed across England. Starting at midnight on Thursday (5th November 2020) with all non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities to close for at least four weeks. With these measures due to remain in place until 2nd of December 2020 (although I will state now I am doubtful that this will be the case as we are simply kicking the inevitable can down the road to further mental health issues, financial crippling and unemployment).

As I contnue to go into the office, despite government advice to “stay and work from or at home” where possible, I like many other people are starting to feel the same blues and clouds roll in as the last lockdown. Desperately trying to keep my head above water is hard on most days but some days are easier than others and like the majority of the population I too am hoping that that things might get a little better with the prospect of Christmas being a bit more closer to "normal" than the rest of the year has been. 

I hate to be all doom and gloom about it but frustratingly this was meant to be my year. Mr Warehouse's year. To get married and have a cracking wedding that would be remembered for years. To have an amazing Hen do that would be joked about until we can no longer remember the original reference and a stag do to never be spoken of. To have an amazing honeymoon just enjoying each other on a beach somewhere with white, sandy, coconut lined beaches and cocktails a plenty. A year for spa breaks and weekends away with the dogs, just me an my future husband. A year to maybe start thinking to the future and who we might like to create to share it with. 

A year that has been stolen from me. Stolen from us. No wedding. No honeymoon. No hen or stag. Nothing. I almost feel like giving up on the whole thing, sacking it in and saying "HEY FUCK YOU CORONA" because she has ruined everything. I dont even feel joy when I think about the wedding. I just feel dread and grey because the prospect that it might not happen a second time around is a real possibility and I really dont know what I will do if I have to make that heart-agonising descision another time around. I just cant. 

Although, just as I was yet again loosing hope at my desk this morning I had a ray of sunshine through those dark storm clouds. it seems as though there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. News broke this morning after whispers from Mr Warehouse's place of work that a new drug was on its way and today as announced by many media outlets, including The Independant, that the huge pharmaceutical company Pfizer have produced a new coronavirus vaccine that is 90% effective (or at least as far as the early data suggests). The news article claimed that Scientists have hailed a major breakthrough after Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their vaccine appears to be 90 per cent effective in preventing disease. So far the vaccine has been tested on over 43,000 people in six countries and has so far proven to be safe for human use, raising hopes that the pandemic could be brought under control by summer of next year. The Independant report continues that the green light for the vaccine could be granted in the coming weeks, with the UK government “hopeful” that doses will be made available for Christmas. 

In an announcement this evening from the PM, Boris Johnson, this evening during a Downing Street press conference he said that whilst it was “very early days”, the vaccine had cleared a "significant hurdle” but insisted that the country cannot afford to “slacken our resolve at such a critical moment”. The Independant news article continues to explain in detail how the UK government has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer candidate, 10 million of which are due to be delivered by the end of the year if approval is granted. however, the longevity of the immune response provoked by the vaccine also remains unknown

But how does it work and who will get it? It is said that protection is achieved 28 days after the initiation of the vaccination, which consists of two doses, meaning up to five million people in the UK could be inoculated over the winter period. England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam described the vaccine announcement as a huge milestone and said it was good news for other future vaccines in development. 

Authorities have stressed that initial supplies of the vaccine will be limited. The Independant goes on to say that an estimated 50 million doses - enough to vaccinate 25 million people - are expected to be available globally by the end of the year, with further aims to manufacture a total of 1.3 billion doses throughout 2021. 

It is silly to think however that this new Pfizer vaccine will be able to stop the UK’s mounting second wave however maybe we can be hopeful that it may prevent future waves and maybe, just maybe we can get back to living a normal life. As England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the results demonstrated "the power of science against Covid”. 

It just makes you wonder doesnt it really; In the space of nine-months we have found a possible vaccine against a deadly wave of flu-like virus - So why have we not found a cure for cancer or genetic disabilities or AIDS? Unless someone has but companie make more money out of people being sick than people being well. Besides a controversial poit could be made that it is natures way of culling the population and keeping the numbers down?! But maybe that is for another day ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx