Summer is slowly slipping away as the cool breeze of Autumn air touches our face. We breathe in and exhale as we look forward to the end of the pandemic tunnel. The cold season has officially started, yet we  are hopeful that everything is starting to go back to normal.

In the Netherlands, all covid restrictions have been lifted, provided that you have proof of vaccination. We are clearly moving towards going back to normal. But we are all aware that the new “normal” will feel different. We may not experience the same things that we enjoy pre-pandemic time.

The pandemic have brought some good things to us. We have prioritised only the things that make us happy, less instant gratification and more of long term happiness. We were forced to save more during this year long pandemic due to limitations and restrictions. A lot of restrictions have been an opportunity for us to reevaluate our priorities. 

From our side, the past three months are a rollercoaster of emotions. We were trying to buy our first home in the middle of a pandemic. Risky, but it was the right time for us. The government have implemented laws to waive property transfer taxes in favour for younger people/families to be able to afford a starter house. Everything fell into place as our savings were now enough for us to afford our first house in the Netherlands.

Despite this opportunity, it has been a struggle as the housing market is crazier. There is a lot of demand and very scarce supply of homes. A lot of people have taken this chance to make profit. After a lot of endless viewings and rejections, with a stroke of luck, our bid offer for a house was accepted.

I feel like after the house purchase, we are slowly integrating and getting acclimated in the Netherlands. We are now starting our lives and looking forward for the future. We have firmly planted our base and nurturing our family to grow and thrive. 

Busy times in this colder season, I am hopeful that I can get more motivation in the succeeding months of 2021. Anxiety and writer’s block will soon dissipate from my mind, and a clearer picture for what the future lies will soon form. 2021 is almost over, we are trying to savour the few remaining months, making more memories.

What are your thoughts on “post-pandemic” normal now that everything is opening up?

March marks the anniversary of COVID-19 making its way into Europe. We never expected the pandemic to last the whole year. It feels as if the pandemic has robbed us a year of life. As we look back on all the things that happened during the pandemic, we can say that "We are almost there, but not quite yet".

The pandemic is something that will go down in history. It is as if we were taken for a rollercoaster ride inside a haunted mansion. Everyone in the world was at their feet, and some may have triggered their anxieties, resulting in the Mental Health movement.

Despite all the horrific experiences we had this past year, I can say that there are some good things that came out of it. Here are some of the things I have pondered on:

- The whole world closed down, forcing everyone into isolation. Meaning, Mother Earth was able to take care of itself and heal. The carbon footprint is low. Towns that are forced into Commercialization have been able to breathe and recuperate. Globalization and Commercialization have taken their toll on Mother Earth, hence the several abnormalities we are experiencing, i.e global warming, climate change, frequent calamities, etc..

- Climate change was inevitable and widely felt.  We experienced snow in the Netherlands, twice! Some countries were not prepared for the sudden changes in nature (snow in Texas and worst flash flood in a lot of countries).

- We were able to save up more money. Essential stores are the only thing open, so we are forced to spend just on essentials. In other parts of the world, online shopping has been all in rage, yet we were on our toes and retail therapy did not appeal much to ease our pandemic anxieties. 

- Relationships are tested as we are forced into isolation. Our lives here revolved around just the three of us. For us, it was a positive thing because both of us are introverts. I know that is not the case with other people, especially extroverted ones. A year of almost nonexistent interaction with other people can trigger anxieties and depression. That is why Mental Health is in the spotlight. A lot of people had have a decline in their mental state. 

We are now in a state where we are itching to get vaccinated and move on to our new normal lives. We can't wait for everything to open up. We want everyone to recover and learn from this experience. I know this is a hopeful wish, as this pandemic is still far from over until most of the population in the world gets vaccinated.  

How was your year into the pandemic so far?

 2020, you sure are working hard.

I won't go further on how 2020 has been a haunted rollercoaster. Every month has been a surprise and it is safe to say that everyone is barely holding and are just done with it.

We prayed for a peaceful yuletide season, yet here we are on our second lockdown, a REAL one. The Netherlands is on lockdown from December 15 until January 19. Everything is closed, except stores with essential items, including schools and daycares. Christmas was cancelledt. All holiday plans were halted. 

But despite all of that, as a true-blooded Filipino, we learn to adapt. We chose to see the silver lining despite all the complaints of all the dampened spirits. We tried to make our home as cozy as possible, decorating it to our heart's content so the spirit of Christmas will rub on. We do that until we forget, for a moment, that we are still DEEP in the pandemic. 

My family is still grateful because we are in a state where everything is okay for us. We were not hit hard. We had a low-key pleasant Christmas. All of us are still healthy. I know that is not the case for everyone, and for that, I acknowledge that we are on the privileged side. It may not sound pleasant, but that is the only thought that kept me sane throughout this year. I constantly remind myself to be grateful, for I know a lot of people have it worst, yet they are still fighting each day. 

On a lighter note, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Let us all pray that the light at the end of this pitch-black tunnel will be seen in 2021. We got this! Let's claim it!

What are you hoping for in 2021?
Let's discuss this in the comment box!