Gems that is great news. I hope you will be very happy in your new home.

Sounds like your research and dissertation will be keeping you very busy....I hope you are finding it interesting and rewarding.

I had a go painting. Bob makes it look much easier than in reality. A little more practice I think will be a good idea. I will keep on trying.

Fabulous news about numbers. There is definately hope on the horizon.

Sending lots of good wishes your way.

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys!

Sorry that I was m.i.a for a little while! Work was quite intense so I decided to make sure that I really 'switched off' after work.

I'm back now! How are you guys doing?

Hello missep and Gems.

I hope you are doing well and able to enjoy a little more sunshine. So nice to have the lovely days again with blue sky and shaking off the Winter woes.

Victoria is doing so much better now which is a cause for hope and easing of some restrictions. We can still only be out for 2 hours a day but the curfew is gone. I believe the strong measures take have really helped even though it is difficult.

Gem's I tried painting again....ha ha how does Bob do it? Mine still looks very much like a little childs, I tell myself practice and practice will help, who knows.

Missep nice to have you back on the thread. Look after yourself, work can get so demanding that we can lose ourselves in it and put our own needs aside. I hope it has settled down a bit for you.

I am looking at going back to work on site in a couple of weeks, I feel a bit anxious thinking about it as I have been off site since March. It is not the work but rather all the people, business and noise. My life has been so quiet and isolated and I must say feeling a bit scared - sounds silly but really getting butterflies already.

Take care and stay safe,

Sarahbelle.

Hi Missep and Sarahbelle,

Greetings from the Outback! I'm away this week taking a bit of a trip after the hectic move. Missep, lovely to have you back here and no worries– good for you for separating out work and personal time like that.

Sarahbelle, the news from Victoria is really just unabashedly good. I really see positive things on the horizon for Australia, and I'm so impressed with how Victorians have banded together to really get this under control. I wish that states in my own country showed similar resolve and organization.

I understand why you're nervous about returning to work on site; I certainly would be too. That said, I think we have to seize the opportunity to return to life as we know it when it presents itself, and it seems like people will be taking reasonable precautions and that the whole reopening process will be gradual and careful.

Warmly,

Gems

Oops, was a bit too hasty in reading the end of your last post, Sarahbelle. I know exactly what you mean about having gotten so used to your own company that the idea of the hustle and bustle of returning to work can be overwhelming. I sort of think of it like a muscle that's a bit out of shape or out of practice; after a few days or a week I think you will get into the groove and remember what it's like when things are full of people and noise. Maybe take these final few weeks to really enjoy all the peace and quiet that's seemed like a bit of a prison for so long :)

Hi guys!

I'm a bit behind on these posts! Gems are you in the 'outback' outback? Haha sorry for the silly question! What have you been up to? I'm so happy about Melbourne too, oh man what a year!

Sarahbelle I completely know how you feel. Even when I was working from home all of my coworkers and I kept saying how we couldn't wait to go back to the office and once we had the option I felt like I had to relearn what it was like not to work from home! I can definitely see the perks. I can quickly make lunch, I can take a quick walk around the house to stretch. I definitely appreciate it now! In saying that, beyond around people while working definitely makes things feel less stressful. Especially having someone next to you.

Yes Missep What a year? Crazy to say the least.

Guess what???? We are all making our way through it with resilience, good humor and hope for the future (of course we have pit falls but climb back up).

Great to see Vic doing well - Every one has worked so hard and given up so much to get to this stage, people seem to have a greater spring in their step.

Gem's hope you had a great trip to the outback, I cannot wait to be able to jump in the car and just drive to who knows where.

Missep and Gem's I want to say a big thank you to both of you - you have got me through some difficult and doubting times and I will always be grateful for your warmth and BB friendship.

I look forward to our little chats. Take care, stay safe, Sarahbelle.

The outback was great! I was even able to cross the border briefly into South Australia. Missep, I think I was definitely in the proper outback! The rental car place only had a massive ute for hire so that's what I ended up driving all around lol, I felt very properly Aussie.

Unfortunately as soon as I got home over the weekend I came down with a cold (negative for covid luckily!)– I think all the traveling just completely wore me out. I've been trying to catch up on rest while finishing a dissertation assignment that I had to request an extension on which is why I've been away from the forums for a few days. Hoping one more good night of sleep puts me back on track :)

Sarahbelle, I'm so glad you've found the forums here helpful. I know they're very meaningful to me.

All best,

Gems

Sounds like you had a lot of fun Gems. So nice to breathe the clear country air when you have the chance, really refreshes the spirit.

Hope you are going well too Missep and are having some down time to enjoy.

I am beginning to go back to work on site Monday feel a little excited as the time gets closer. Will be nice to see people face to face even with masks instead of a screen. It has been a long, long time!

Take care and look after yourselves.

I hope new adventures are just around the corner for you,

Sarahbelle.

Hi you guys!

I would like to thank you both also for the warmth and support! I love these BB friendships too :)

Gems: That is so cool!!! What would you say was the highlight of your trip? Best of luck on your dissertation as well, what an amazing thing that you are doing!

Sarahbelle: I think that's great that you are starting on Monday and that you are feeling excited! I think that's great that you are feeling that way because I know that it can be nerve-racking with work changes!

Have a great weekend guys! I look forward to speaking to you guys :)

Just thought I would drop in and say Hello!

I wanted to let you know I had my first day back onsite at work yesterday and made it through. It was such a surreal feeling after so many months working from home. The feel of school is very different when it comes to a covid safe plan - but very necessary. It was lovely to see others and have some interaction. I was exhausted last night but grateful that I belong to a caring community.

What plans do you have in the pipeline Gems and Missep that you are looking forward to?

Take good care and stay safe,

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

Welcome back to work! I bet it was surreal– did you feel safe with the covid guidelines? How was day 2?

Despite all the problems in the US I'm getting excited about moving back in about 7 weeks– I miss my girlfriend and my family, and the apartment in Boston I am moving to is great. An unexpected benefit of COVID is that my uni campus is temporarily closed so I get to spend at least 6 months working remotely near my loved ones :)

Over the weekend I went to Kangaroo Valley and saw my first wombat! So cute and such a special experience.

Missep, I think the highlight was probably cruising around in the ute! It made me feel like a proper Aussie lol. Hope you guys are doing well!

Gems

Hi Guys!

So proud of you Sarahbelle! I definitely agree with you, going back to the work environment physically was surreal! Getting used to it now though. Please continue to keep us updated! I'm so glad you had a good experience though.

Gems- those are very positive things to come out of this! Being able to study from home near your loved ones and for you to see your girlfriend again!!

Kangaroo valley is supposed to be so beautiful! I want to go one day for sure :)

I'm trying to save up as much allocated leave as possible so then I can take a nice short break hopefully in Jan/Feb

:)

Hi Gems and Missep,

Wow Gem's you do have such lovely adventures, wombats are very cute. My cousin used to foster little ones when their mums were killed by cars and raise them, everyone of them was named Fatso. They would follow him around like puppies and then as they were nearing readiness to leave would run behind him and ram and bite the backs of his legs. Their skulls are so strong he would end up with broken skin and bruises. At this stage he would know they needed to go to the sanctuary to prepare them for release. They are very entertaining.

So glad you are getting excited about returning home - all your family and friends must also be feeling elated.

Missep I do hope you get to go on your adventure, it has been a big year - it is fun planning and looking forward.

I am pleased to be back at work, nice to interact with others again -in a covid safe way. We do have good measures in place however, saying this it is a bit stressful. We have had a family of all test positive during the holidays and our school is close to a known cluster so that raises stress levels for all. Thankfully the family is now all well and the children returned to school yesterday. This makes it all very real and shows the vulnerability we all face currently.

Keep safe and well,

Until next time.

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys!

That sounds so cute about the wombats. They sound so playful and I find playful animals to be SO adorable!

I'm glad that you're please to be back at work Sarahbelle! Sorry to her about being close to a cluster and that a family tested positive but you have been very positive and strong throughout all the adversity.

Here for you guys!

More low numbers for Victoria, yay!!! And NSW for that matter. I know I sound like a broken record but I'm so grateful to be living here for now where things are truly under control for the moment. I've been fairly busy starting to write my dissertation in earnest now and still doing some last-minute sightseeing.

How are things at work missep? Sarahbelle, how are you settling back in at the school?

Warmly,

Gems

Hello,

Yes we are very lucky in Australia that our numbers are presently so in control Victoria has done an amazing job to think not long ago we recorded over 700 new cases of covid in a day. Gives me much greater confidence to be out of my home.

Gems make the most of your time left with us in Australia, enjoy your sight seeing and exploring. Good luck with your dissertation - sounds like you have busy times ahead.

Missep I love animals too. Hope your little pug is giving you lots of cuddles and laughs. My dog has been amazing during such a long lockdown, always ready for a pat and play - I would be lost without her.

School is going well, we have good COVID safe policies in place which give confidence in the workplace. It is sad to see the rules put such distance between adult relationships however they are there to keep all safe.

The kids are happy to be back together again and have settled in well. A few are struggling with difficulties however, these are not covid related but more ongoing. Some have it very tough but taking good care of them.

Sunny afternoon in Melbourne, hope you can enjoy some sunshine too.

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys!

I am so happy to hear about the reducing numbers in Victoria! You guys have done an amazing job under such difficult circumstances.

I am so glad to hear that school is going well Sarahbelle and that your dog has given you great comfort. You've come so far! Can you believe we have all been chatting for quite a few months now! Thank you for remembering about my pug that is so sweet :) She is so cheeky and always makes me feel better

Thank you for asking about work gems! I have a great support around me and now that we are transitioning back to the office it really is nice to have people around. How is your dissertation going? That's a huge (but amazing) task to undertake!

Hope you guys have a great day :)

Hello Sarahbelle,

I am sorry you are feeling this way. Keep reminding yourself that we are all in this together, literally, but with different situations.

I understand this pandemic must be very hard on you and so many others. Probably because of the way we are all missing some form of social connection and doing our daily activities without having to worry about restrictions that are in place. Therefore isolation sets in. Almost making us go a bit loopy.

I will be honest with you, I have actually felt the opposite during this pandemic due to the fact that I have been socially isolating myself way before it and only realising this in the last year. So now I would like to improve my social skills to have a better social life since this is a weakness of mine and even that is going to be very hard.

My work has helped alot as I feel more at ease and well-informed of this, on a health level. I was definitely feeling self - conscious at the start about wearing a mask but now that comes as a breeze when I am wearing it all the time amongst others. I find with a mask on, I try to enhance my body language and hand gestures more and don't forget there is still tone in your voice to work with.

You could definitely get crafty at home or start cooking to distract yourself at home or any other activity you think of

Good luck :)

Hi Little Miss Overthinker!

I think that with everything going on we have all started to do some introspection and learn more about ourselves! You are showing so much insight and I wish you all the best on your journey to improve social skills! I also got used to enjoying my own company that I wanted to try to see my friends more and learn to be present and in the moment :)

Hello All.

Thanks for your thoughts and kindness Little Miss Overthinker..strange times indeed.

I agree it is so important to be able to enjoy activities which give us peace and joy.

I am doing well back at work and feeling more hopeful as things improve in Victoria.

Hope you all have a great week ahead.

Sending out lots of wishes to you all.

Keep safe and well.

Sarahbelle.

Thank you so much Missep123. This pandemic has definitely shown me alot about being around people is an important thing in life and the fact I am not very good at socialising, makes it even harder. I have been trying lately and have felt really good affects from it. I really hope I can branch out and do more in my daily routine to get me to open up. I feel, because I don't have a big social support network or anyone to turn to emotionally, I feel alone with it all. I wish I could want to see friends but I am unfortunately not at that level yet.

That is really good to hear you are getting along okay.

Cheers :)

Hi All,

First of all, hooray for Victoria!!!! Congratulations on the end of the lockdown, it must feel so good to see all the sacrifice pay off.

Little Miss Overthinker, I know what you mean about mask anxiety, especially early on– it was quite bad for me at the beginning and I was feeling quite self-conscious, but now I feel it is pretty much normal and I barely think about it. I was talking to my friend this weekend and we were both wearing them and I just thought how it's hardly even worth commenting on or noticing now (I notice much more when people don't wear it!)

I also know exactly what you mean about, as missep said, getting used to your own company. I've said before that socialization is a bit like a muscle, especially for more introverted people, and if you don't exercise it for a while it can become atrophied. Luckily I think this is actually the perfect time to work on getting out a bit more because people everywhere are navigating these same awkward situations as everyone comes back out of their homes.

Sad to say that I have been having a lot more covid-related anxiety lately as cases continue to skyrocket out of control back home, and my deadline for coming back approaches. Starting to affect my dreams and sleep a bit as well.

Best,

Gems

Hello All,

Thanks Gems, YAY for Victoria - a time we were so uncertain that we would see.

Gems I can understand you may have that bitter sweet feeling about returning home and that it would be stressful fearing what is ahead with Covid. From what I have learnt from you, you are an insightful, intelligent, hopefilled and kind person. These attributes will stand you in good stead as you move forward. My thoughts are with you as you navigate this tricky time. Just imagine how thrilled your loved ones will be to see you and you them.

You, Missep and others have taught me so much about myself and how to manage my feelings and worrries in a more positive and resilient way. Thank you.

I find a nice warm milo just before bed time can help me relax a little and sleep better. My doctor even said that there is now research to show that this is true.

Take care,

Sarahbelle.

Hi all,

So proud of you guys and how much inner strength and positivity you've shown through the difficult times.

Yay for Victoria! So amazing, everyone down there has done amazingly!

How do you feel about Christmas coming up around the corner?

I really enjoy speaking to you guys!! We are such an amazing support to each other

Yes we certainly have stuck together and been there for each other which is amazing.

Beautiful day in Melbourne and again we have 0 new cases -it is just such a wonderful feeling.

Wow Missep yes, Christmas is just around the corner, at this stage I have no plans but will have to get organised. And what about you Missep, what are your plans?

Gem's how long have you left before returning home? Will you be with your family for Christmas?

My next big to do is putting my house on the market - pretty scary and also exciting have to look at the upside of a new chapter in life. I am beginning to get quotes organised to make the right decisions moving forward.

Take care and stay safe,

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys!

I'm so happy to hear that Melbourne had 0 new cases! A big chapter for you Sarahbelle with moving home! You should be so proud of yourself and for everything you have been able to achieve during these tough times.

Decorating the Christmas tree is always special with Christmas music playing while we decorate. I'm excited to eat a lot and have the time off :)

Hello,

What a whirlwind everything has been. Victoria is in such a great position now to move forwards and our freedoms are fast returning.

Missep it is so much fun putting up the Christmas Tree. I usually wait till we are into December. Over the years I have collected so many gorgeous bird decorations. I have a white tree and cover it with my birds on the branches and twinkling lights.

Do you have a particular decoration style?

How are you all spending Christmas this year?

Take care and stay safe,

Sarahbelle.

Hi guys!

That's a great question Sarahbelle! I have two boxes of Disney baubles that I absolutely love. I also love the ones that my parents have kept that I made when I was little. There's a lumpy looking Santa that I made out of paper mâché that always makes me laugh.

I'm going to spend Christmas probably eating a lot of delicious food and playing video games haha. What I always do :D

How do you guys celebrate?

Also great to hear about Victoria. So so so happy!

Hi all!

I celebrate Hanukkah, which can vary when it is but usually falls in December. This year it goes from December 10 to the 18th. We light a candle for each night and exchange gifts. I'll be returning home to my parents' house on November 30th where I'll quarantine, so I'll get to spend the holidays at home anyway :) That sounds like an ideal Christmas to me, missep!

It's been such a strange few days with the election results dragging on for ages. I'm so, so glad it's over and at least can celebrate Trump leaving, though it was very close and things are really getting out of control with the virus. I feel like I'm making peace with it though, which is scary and comforting at the same time.

Sarahbelle, good for you for going ahead with putting your house up! Change is scary but also so exciting, especially when it means getting a new place. Moving house can be stressful but it's also a great way as you say to start a new chapter, like a kind of punctuation mark on a part of your life. Are you looking to go far or stay in the same area?

Best,

Gems