So it’s somehow September and it’s been two months since I’ve updated you on what’s been going on (my bad). If you live in NSW/ACT, I guess you would already know that with the COVID-19 wave, that it’s felt like a whole lot of nothing. As things gradually unfolded with the Sydney lockdown, it felt like the Canberra bubble was protecting us. It was certainly a surreal experience being able to go out to bars, pubs and clubs, living a ‘normal’ life, while my loved ones were in lockdown unable to leave their houses.
Of course July and August didn’t go according to anyone’s plans, including ours. I had planned a big snow trip for some friends and I for my birthday, and while I was lucky to be able to hit the snow, it sucked that my friends in Wollongong and Sydney couldn’t come. Then Elizabeth and I had a two week trip to Western Australia booked – think vanlife, swimming with whale sharks and beers galore – yea would’ve been nice hey. I guess Western Australia borders had other ideas. Then we decided to getaway up to North NSW for a week to soak up some sunshine and relax – also sounds nice hey? Then Newcastle went into lockdown. While I was lucky enough to get away down the beautiful South Coast for a few nights and be reunited with Johnnie (yay), that trip also got cut short to make it back to Canberra for the ACT lockdown. The moral of that story is, resilience is key to booking holidays in 2021.
Of course, we know that the Canberra bubble was eventually popped as we had our first case in over 12 months. And into lockdown we went. Back to working from home and losing our minds over poor internet connections. While the past two months have certainly been challenging, I’m using this time to look back and reflect on all of the good times (big and small) I’ve been lucky enough to have. Caught up in the craziness of it all, I’ve obviously neglected my blog (sorry). So here’s a bit of an update on what I’ve been up to for the past 2 months… I hope wherever you’re reading this from, you and your family are keeping safe and as happy as can be during these times.
Starting a new job
July was a huge month. I said goodbye to my colleagues and friends at Women’s Health Matters to commence a role at WorkSafe ACT. It’s been a big and quick change which I have 100% loved. I’m lucky to work with incredible people and apply my skills and experience to the world of work health and safety. My Dad worked in WHS for over 20 years and the irony of me starting in this space is certainly not lost on me. In a short period of time, I’ve created work that I’m really proud of. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of people near and far who have helped me get to where I am today and I’m excited to stick my head down over the next few months and focus on my career.
A visit to the coast
While I’m slowly getting over my beach-separation anxiety, the best thing about living in Canberra is that the beach and my best friend are only a two hour drive away. One weekend when I was in desperate need of some Chantelle time and Vitamin Sea. There’s something so lovely about winter in a small seaside town, so we got the fire roaring, enjoyed some wine and cheese and went exploring and spotted some playful seals. There’s nothing like a sleepover with your bestie and I would give anything for that now.
Hello 27
Well guess who’s officially in their mid to late twenties! I was lucky enough to bring in 27 with some close friends and loved ones. My housemates made me an awesome bday brekky before I headed off to work. That night we headed to one of my favourite pubs in Canberra, the Old Canberra Inn.
Each year I try and pick a word that encapsulates what I want the next 12 months to be. 27 to me is going to be marinating. Taking it slow and soaking it all up. I feel like the past few years have been go go go and working hard for the next BIG thing. I don’t know whether its COVID-19, age or border restrictions – possibly a combination of all three, but I’m very excited to slow things down and enjoy what I’ve been working for. So watch out 27, I’m ready to soak it all up.
Snow magic
Back in February when I found out I was moving to Canberra, I decided that for my birthday I wanted to get a group of friends and family together to head to the snow. I found an amazing AirBnb and was so excited to get around that fire and hit the slopes with everyone. Oh how naive I was… it turned out that over half the people I invited couldn’t come due to the Sydney and Wollongong lockdown. And as much as that sucked, I was lucky to get some amazing people together to celebrate.
Echo dine in night
I was lucky enough to be invited to Isaac’s dine in night at ADFA. One of the best things about being in Canberra is being closer to Isaac. It was awesome to get dressed up and hit the town with my little bro and my friends.
Bermagui
To substitute my Western Australian trip, and our trip to Kingscliff, I was committed to getting away for a mental break. The South Coast seemed to be the only untouched place I could go to escape COVID so I booked a beautiful AirBnb in Bermagui for a week. I was lucky enough that John could join me after his quarantining and after 2 months of not seeing eachother it was absolutely incredible to see him again! It kind of felt like meeting an internet boyfriend after all of the Facetime calls. It was the prefect reset I needed and even though it was cut short because of the Canberra lockdown, I’m so grateful I got to enjoy some sunshine, beach and splendid times with Johnnie.
Special moments
As the month ends in what seems like never ending lockdowns, I’ve been reflecting on all of the special moments I had over the past two months. Whether it was hitting the town, the Polish Club, the slopes, parkrun or getting the fire blazing, I feel so lucky to have amazing people around me to make these hard times easier to get through.
Flicks
Search Party
Wow I can’t believe the last time I stayed up til the early morning to watch a TV show. After a seriously strong recommendation from Em and Kieran, I buckled in to see what it was all about. It’s about a woman that becomes infatuated by an acquaintance who goes missing. Once I started I couldn’t stop. It’s seriously addictive, strange and hilarious, and will seriously have you hooked.
Starstruck
If you’re looking for a light and entertaining watch, then look no further. Set in London, it features a vivacious Kiwi who unknowingly bangs a famous English actor. If you’ve ever lived in London as a poor expat, you will absolutely relate to the lifestyle and struggle of navigating London – minus the falling in love with a rich actor.
The Chair
Not that I need to say more than um hello Sandra Oh! But if you need more convincing, this is a great miniseries set at a University in the States. It’s honestly hilarious given my experience working at a University for 7 years. My colleagues and I always used to say that the things that went on at uni would make for a great TV show and I guess someone did it. It’s a great show and if you’ve ever worked at a university, you’ll think it’s brilliant! I kinda binged it in a day so goodluck trying not to watch it all in one sitting.
Supernova
If you’re looking for a movie for a good cry, then this is for you. This is a beautiful movie about love, loss, family and setting your loved ones free. Plus it will also make you want to buy a van and travel around the UK.
I Care a Lot
Rosamund Pike strikes again. This wicked film is kind of unlike anything I’ve seen before. It will keep you guessing til the end and it takes twists and turns you don’t expect. If you’re looking for a movie where you don’t exactly know where it’s going… this is the one for you.
Books
Heartsick, by Jessie Stephens
Elly treated me to this book for my birthday and damn was I excited to read this! I listen to Mama Mia Out Loud from time to time and have always found Jessie’s voice very interesting. When I heard the reviews I was super keen to get my hands on it. And once I did I couldn’t put it down. It was cleverly written and I was incredibly invested in the characters. Would totally recommend!
Daisy Jones & The Six
Oh damn what an incredible book! I read this so quickly (in the sun on the grass in our backyard – isolation holiday mode) and LOVED it! My love for it has grown even further since listening to the Shameless Book Club’s episode on it as well. I’ve read the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and am absolutely in love with her characters and style of writing. So I’m on a mission to get my hands on the rest of her books ASAP. Love love loved this!
One Last Stop, by Casey McQuiston
Thank you Rosheen for the ultimate holiday book. A fictional book that takes a rather unrealistic twist into time travel, this novel is an absolute delight. I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t stop imagining these vibrant characters of an evening.
Products
I recently splurged on an order from Adore Beauty and treated myself to the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (Lavender). It is absolutely gorgeous and extremely hydrating. It feels absolutely delicious to put on your face and the lavender scent is perfect for dozing off peacefully. For $44 from Adore Beauty or Sephora, it’s a steal.
![Water Sleeping Mask [Lavender] - Skincare - Mask / Pack | Laneige International](https://www.laneige.com/int/en/skincare/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2020/02/24/water-sleeping-mask-labender-thumb-01_200224.jpg)
Well friends, I hope you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones. I hope you can find glimpses of joy and lightness in these uncertain times and I hope you are proud of yourself for doing so well. I’m hopeful (but not expecting) that we will get out of lockdown in September ready to enjoy Spring out and about in all of Canberra’s spring glory. Sending big love to you.
A Worldly Addiction 