Unlocking of the Final Door

Evening All, 

This weekend should have been our wedding day. Saturday should have seen Mr Warehouse and I get hitched and finally give Corona (the virus) the two fingers. I think it has been so long since we last spoke of weddings and marriage stuff it all feels a little strange. Back in February this year, Mr Warehouse and I waited by our telly sets with bated breath as we watched on to see if we would be able to successfully get married on our second reschedulement date. It wasn't good news and despite blocking out mainstream media and COVID updates (all bar the research needed for the blog) in mid-January I had become more and more hopeful but Boris had fucked it.

Back then, the BBC confirmed that the 'R' rate was as low as it was in September 2020 and the death toll was just over 178 (as recorded on Monday 22 February 2021) and whilst low, were nothing in comparison to the 3 deaths we have had today (Monday 14 June 2021). I was as optimistic as the next person, however, at 7.09pm, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation.

Bozza Jozza told that from 12th April 2021, wedding ceremonies and receptions will be able to process with up to 15 guests permitted, closely followed by the next step with up to 30 people in May with the final stage of reopening from 21 June in which all legal limits on social contact removed and restrictions on weddings and other social gatherings will be abolished. 

Great news!? 

Well yes, it would be if our wedding wasn't on Saturday 12 June 2021. As I shared on my Instagram, at the time, I was just so utterly frustrated and angry that our big day was just 9-days shy of the total relaxation of rules. At the time, Mr Warehouse and I were fizzing with emotions that we just didn't know what to do. Did we postpone? Did we stick? Did we cut and bust and fucking sack the whole fucking thing in? And if we did postpone the wedding, it is yet again putting our lives on hold!

Having the carrot literally dangled in front of our face was difficult, but we took the decision to postpone. And I am so glad I did. Despite the new Indian variant of COVID-19, most of the adult population have had access to their first vaccine, more than 41-million people in fact, with many, like myself and Mr Warehouse having had both. 

However, as reported via the BBC today, after a substantial decline since the start of the year, the average number of daily confirmed cases is now rising, more likely than not down to the new strains including the more transmissible Delta variant. In line with this development, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has said that most coronavirus rules will remain in place for another four weeks, meaning the original 'roadmap' which had set 21 June as the date by which all legal restrictions on social contact would end is now being pushed back.

Senior ministers have signed off the decision to delay the lifting of all legal restrictions on social contact. This could mean capacity limits for sports, pubs and cinemas will remain, and nightclubs would stay closed. Maybe a good thing we postponed after all. Many scientists have also called for the reopening to be delayed to enable more people to be vaccinated and receive second doses. 

I won't lie, I am glad we postponed now, but I am concerned that this may all be ripped away from us again at the last minute and if that happens I honestly don't know where my head will be at. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Time for some R&R - Relaxing and Reflection

Heyy Hunnies, 

The fourth week is well underway and today was super busy as the first big training morning took effect today with the inclusion of engineers' PDAs and planning works. I was in my element and with everything being said, I think they are quite happy with my progress so far. And so for one night only (like some sort of travelling circus, minus the bearded-lady act), I am once again in my budget-friendly hotel room writing from the desk below the telly as I listen to the traffic pass on by my window in the distance. It's quite peaceful actually and reminds me of lazy summer nights back home with my parents in our 3-bed semi and how I can still recall the noises from the motorway a few fields over.

Despite the new Indian variant of COVID-19, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is still pushing on with his continuation with his roadmap for reopening. It is almost as though, apart from a small few details such as face-mask-wearing, life has virtually returned to normal - Or what I can remember of it at least. Meeting indoors (up to six people) as well as going to the pub, or out for a nice meal at a local restaurant is now the norm. Museums, theatres, cinemas, and children's play areas can open, not that I will be going to the latter, that would seem a bit odd with no children in toe. 

Supporting the good news, the BBC reported today that whilst there have been 4.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 128,000 people have died, government figures show that more than 40 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Whilst there are several areas that are experiencing a rise in cases linked to the variant first detected in India, some scientific advisors have urged caution over lifting the timing of the last step in England's roadmap out of lockdown from 21 June 2021. And holiday's aren't looking likely either with Portugal, one of the only places on the Green list was taken off and demoted to Amber late last week, quashing all hopes of a summer getaway! But with COVID tests being well over £100 in some circumstances holidays are completely unaffordable, even the mildly well off in society. 

But it is not all doom and gloom as should things have been different this would have been the countdown and the final few days until my 2nd wedding day, postponed from October 2020. Hopefully, this weekend Mr Warehouse and I can celebrate what could have been and look forward to what is to come. Maybe a posh afternoon tea, maybe a night away somewhere, maybe a spa day. Either way, I am sure it will be nice and after many weeks now spent working away, it will be nice to have some QT with the future Hub-by!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Love is friendship that has caught fire

Good Afternoon,  

Snow melted (again) and all but a distant memory from last week, although the lightness of the flurry made it seemingly stick around for longer, making me feel like I lived in Michigan or Canada every time I walked out of the front door to empty the bins. Alas there has been not much further progress with the spare room come office. Whilst I have indeed moved everything around and bought a nice office chair, the funky beanbag for the corner of the room has yet to be sourced, and said Mandela wall art has yet to be hung. To be honest I know how this will work - I will find multiple other things to occupy my weekend and evening time with than finish off said office / spare room and by the time I even think about getting round to it Boris would have said it is time to frequent the office again. Although when that is is another question entirely.

A week from now the country will be sat on tenterhooks as we wait to see which journalist was correct in their PM's predictions and which Newspaper is just full of dog shite like normal. This time next week we should hopefully know a little more about the reopening of the UK and a road-map to get out of this awful mess caused by Coronavirus. The BBC confirms that the death toll is fading fast with just over 250 being recorded yesterday (Sunday 14 February 2021), a drop of 50 or so in the last week. With more than 15 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine everyone is certainly pushing for the reopening to happen sooner rather than later. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been aloof in his replies and ever so careful with what he is saying now in the count-down to when the government will set out a "roadmap" for easing restrictions in England on 22 February.

With months of frustration being cooped up in our houses, some with kids and others with snoring partners, you can understand why the public are chomping at the bit to get out and back to normality That being said though, this weekend I felt quite happy with the situation as it is. Celebrating Valentine's day yesterday was simply wonderful. Now I won't lie, it was hard looking back on Valentine's days of yesteryear knowing this one is not the same. Mr. Warehouse and I are not hopping on a train to London for the weekend as we would normally do. We were not, as we were last year, writing in our cards to each other the number of days until we were husband and wife, and I have yet to save that "Hubby" card for yet another year.

But despite the hardship and turmoil, we had fun. The morning was spent sipping coffee and reading our cards as we watched mindless TV and ate Percy Pig Pancakes (But I like to call him Peter Pork Head - sounds more street) from Marks and Spencer (which, like a brat, I was insisting Mr Warehouse buy me - Although annoyingly we forgot the Percy Pig Sauce). The afternoon we donned our wellies and fluffy big coats to walk the puppo's down at a local park and I was pleasantly surprised at the little one's recall ability, albeit with a tennis ball in hand.

That evening, after Mr Warehouse's other love (Arsenal) he made me a beautiful dinner which was incredible, again from the British establishment - Marks and Spencer. On the website First Dates (not from when I was on it I must say) Fred Sirieix serves up a fuss-free and next-level-tasty Dine-In-deal; Because to be fair where else are we going for a meal out other than maybe another room of our own home!? For us, it all started with a Gastropub inspired Runny centre scotch egg served on a bed of rocket. Next up was a rack of lamb smothered in a mustard herb crust served with the most fluffy and crispy triple cooked chips. To end on a super-sweet note, it’s got to be the cookie crumb topped billionaires dessert with chocolate and caramel sauce with caramel and Belgian chocolate ganache! Although by the time we got round to the dessert we were stuffed.

Of course, no Valentine's feast would be complete without a top tipple and chocs so the chocolate love bug choccies and dessert are our little Monday night treat. Speaking of which, I best go an stick dinner in ...

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

A glimmer of hope for us all?

Heidi Hi,  

Snow is yet again fluttering down again this week, making our lives in lockdown a little less mundane and more interesting than the last nearly eight-weeks (fuck that's depressing). Today I start working from home (again) although this time I have a plan. I have moved the spare room around, I plan to buy a nice office chair, maybe a beanbag for the corner of the room and any guests I have to join me (probably one of the dogs or Mr Warehouse after he gets in). I even invested in a huge Mandela wall art piece so I can make it more boho and relaxing whilst WFH this time around, not that I need to be any more relaxed as the new job is like night and day from my last with so much less stress and the overwhelming intensity has disappeared entirely. Whilst it is different in terms of the work culture and workloads, I am enjoying it and honestly so glad I made the decision to move.

Tomorrow I will start my first full day working from my "new office" and am already so excited to light a new candle - The little things I suppose. But you have to take them where you can get them as the world is still amongst a grip of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As much as I have tried to distance myself from it, socially and otherwise, it is hard not to ignore that the UK has now surpassed over 100,000 deaths from the disease. The BBC confirms that the death toll is fading fast with just over 300 being recorded today (Monday 08 February 2021), a drop of 200 in the space of a fortnight. With more than 12 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine surely the end is in sight now? That's almost one in four adults in the UK - Incredible!

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the government will set out a "roadmap" for easing restrictions in England on 22 February. You can understand why people are chomping at the bit to get outside and back to normality as during the current lockdown the public have been told to stay at home other than for limited purposes such as essential food shopping, medical appointments and work. With schools also closed, I know many a parent who is slowly going insane being driven up the wall by the constant neediness from their children and seemingly never-ending want for snacks. To be fair though, I am not a child and Mr Warehouse nor a parent and yet I display all those traits of nagging offspring.

Here's hoping we can soon join the likes of the Isle of Man. Sky News reported last week that the small island situated between England and Ireland were able to welcome back pupils to schools and businesses could reopen. People will be able to leave their homes but don't get excited for your holidays just yet though as the borders will remain closed to outsiders. And don't think they fuck about either as the article goes onto explain that In December 2020, a man was jailed for breaching COVID-19 regulations after riding a jet ski to the island from Scotland to visit his partner. Ahh, sweet love or utter stupidity?

The island had not seen any "unexplained" community cases of the coronavirus for just under three-weeks and so this meant that islanders could hang up their face-masks and tell social-distancing to do one as many families and friends hugged for the first time since last year. Sky News continues that the current lockdown restrictions have been entirely lifted in the Isle of Man thanks to the "supportive, patriotic" public who have been praised for the way they have followed measures to tackle COVID-19. When being interviewed, Chief Minister Howard Quayle told Sky News "we had no COVID on the Isle of Man from the 15 June 2020 to the 7 January 2021 but sadly, we had some cases on the Isle of Man in which we had to go in quick and fast, shut down our island to enable us to eradicate".

One day. One day this will all be over and all but a blemish on our otherwise normal lives. A fortnight from now we will know a little more I am sure - But for now, we live by our windows, watching the world go by and waiting for the day we can get out and join them.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Let the wedding bells ring out

 Hello Hello,  

Snow defrosted and all snowmen melted (although I think we now have to refer to them and "snow people" just in case someone gets offended, commonly known rather ironically as a snow-flake) our lives in lockdown returned to normal - Whatever the fuck that is anymore. By mid-week, it was all but a long lost daydream and with our evening occupied with plans for the first time in months, I was excited. For the first time in what seemed like forever, I was actually going to be talking wedding shit. Not "Oooh I hope it happens this year" or "Oh no COVID-safe wedding" blah blah blah. No. Certifiably exciting wedding shit.

After weeks of uncertainty and unknowing, anxious days of thinking non-stop about how our wedding might look. Will it go ahead, won't it go ahead? What are the restrictions, will we have to wear facemasks and is there any point in having all the expense? If it does go ahead how many people will we be allowed, will it be enough and who are the magic few? So many questions whirling around in my head it is no wonder I hadn't much sleep since Christmas. Because whilst everyone means well after the big man came down our chimney (socially distanced of course) the next question on everyone's lips was wedding, wedding, wedding.

As much as I knew that all our friends and family meant well by asking and only trying to maybe suck some happiness and excitement for finally a day where we could all be together again, I loathed the conversations and all that they entailed. That was until I had an honest and frank conversation with firstly my Matron of Honour - Mrs Tweedle-Dumb, and thereafter spurred on by our conversation (and the lure of a kebab) Mr Warehouse. We sat down on a Friday night to discuss and I had come up with several ideas such as a Humanist Ceremony (basically a non-religious and non-legally-binding ceremony focussing on each other as opposed to the holy one) switching up the venues to something smaller and less costly to accommodate the possibly smaller guest numbers and even the "P" word again.

As before, Mr Warehouse reassured me, if not heavily-handed due to the heated discussion (not helped by the chilli sauce laden lamb pitta). He made me more confident and happy that things are too uncertain at this moment in time to be making any rash decisions when no one knows what is happening next week let alone in four-months time. And so we took the decision that after touching on a few of the above ideas we would take them into consideration, add a pinch of salt and put it on the back burner until Easter when Government hopes to start opening life back up. Today the BBC confirms that the death toll is fading fast with only 406 being recorded today (Monday 01 February 2021), down just under a hundred on last Monday's figure. With the downturn in figures for people becoming infected as well as dying from the disease seems to suggest that the vaccines are working. What's even better news is that should the news be believed, the UK is not only on target but smashing the figures and expects that not only would we have vaccinated the top four categories of vulnerable people by mid-February, but that it is likely that this could be as soon as next week.

With all this in mind and focussing heavily the last few weeks since the kebab-convo, I have become engrossed in positivity and only accept positive vibes and attitudes. All Negative Nelly's and Grumple-Grumps need not apply. And so getting back to the beginning of this blog, our evening occupiedo. Armed with mountains of information from blogs, podcasts, news and more (Mainly from Guide For Brides and their weekly updates from the governments wedding taskforce so a big shout out to them for igniting such a firey intensity surrounding wedding planning again) Mr Warehouse and I scrabbled around for the laptop lead and the best lighting for our meet with the Reverand.

Much talking of flowers, hymns, singing (why do I hear Will Ferrell in the voice of "Elf" saying singing - Man I love that film) and readings were enough to keep me going. I had hoped Mr Warehouse would get just as excited as I was, maybe rubbing off on him a little, but I think a hard day in the pharmaceuticals industry with many more to come and the work-life causing mounting stress and frustration didn't help him to unwind or giddy about anything. And so June 12th here we come. Ideally with everyone. Even better with my Matron of Honour to be allowed to travel here from LA without visa restrictions or our nephew to wave at us from the crowded faces. The icing on the cake if we can have a dance and disco or cuddle - OMG! Dare I get too ecstatic? In any which way on the 12th of June, it will be me and Mr Warehouse and our Reverand standing up there, who else joins us along the way - Who knows?!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

When it snows you either grab a shovel or make snow angels

Heyy,  

The snow began falling on Saturday, however, it was never going to be enough for a full-blown snow day. Settling in for the night and heading to bed it had yet to stop, but the light sprinkle was enough to get excited about. I mean what can I say it has been nearly a year of being in and out of quarantine and lockdowns so this is about as exciting as it gets.

By Sunday morning the flakes were getting bigger and a thin layer was forming on the ground outside. With some tasty chilli cheese bread in I reached for the butter, only to realise it was empty and instead reached for my car keys. Venturing out into the blizzard I was glad to have de-iced the car ready for the Monday morning commute which would, I am sure, be more arduous than normal. On returning the snow was getting heavier and as Mr Warehouse and the pups come out to greet me we chatted with neighbours and did a bit of prep work for the morning to follow. All-day it floated down from the sky as we split our time between playing in the garden with the dogs and snoozing in the warmth of some blankets on the sofa. Even when night fell and Mr Warehouse and I snuggled into bed, we could still see the snow coming down from the dark night as we wondered what the following morrow would bring.

A lot of fucking scraping I can tell you that much. Frozen car doors were the first obstacle. The second of which was a feeble process of sweeping the light dusty snow from the car and scraping the remainder which looked like snow clumps but seemingly had all ganged up to create a massive ice ball which engulfed my car. Twenty-minutes later I was ready to drive to work, if not running late and almost certain I would be told to grab my laptop charger and fuck off home where it was safe. Alas, however, I got into the office in one piece and was told I would be in all week, if it was possible, due to further training - something I lapped up readily.

Something special about snow, especially this time. The fact it brought neighbours together for the first time in months, everyone peaking out the window to watch the next snowman or slip on the ice. Kids screaming down the street announcing a snowball fight as grown adults and kids waged a war on forced isolation. Watching the dogs play in the snow, Frankenstein's first encounter with the white stuff, I recalled a couple of years ago the dreaded  Beast from The East and how we had not really had a snowfall since at least not here in the comfy Home-Counties. Back in 2018, just mere months from mortgages and house deeds, Storm Emma brought the Beast from The East. 

The colder weather coming across from Russia being blown by Siberia and picking up some icy chills on the way the temperatures soon plummeted to rival the sinking of the Titanic and blizzard snow's hampering travel plans as well as all manner of daily activities life for some across the British Isles in March of that year, just weeks before Easter. Rather than getting excited about springtime sunshine, flowers, bunnies and lambs; Storm Emma forced the MET Office to issue a red weather warning foreboding a loss of life should people be caught up in the outside winds of 70mph coupled with the already existing polar vortex from Beast from The East with forecasts for -15C wind chills and snowdrifts nearly as tall as you. Yes you! 

But if that cold snap proved anything, it taught us that things will be brighter once the (snow) storm clears. As reports today through the BBC confirm, it seems the daily death toll is lessening with only 592 being recorded today (Monday 25 January 2021), down seven on last Monday's figure. Yes, I know, just seven, but it is still heading in the right direction - Although that doesn't take into account all the "false data" which means that anyone who has passed away within 28 days of a positive COVID19 test, despite the cause of death, will be recorded as a COVID related death even if it was unrelated.

The downturn in figures for people becoming infected seems to suggest that the virus is n the decline and probably with much thanks from the vaccination programme which so far the latest government figures show that 6.5 million people have now received the first dose, up 2.5-million from last week. My, My they have been busy! Reporting by the BBC confirms Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying almost four in five of the UK's over 80s have now had the vaccine, with nearly 500,000 people having had a second dose of the wonder-drug. It is said that the government needs to give about 380,000 vaccine doses a day if it is to reach the 15 million most vulnerable people by the middle of February and with the current seven-day average is almost 360,000, I am sure the end is in sight soon.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Think Positive & Positive Will Come

Heyy,  

The sparkle of positivity about 2021 that was first ignited last week is still burning bright and getting hotter and hotter as the days and weeks progress. just hope Boris doesn't have a bucket of water for my fireworks waiting for me around the corner. I have now settled in quite nicely in my new job and know a bit more but all is going well and whilst it is strange not having the normal introductions and training I seem to be doing well.

Whilst I said last week that since the country has been plunged into an official 3rd Lockdown it makes for difficult work trying to see the positivity in things, especially all things weddings and celebratory.

As reported today through the BBC, only 599 deaths were recorded today (and I say only but obviously we know that even one death is too many). But is this the beginning of the end? The downturn in figures for people becoming infected seem to suggest so and with fewer people becoming infected, the less likely people are to be hospitalised and die from the disease which has wreaked havoc on our lives for nearly a year! This is equally positive when you hear scaremongering stories in the press and media about this "new variant" of the virus thought to be much more easily transmissible than other strains, although not believed to be more deadly - Something I already have, controversially, voiced my concerns and thoughts on.

Despite my confidence, I am a realist - Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned on several occasions that easing of restrictions on daily life, mask-wearing and social distancing is all heavily reliant on the vaccine rollout being a success as well as there being no further concerning variants of the virus. Another article from BBC asks about whether a vaccine, regardless of its roll out allow us to return to normal as we knew it before? I myself as I am sure many of you are desperately hoping that the coronavirus vaccines will transport us back to our pre-Covid lives.

Whilst it is amazing we have several brilliant vaccines already approved for market, not to mention the many more that will be coming through in the coming months I am sure, but it could take months or possibly years to vaccinate enough of the global population to make the whole interconnected world safe and reach a point where we can all return to fully normal. Prof David Salisbury, a former director of immunisation at the UK Department of Health says that in his humble opinion "suggestions that vaccines will be able to take us back to where we were pre-Covid by Easter have given people an unrealistic expectation's", and such an outcome, in the absence of the interruption of transmission, is "unlikely".

But I am valiantly subscribing to the sunnier broadcasts and whereas the days where Number 10 press conferences were a monotonous deluge of horrendous figures and numbers I have now begun to tune into the hope and positivity from them, even if I have the fortune of driving home from the office during their broadcast, therefore, missing out on all the standard doom and gloom. Thankfully Mr Warehouse is always on hand to update me on my arrival home.

In the news article from the BBC, the latest government figures show that four-million people have now received the first dose, and just over 450,000 people have had a second. It is said that following the vulnerable and OAP's having their jabs, the NHS and partners will move onto the next category including the over-50's in their sights as well as the aforementioned groups not picked up first time around. With Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is aiming to offer all UK adults a vaccine by September I am more than hopeful that we will get married this year - I just hope we don't need to postpone it to Autumn?!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain

Hello All,  

A fortnight into the new year and I am starting to see just a sparkle of positivity about 2021. After practically crying through the fireworks on New Year's Eve (albeit 2019's - See last weeks blog post) I have finally finished wallowing in self-pity and I am starting to see what I can do with all the wonderful time I have now free on my hands. Alas as much as I wish it were true Couch To 5K is not on that list. It may be a new year and a new job but I am far from a new me - I am still the same old same old you have all grown to love, I hope.

The new job is going well and whilst it is strange not having the normal introductions around the office, desperately trying to remember everyone's name without offensive adjectives in front. There is no banter around the coffee machine or getting to know colleagues. I will be honest though as the tin of Quality Street the size of my car that is being passed around is soon becoming a 3pm habit.

That being said, COVID hasn't helped the job transfusion and since the country has been plunged into an official Lockdown (lost count at which fucking number we are on now - 4 I think?!) it makes for difficult work trying to learn a new job. According to that Jock-Strap of a Health Secretary, Matt Hancock the UK is at the "worst point" of the pandemic.

As reported through the BBC, Number 10 press conferences have now just become a monotonous deluge of horrendous figures and numbers about how many have got the COVID-19 Coronavirus and how many so far have died from it, a figure now close to 85,000 Brit's. The begging and pleading for people to abide by the rules, washing hands, wearing face masks and keeping space I am afraid has come too little too late and should have been heavily enforced with the like of Dominic Cummings as his flouting of said rules has only made the rest of us think what is the point.

So far 2.3 million people in the UK have had a first Covid vaccine shot with many of them already completing their course of the two shots, giving them full immunity. But with millions still yet to vaccinate, the delivery plan is expected to take until spring to give the first dose to all 32 million people in the UK's priority groups, including the over-55's and those who are clinically vulnerable. The BBC continues to report that, on a positive note, a good percentage of those at higher risk of an ITU bed (the over-70s, older care home residents and staff, frontline healthcare workers to name a few) will have had their first jab in the arm by mid-February meaning they are 70% immune from the deadly virus. 

Now don't get me wrong - I ain't stupid. The Governments earlier published plans to immunise more of the nation by Easter seems ambitious, to say the least, however, I am hoping that after all the cockup's and conundrums last year, Boris Johnson can finally rally round his posh-twat friends and get things sorted. Someone once said - Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results, let's just hope it isn't positive for COVID - But with a third American vaccine now approved and on backorder into the UK, I am feeling more optimistic than I have been in the last few weeks about the upcoming year and all it has to bring with it - Weddings and parties included! 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

More Sleepless Nights

Evening,  

Going into the new year I was less than positive about 2021. Sat there on New Year's eve, probably for the first time in my adult life, tucked up in bed and watching the fireworks, albeit last years London skyline performance.

So the story goes (yes I know going off on a sideline but trust me this is both worth it just for the laugh and also to confirm that I am still as ditsy as when I first started this blog nearly a decade ago), numb-nuts here figured that since it was quarter to midnight she would watch a couple of nail art compilations and then she would just type into Youtube and find a live stream of the celebrations in the capital. Sure great idea. Only the video I chose to watch was very worrying with people crowding the banks of the River Thames and marshalls and police doing nothing to disperse the gatherings and seemingly enjoying the dancing and celebrating too. Swaths of people lined the streets and amidst my dismay, for lack of social distancing, I felt lucky to have tuned in with just ten-seconds to go. Beckoning our little pup to my chest I sat up in bed as Mr Warehouse slept soundly next to me. The skies suddenly lit up outside in the street with colourful fireworks and loud pops and bangs. Blue laser's flashed through the dark night as I stood at the window, pup in arms watching and telling him to "shh" at every sound. He seemed fascinated. Mr Warehouse on the other hand was unimpressed with being awoken in such an unsavoury manner.

Feeling successfully fulfilled I switched over to some videos about horror stories or Amazon finds before settling down and falling asleep. Waking in the morning I informed my fiance of the farce that was the fireworks in London I had witnessed the night before, and, watching it again on demand this time for his benefit I soon realised that this was not the same thing I had watched last night. Even then I did not notice the error of my ways and instead thought I had watched something maybe from Channel 4 or another live stream randomly on the internet. It was not until I noted looking through my Youtube history showing Mr Warehouse what I had seen that I realised, stupidly that I had been watching the fireworks and celebrations from New Year's Eve - 2019. Apparently, 2020 wasn't that bad and my sub-conscience would like to relive it again, please.

I must admit I felt silly and low and behold it has not improved much in the four-days since then as just hot off the press, Boris Johnson has called a press conference this evening confirming that despite Christmas being cancelled, despite most of the UK going into the most severe of tiers (Tier 4) and despite a vaccine being rolled out with mass inoculating taking place (apparently) we are going into yet another nationwide Lockdown. And there was me complaining several weeks ago that many areas including London, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire amongst other in the South East in basically fucking lockdown number 3 and how it was going to be the first time in my entire life that I would not be spending Christmas with my family. If only I knew then what I do now - Although to be fair another Lockdown was absolutely on the cards and almost inevitable and unavoidable as case numbers and deaths have sored over the festive period because people can't fucking keep it together. 

But the frustrating thing is that I get it. As I mentioned last week, with everything that has happened in the last twelve months and how much has been stolen from not just me but my family as well, missing out on BBQ's, parties, seeing loved ones, birthdays, new babies, holidays and our damned fucking wedding (which I still and almost even more-so now don't feel totally optimistic about going ahead at the moment) would anyone blame anyone else for wanting to act out?

After starting my new job today and soaking up as much as my little brain (and I emphasize little referring you to the earlier mishap with said NYE celebrations) could take, I am extremely on edge now about everything. The rug has well and truly been ripped out from beneath my feet and I am now second-guessing every move I have made. Was this the right decision to move jobs? Was now a great time to start somewhere new? Can I do this? Am I able to learn a job fully remotely and continue working from home for what could potentially be the next quarter? Will I be furloughed? Will I be laid off? And that is what is spinning round in my head right now and that's without the constant grinding thoughts about the wedding or starting a family or just organising the spare room. No wonder I can't sleep at night. I just don't know how much more of this I can take.

* Breathes *

Despite all my hopes and the need to keep at the forefront of my mind that things will get better; That this for it is only a temporary measure, a small blip on what will hopefully be an extensive lifetime of amazing things - I just hope that this is all worth the wait, worth the purging for and worth the sacrifices we have all had to make so that we can all get back to a bit more normality.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Another year over and done with ...

Afternoon All,  

It goes without saying that last week's blog post was an emotional one and to be honest, the last few weeks have been since Saturday 19th December 2020 when that prat BoJo cancelled Christmas for millions across the Home Counties, despite the Prime Minister saying days beforehand that it would be “inhuman” to do so. 

Following the emergency announcement that our area was going into the most severe of tiers within hours (Tier 4) Mr Warehouse and I had to work out which side of the fence we were going to side with. Were we going to throw caution to the wind, say "fuck you Boris and Corona" and essentially carry on as planned and hope not to get caught out by the law; Or were we going to stick to what Government had advised and simply go without this Christmas in seeing friends and family? We chose the latter however with everything that has happened this year and how much has been stolen from not just me but my family as well, missing out on BBQ's, parties, seeing loved ones, birthdays, new babies, holidays and our damned fucking wedding (which I don't feel totally optimistic about going ahead next year either at the moment) would anyone blame us for wanting to act out?

But alas we did not. After much discussion, deliberation and heated debate (maybe some would call it an argument) Mr Warehouse and I settled on our Christmas 2020 plans. I called the restaurant for our traditional Christmas eve meal and cancelled our booking, something which I have not not done in all my 29 years. I called the venue we were due to visit on and have our Christmas dinner and again cancelled our plans. Boxing day I planned out which places I could still go out and do a spot of retail therapy in preparation for Christmas 2021, hoping it will be better. I booked in at the dentist and planned out "COVID-friendly" things to occupy my time whilst off work between Christmas and New Year - Tidy the spare room, spring clean the house, wallpaper the bedroom and list all those bits on eBay. 

Christmas eve was started watching daytime telly whilst munching on mince pies and a great big mug of coffee, hoping against all hopes that it would fill the hole. It didn't. I wanted nothing more for my morning binge to be interrupted by a news bulletin stating that we got it all wrong or that the PM had a change of heart or something. With Christmas bubbles axed and many areas including London, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire amongst other in the South East in basically fucking lockdown number 3 it was going to be the first time in my entire life that I would not be spending it with my family. I suppose you could even really think of it as the first Christmas I have spent with just my own little family, and maybe the last one as just me and my fiance as next year we anticipate a huge shin-dig and the following year we will hopefully have a little Christmas pudding of our own?

* pukes in mouth for being so sickeningly sweet and wholesome *

That afternoon Mr Warehouse and I went shopping and grabbed some bits for dinner that night and subsequent days in which we should have either been eating out or with others, something I know many other will have experienced in buying in food and bits when they had not expected such expense. Braving the shops and grabbing a few bits I knew we would like for picky-teas and snacking on, I knew that there are many more hundreds of thousands of families that are far worse off than I am and now, like us, they need to try and make the best and scrape together to make Christmas as best as they can. At least we had jobs to pay for the food in our basket. At least we had a roof over our heads. At least Mr Warehouse and I had each other. Rounding off the day with a KFC take-out and a Christmas film we headed to bed and anticipated Santa's arrival in the morning.

Dawn soon broke and after a peaceful sleep, something I have struggled with and still am since the new restrictions were in place, we headed downstairs to start the FaceTimes and WhatsApp video calls. Opening presents and gifts we had received from my Dad and his wife I was delighted with my box of mince pies, Chocolates and Phillip Schofield autobiography (not started it yet and will probably remain on my bookshelf for many months to come until my next holiday). Mr Warehouse also seemed pleased with his beer bread making kit, mint chocolate collection and football memorabilia.

After a long and chilly dog walk with our little one (our older pooch just can't handle long walks anymore and our fear of her hurting herself attempting it just isn't worth the pain of her puppy dog eyes when the leads come out) we stopped by the local village pub and picked up our Christmas dinner takeaway and headed home, gravy daintily positioned on my lap with Mr Warehouse all the while under strict instructions to drive carefully and not spill any of the boiling liquid. Once home we settled in for the afternoon and soon it was time to open my gifts from Mr Warehouse. Copious amounts of gin, a bottle of Baileys, make-up brushes and most of the stock items from LUSH not to mention the much needed and highly anticipated stationary for my new job (which, by this time next week I would have completed my first day in the office - Eeek!) With Christmas dinner done and out the way Mr Warehouse and I cuddled on the sofa with our dogs and binged on Xmas telly.

Truth be told it was a relief to have it all over and done with for another year, just finishing off what a shitty year it has been cannot come fast enough. I cannot begin to tell you how angry and depressed I have felt these last few days. And yes depressed is a strong word however I feel that it is relevant and strong enough for what I and others have and are still feeling. You know I am sure from previous posts and blogs that I do not use the words surrounding depression or mental health lightly and instead hope they add to the gravitas this situation needs. Yes my Christmas was not as bad as I had expected or as worse as I had made out in my head

All this being said however, I need to keep at the forefront of my mind that things will get better than this for it is only a temporary measure. I just hope that this is all worth the wait, worth the purging so that Mr Warehouse and I can finally have the year we were meant to have in 2020.

'Til next year, Love A.Lou xx

The Christmas Corona Cancelled!

Evening one and all,  

I shall put a slight caveat in that I have been drinking. It was my work's Christmas party albeit virtual and I have now drank my £10 allocation of a bottle of cheap rosé and some cocktail mixers. Sorry in advance for whatever ensues I expect it will be an interesting blog of which I may or may not remember in the morning.

As I embark on my final few days at work, It suddenly dawned on me that I was leaving on Friday despite knowing this for some weeks, however, it was not until I was presented with a box of chocolates and a leaving card from a co-worker that I nearly burst into tears all in the knowledge that this would be the final time I was going to see some of them. It is an odd time and especially so given the recent government information and advice which unless you had been hiding under a rock for the last  72 hours means in no uncertain terms that Christmas is well and truly cancelled, despite Boris Johnson saying it would be “inhuman” in earlier interviews. 

In an emergency announcement made early Saturday evening (19th December 2020), Prime Minister Boris Johnson effectively cancelled Christmas gatherings for millions of families in London, Buckinghamshire, Bedford, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Luton, Hertfordshire amongst others as he sought to contain the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. As put by the Evening Standard - Christmas bubbles have been axed and many areas including London, the South East and the surrounding home countries were slammed into new Tier 4 restrictions (basically fucking lockdown 3.0 dressed up in a nice tidy-twating parcel with a bow on top to make it feel extra cunting Christmassy) after spending at less than 24-hours in Tier 3. The Christmas relaxation for the rest of the country (lucky bastards) was dramatically scaled back to three households being able to meet on Christmas Day alone rather than for five days in England, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales their own thing. 

But oh, what a surprise that this has happened. Oh no, who could have predicted it.  Any fucking idiot with a brain could have told you that after locking down for 4-weeks during November the public would be itching to get back to some type of normality indulging in pubs and restaurants not to mention Christmas shopping which had been not possible due to the fact that non-essential shops had been closed. Of course, figures were going to go up, it was inevitable. Also in combination with this, the universities returning back home which, unlike schools, had been mixing with adult peers and sometimes tutors in what were very confined spaces within halls of residence or lecture halls. I very much doubt that Minister's had thought through that these combined issues alone would cause a surge in numbers of the virus.

According to the all-important "science" that the government so incessantly listen to, this comes just as a new fast-spreading variant of Covid-19 was blamed for a surge in cases. The Evening Standard details that Ministers insisted the drastic action was needed to combat the new strain of the virus VUi202012/01 which was said to have been identified first in the UK, mainly in the South East and home counties and according to the newspaper article, nearly 60% of recent new cases in London are believed to be the new strain of the virus, with cases nearly doubling in the past week.

Funny how a new strain of the COVID-19 virus rears its ugly head just before Christmas? No, I do not buy this at all. Despite all of the media scaremongering surrounding it, I call bullshit as it was quite obvious that this virus, which imitates flu-like symptoms, was going to mutate and had started to do so in November, evolving into something far worse than what we have experienced so far this year. Health chiefs have already confirmed that there is no evidence so far that it is more deadly or that vaccines may not work against it. The World Health Organisation recently announced as reported in The Evening Standard article that they are continuing to analyse the available data to improve our understanding but there is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments although urgent work is underway to confirm this.

Boris Johnson claims that the new virus may be up to 70% more transmissible "according to the science" as he announced the somber new Tier 4 restrictions at the Downing Street press conference. Mr Johnson goes on to say he was taking the actions with a “heavy heart” (oh fuck off - You are telling me you are self-isolating with your fiance and baby within number 10? I very much doubt that and instead, I am sure you will be shipping yourself off to your luxe country retreat somewhere out in a less-infected area). Leaving him with no choice, BoJo says that “Without action, the evidence suggests that infections would soar, hospitals would become overwhelmed and many thousands more would lose their lives". 

The Evening Standard article continued, Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party said people were getting “confusion where they need certainty”, and whilst people should follow the Government guidance of their tier, he was really frustrated due to the fact that he had raised the issue to surround increasing numbers and a new strain of the virus with the Prime Minister and it was dismissed telling people to have a merry little Christmas – only three days later to rip up their plans. In a statement to The Evening Standard, Keir Starmer said: "I think the British public is entitled to more decisive leadership than that.”

Continuing the blonde-haired baffoon said, "Christmas this year will be different, very different, but we’re sacrificing the chance to see our loved ones this Christmas so that we have a better chance of protecting their lives so that we can see them at future Christmases.”  But who is anyone to guarantee that next Christmas we will be spending it with all of those that are here this year? No one. Last year I did not think I would my Scottish grandmother on my mother's side was not going to be here. Obviously, it was inevitable since she was over the age of 80 and had spent most of the last quarter of the year bedbound, however, I still expected her to still be at my wedding and to maybe even make it to see her first great-grandchild. And for that reason alone I am against this whole statement. Boris nor anyone else can guarantee that your loved ones will be here next year, elderly or not.

At the end of the day, I know, as I always have, that there are many more hundreds of thousands of families that are far worse off than I am. Parents who have not been able to provide their children with the Christmas experience they had hoped for. People who have been self-isolating themselves for several weeks now in the anticipation that they will get to see Grandma or Grandpa for the first time in months and possibly for the last time, only to have it snatched away from them at the last moment. Families who had been expecting to spend the big day with loved ones and sharing food which they would have otherwise not being able to afford due to being furloughed or even worse losing their jobs entirely. Now, like us, they need to try and make the best and scrape together to make Christmas as best as they can.

I cannot tell you how low I have been feeling since the news on Saturday, however, I need to keep at the forefront of my mind that things will get better than this for it is only a temporary measure. I know for a fact people were bending the rules to suit them beforehand and now that we are back in essentially what is lockdown again I think the public has well and truly had enough and as a result will break the rules even more-so than they would have if rules had not changed. I just hope that I can stand there on the 12th of June and know that all of this was well worth the sacrifice.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

A very different Christmas

Afternoon everyone, 

Today marks the beginning of my last full week at work and I think it has finally settled in that I am leaving following my resignation. It is an odd time, what with the run up to Christmas, finishing off shopping for presents, and the odd social occasion following the lifting of Lockdown 2.0 at the beginning of the month. Whilst I feel slightly lacking a little in festive spirit and joy at the moment I am sure it will hit me in full force as opposed to the waves I have been feeling, probably much like the rest of the year, just riding out the rollercoaster of emotions. 

Adding to it all, Saturday marked the six-month countdown to my wedding day with Mr. Warehouse, and despite being in a similar situation last time around, I am feeling a little more anxious (for obvious reasons) this time around. Back in March, I was extremely cocky about the fact that my wedding would go ahead without a hitch and that even during lockdown that eventually things would go back to normal and I assumed that this would be quite quick all of the information I was provided through the media. But within a few weeks of being back from Newquay in the summer made the decision to cancel our wedding day and postpone to 2021. 

I am feeling optimistic, especially so considering the fact that the first virus injections went ahead and continue into this week as well. Reading up online recently one of my favorite women's magazines, an article was written by Glamour asking the important questions on every Bride and Grooms lips. They confirm that Boris Johnson recently revealed when big weddings are likely to recommence and that it could be soon. I agree with Bianca London when she writes that despite a lot of us hoping that we'd be toasting to the shit show of a year whilst knocking back tequila shots and dodgy dancing to 80s cheesy hits with 120 pals at a wild wedding, the virus shows no sign of abating and so what does that mean or hold for next year's weddings is uncertain. 

Following on from one of the most recent blogs that I posted regarding the CEO of Bridebook and his views on when weddings can restart again, similarly, MPs are taking note of weddings, at last, hosting a long and positive debate recently to discuss how they might increase the number of guests allowed. The article goes on to say that during People's Prime Minister's Questions, Boris Johnson himself has given hope to couples planning on tying the knot next year and when a wedding venue owner (and bride-to-be herself) asked when the wedding industry is expected to recover, and moreso when big weddings are likely to recommence - BoJo himself said things could be back to normal as soon as Easter.

Does this give me faith? Yes. However whilst I am optimistic I understand that open very quickly as with last time I do not want to start getting my hopes up and start getting cocky about having my wedding day only to then have my hopes and dreams dashed at the last minute. All I know is that there are quite a few months between now and June. Christmas this year is going to be slightly different than I had originally thought, certainly very different from what previous Christmases have been over the last 29 years of my life. 

This year myself and my fiance (still) are going to be spending it just ourselves, just the same as how we have spent the entire of this year really. Good food and great company though is all you really need at Christmas isn't it? At least that is what I keep telling myself ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

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