A play on the title of one of my favourite songs by Dinah Washington but really, what a year it’s been! I’m lying on the sofa, a cafetière with cold coffee on the floor next to me, listening to Betty Wright’s Tonight is the Night and working. Well, I was working just before I decided to write this post. A year ago, I could never have imagined this being my life. Nearly lifelong habits disrupted, dealing with unfamiliar feelings and anxiety, I can only be grateful for life this period.

After the long weekend in The Seychelles, I spent lockdown mostly alone in my flat before I went to Nigeria to spend many weeks with family. It’s the longest time I’ve spent there visiting and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my folks, grandmother, aunties, and a handful of friends who were in some sort of a bubble with me. It was the best part of 2020 for me and, I didn’t even go out to bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

When it was safe (somewhat encouraged) to do so, I went to unwind in Istanbul, San Marino, and Rimini. I followed all the government advisories for testing and being out and about in the cities. Weirdly most places felt safer than my neighbourhood in London so, I never felt anxious. It, however, was a huge boost to my mental well-being as I have spent several months at a time alone in my apartment without seeing familiar faces. I remember being overcome with emotions the first time I gave a hug after what seemed like a lifetime to my nephew who was two years old at the time. I hugged him, held on to him on my balcony sofa, and slept off within a couple of minutes. It’s been tough! Flowers, cocktails and F1 also helped me cope last year.

Here are some pictures of things and moments that put a smile on my face.

Lockdown 1 was the longest and most difficult for me and I'm sure for most people. Struggling to adapt to the lifestyle changes, OD’ing on coronavirus news, dealing with anxiety etc. Lockdown 2 was too short to matter and Lockdown 3 + Tier 4 I am spending with people around me. Fingers crossed this will be the last lockdown now that.

For Christmas and New Year the girls came to spend some time with me since our annual end of year jaunt was cancelled. We have had such an amazing time eating, netflixing, taking walks and just spending time together. I don’t look forward to the emptiness that’ll hit me when they leave. I struggle in the winter months and with no plans to look forward to it’s all a bit gloomy.

Flavour’s new album was a bright spark for the year and ,I especially love it a little more than his previous albums because he gave us everything - gospel, banter and a mild admonishing on letting go of our Igbo culture. Flavour walks his talk and I adore him for it.

Here’s his video for Umu Igbo, one of my favourite songs on the album.

I hope you’ve all been well. I wish you a much more pleasant year than we had in 2020.

Happy new year! xx