This has obviously been a difficult year for everyone, myself included, but I do look back at the year as a mixed bag with rather a lot of bright spots. I have been incredibly lucky that from March onwards I have been able to work from home full time, so I have not been affected financially by COVID-19, and I have been able to carry on relatively as normal.
One goal I mentioned in last year’s review was that I was hoping to sacrifice less personal time to work this year, as I racked up a few hundred hours of overtime in 2020. Although I averaged less per month this year, I did still sacrifice a lot of time to work in 2020, there were a mix of causes for this. Hopefully in 2021 I will be finally able to work on that and free up some more personal time.
My mental and physical health was tested hugely this year. As I live alone it meant that I spent the first lockdown alone, and I spent a lot of the year not seeing family, friends, and I missed a lot of my nephew’s first full year. I have put on a fair bit of weight in 2020, so that is something that will be front and centre at the start of 2021. One huge positive that really made my year was that I leave 2020 in an amazing relationship, and I am looking forward to the experiences that brings this year.
Below are as usual some of my favourite things I have watched, read, written, and listened to over the last year.
Things I have Watched
After Life – I am a huge fan of most of Ricky’s stuff, and I finally got around to Afterlife when the second series hit Netflix this year.
Not Going Out – I watched a few episodes on Dave through the first lockdown and loved it straight away. Soon after I binged all 10 series on Netflix.
Stranger Things – My girlfriend and I watched all 3 series this Autumn and we were hooked throughout. Steve and Dustin’s friendship was incredibly sweet.
Parks and Rec – I am still only 4 seasons in, but this is such an easy and fun watch. Might be one of my favourite US comedies.
The Wheel – This is so delightfully cheesy, and I can’t help but sing along to the theme tune every time the wheel spins.
Stath Lets Flats – Jamie Demetriou is just incredible in this.
The Great British Bake Off – I did not watch last year’s series, but glad I watched this years. It was back on form, oh and Lottie should have won.
Things I have Read
Again, I really have not read enough this year. Must do better in 2021.
Galactic Keegan – The book version of the Twitter account. A silly and fun read.
1984 – Finally got around to this classic and it did not disappoint in the slightest.
Stephen Hendry: Me and the Table – A great insight into one of the best snooker players of all time, and the rivalries between the biggest players.
Things I have Listened To
Tailenders – This is my favourite podcast now, and my face lights up whenever a new episode lands on my phone.
Walking the Dog with Emily Dean – Binged these in about a week, the guests were great and the conversations so easy.
The Political Party – A must listen to for political buffs.
The Mina Kimes Show – Mina is so knowledgeable and one of the best NFL journalists out there.
Only Fools and Brotherly Forces – A show reviewing Only Fools and Horses, need I say any more to interest you.
Office Ladies – It is very American, but it is a great listen.
Things I have written
The Turning Point on Coronavirus – my thoughts on the easing of lockdown restrictions back in May.
Keir’s the Antidote – My review on Starmer’s first few months in charge of Labour.
Don’t Confuse 2020 with 2016 – my analysis pre 2020 US election.
Wake's World 