24.01.2021

Apologies for the delay in fantastic, refreshing, gingerbread based content: Xmas, COVID, essay deadlines and general fretting has meant some things have slipped through the net.

And so the New Year begins with lockdown, fresh batches of banana bread, Bridgerton fanatics (I have been dully converted and may or may not listen to the playlist while 'working'), supermarket trips are again the place to be (or not), and the inevitable internet shopping (have bought a pair of jeans, over the door coat hooks, and a batch of custard).

ALSO SNOW! As a side note I ran onto our teeny balcony in my pjs when the first glorious flurries started floating down. Some people may not like snow but I think it has an amazing ability to make even the dullest street look beautiful - a transformative quality the world needs.

Lockdown gives you an unprecedented amount of time to get inside your own head. I have daily arguments with myself about various topics ranging from essay marks, what to eat, future jobs, should I wash my hair today, bath or shower, telly or book. Clearly, they range from the trivial to slightly more problematic. I have been trying and failing and trying again, to be kinder to myself: good days come in waves as do the bad. Like many of the people I know, I am trying to ride it out. But alas we are not always skilled surfers.

In an attempt to make some people reading this feel less insane, these are some things that have been making me anxious: the future in all its nebulous, terrifying glory, body image, food, boredom (as weird as that sounds), having a healthy relationship with exercise, and also the fact that Eloise is definitely the best character in Bridgerton. Sorry couldn't resist the last one to alleviate the cloying, self-indulgence that can come with writing about dreaded feelings. Seriously though, she is the best character. Also *SPOILER* completely guessed right that Pen was Lady Whistledown. As you see I confront feelings through a winding, walk through the hills that takes numerous tangents rather than a collision between me, myself and I.

It is safe to say that everyone is struggling in one way or another. I realise there is a huge disparity in how different people are getting through the past year. If this year is going to prove anything, it is how we help each other and do the small things, as clichéd as that sounds. In that vein, we want to use Project K as a platform thing for other people - am sure you are bored of us by now. So if anyone has an idea/wants to write then drop one or both of us a message.

Anyway instead of my idle musings, here is a thing to make you smile…

We were walking through the snowy park near the flat and a man ran past (kitted out for a run in the snow) smiling ecstatically. It was so great to see someone beaming so much and planted a big huge smile on my face.

More good news…

• Fellow Kati has been offered a place on a MA programme

• Laura M has been offered a place at Durham

• Olivia H has been offered a job

• Poppy has been making some yummy looking culinary delights and beautiful embroidery

• Leo's brother and wife are expecting a baby boy

• Dan has bought a house! AH!

• Momma has been nominated for a TV Bafta eeeeek

• Auntie Alli is knitting me some more fantabulous scarves and jumper

• And I am sure Hannah is rejoicing in her success at the family email quiz

• Mia's hilarious quiz answers matched only by Dan and Michael

• The Frasers were reunited once again via Facetime

If you have some more good, smiley things we should include let us know :D . Even if it is just getting through a particularly bad day.

Sending oodles of love and squishy hugs covered in unicorn sparkles