2020 has been great

Cilar

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

Strumms

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

It’s been shîtè. No positives.

If you are a green headed and hearted individual maybe you can rock up to somebody who has lost somebody through getting covid and impart the above....over 78,000 of us sick with it, over 2000 died from it.... stress, illness, death, worry, depression, fear en mass...

It’s not controversial what you posted, it’s wrong though. 2020 wasn’t great, far from it.

YellowLead

It’s completely different for everybody. I have not enjoyed it at all as I live alone and working from home has made me feel even more alone. However I constantly remind myself it’s a first world problem and in comparison to large numbers of the population I have an easy life. I’m lucky to be still working and no paycut etc.
But I think you should say that YOU have found it great, not that it is great for the general population. As another poster mentioned, people have died. I had it myself and was quite ill for a couple of months.

corner of hells

I got a new dog , so its been grand for me getting to know the little mad bastard .

artanevilla

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

And only 1.6 million dead.

Xtrail14

Big year for the Shiela’s. Fine tough little men.

1o059k7ewrqj3n

I paid off all my loans.

Still broke as a joke tho.

Tazio

Steyr 556 wrote: »

I paid off all my loans.

Still broke as a joke tho.

No loans = rich!

Congrats you are my hero

Pauliedragon

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

I'm not sure what your work situation is but believe me being unemployed for 9 months is no picnic. Less traffic doesn't pay the bills for most of us.

SEPT 23 1989

Personally it was the life changing escape of all escapes

Thank you to everyone in St James hospital for doing things so well

Financially a great year the best ever but I think of those every day whose businesses are going down the drain

I have been there and know that feeling

It will get better I promise you

Parabellum9

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

Yeah all of the above has really been great, it totally negates not being able to see family for the majority of the year or live any sort of normal life.....

seenitall

On a personal level, 2020 turned out to be one of the best years of my whole life. I just found myself in a position where I was able to finally tick a good few personal accomplishment boxes all of a sudden. What can ya do?

alchemist33

Some of us had to go and treat sick people, a tougher job with ppe and extra precautions, while our colleagues isolated, leaving less people to do that job. And when we came home in the evening or had a week off there was less to do with our soare time.

Other people lost their jobs or businesses, and of course lots of people got sick. And the country will be more bankrupt than ever.

So no, not a good year.

McGinniesta

Despite all the bullsh1t it's still good to be alive.

Dakota Dan

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

Are you a tree hugger?

Dakota Dan

artanevilla wrote: »

And only 1.6 million dead.

Yep 2020 was the first year anyone died. If you care to check deaths in all countries didn't increase in 2020 over previous years but carry on lapping up the fear mongering. By 2030 if you are still around you will see a massive increase in deaths and the worldwide population decimated.

snowstorm445

Honestly, while I fully understand the need for it, the sanctimonious lecturing and finger-wagging from busybodies regarding public health, the prying into people's private lives, and the general bad feeling and stigma this virus has created for people really marked this year for me. Such a toxic time to live through. I will not look back on it fondly, despite the upsides to this year for me personally.

Dakota Dan

Strumms wrote: »

It’s been shîtè. No positives.

If you are a green headed and hearted individual maybe you can rock up to somebody who has lost somebody through getting covid and impart the above....over 78,000 of us sick with it, over 2000 died from it.... stress, illness, death, worry, depression, fear en mass...

It’s not controversial what you posted, it’s wrong though. 2020 wasn’t great, far from it.

Died from it you better inform Holohan as he still has to admit anyone dying from it.

Probably controversial, but definitely inconsiderate.

weetiepie

Strumms wrote: »

It’s been shîtè. No positives.

If you are a green headed and hearted individual maybe you can rock up to somebody who has lost somebody through getting covid and impart the above....over 78,000 of us sick with it, over 2000 died from it.... stress, illness, death, worry, depression, fear en mass...

It’s not controversial what you posted, it’s wrong though. 2020 wasn’t great, far from it.

Completely disagree, you cannot tell this poster that they are wrong in how they felt about this year, each to their own. My heart goes out to those who lost someone this year, through covid but alot of people felt this year has brought about a positivity in their lives ,and that is not wrong

Dunfyy

Don't forget fianna fail and fianna gael are now friends
The two most honest political parties in the world

For Forks Sake

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

And the Green types wonder why no-one takes them seriously, read the room.

Optimalprimerib

This year got worse and worse as it went on, job was a major risk in January, covid stopped everything, but I found the lockdown as a great chance to breathe with no commute, no traffic, and I was not as tired.

The job situation was resolved as the year went on, and I felt that I was quite happy and content. At the end of this year it is ok to be happy and satisfied with the year and it is also ok to not be. It is not a competition.

I feel lucky that I did not suffer as others did, I had many years where I did. This year was a good year for me.

All these restrictions didnt hugely change my life.....which is both telling and little bit sad on a personal level


known 1 lad died from covid,another presently in icu iin st,james (i think,hes deffo in dublin)

Thankfully everyone else i know has gotten better after it.....been really stressful trying to mind my folks from it,but others have had it multiple times worse than me/us



I really hope this time next year,we'll all be looking back healthy and laughing about it......and maybe liam mccarthy might return suirside in 2021

Kylta

The first lockdown with the travel restrictions actually put me back in touch with the community, with people I grew up with. Saying that it hasn't been great for many folks.
In regards to the OP, I think he should find a little island were he can be on his own.

eviltwin

Honestly it’s been ****. There were some good things and stuff to be grateful for but overall it’s been terrible personally and for people in general. I know some people had a good year considering but read the room. Someone who lost a job or a loved one or who is struggling mentally doesn’t need to hear that it’s been an alright year.

NewbridgeIR

Cilar wrote: »

Probably controversial as everybody seems to be cheering the "return to normal", but:

- Lower traffic & traffic pollution
- Shops much quieter / less people / more peaceful
- No airplane noise pollution
- Less traffic noise pollution
- Working from home, no commuting, no seeing people you don't really like anyways, less stressful
- People walking locally instead of taking car
- Better cycling infrastructure being built
- Loads of savings from not spending

You sound like one of those self-absorbed misanthropes that doesn't make any effort to get on with work colleagues. Often can be found in the Christmas Party threads.

Stihl waters

It's been grand for me, only know a handful that got the covid, no one died belonging to me, lost a good bit of work but still happy and healthy, I'm a bit anti social at the best of times so I don't miss the socialising that comes with normal life, my heart goes out to people suffering from mental health issues and loneliness, they keep the chin up I know it can't be easy

Patsy167

- Have never walked as much in my life
- Took up new hobbies
- Discovered local parks I would never have in normal times
- Got to support local businesses daily while WFH
- Became far less materialistic - Have completely changed my mindset on what I actually need to be content
- More time to cook meals, listen to podcasts, volunteer.
- Became more self sufficient when gyms, restaurants, pubs closed.
- No FOMO - everyone was in the same boat
- Renewed appreciation for our beautiful little country doing staycation

Cluedo Monopoly

Patsy167 wrote: »

- Have never walked as much in my life
- Took up new hobbies
- Discovered local parks I would never have in normal times
- Got to support local businesses daily while WFH
- Became far less materialistic - Have completely changed my mindset on what I actually need to be content
- More time to cook meals, listen to podcasts, volunteer.
- Became more self sufficient when gyms, restaurants, pubs closed.
- No FOMO - everyone was in the same boat
- Renewed appreciation for our beautiful little country doing staycation

Great post. 100% agree.

Antares35

It's been good for some people and **** for others. Why can't people just accept that not everyone had the same experience?

GarIT

2020 has definitely been my favourite year.

I'm hoping the lockdowns last as long as possible tbh. No pressure for the only social interaction to be drinking anymore.

Too bad house and rent prices didn't fall, if that happened COVID-19 could be the best thing that ever happened to me. But maybe Brexit can sort that for me.

Church on Tuesday

artanevilla wrote: »

And only 1.6 million dead.

1.6 million too many.

Antares35

Antares35 wrote: »

It's been good for some people and **** for others. Why can't people just accept that not everyone had the same experience?

Absolutely agree. There are a lot of people very happy with wfh arrangements, and some have more money in their accounts than before. While it has been difficult not being able to see family members, the counter argument is that some have been able to see more of their immediate family.

Like it or not, for some, this has been a good year. And it is not wrong to acknowledge that.

GarIT

Parabellum9 wrote: »

Yeah all of the above has really been great, it totally negates not being able to see family for the majority of the year or live any sort of normal life.....

That's the best part. No obligation to see family.

Graces7

McGinniesta wrote: »

Despite all the bullsh1t it's still good to be alive.

When so many have died.

Antares35

I think it's perfectly acceptable to say that one experienced benefits on an individual level in 2020, while acknowledging that yes lots of people lost their lives and livelihoods too. Just because you recognise there was a silver lining or whatever, doesn't mean you're glad people suffered or continue to suffer, as many do in the hospitality and health sector.

2020 was difficult for me because I was pregnant and gave birth to my first child without the support of any family or friends because my girl was born in the midst of everything. I attended all my antenatal appointments alone and was lucky my labour was so fast that my partner was allowed in with me. We had zero support system in the aftermath, and my parents met my baby through the window for the first time when she was over two months old. So, I don't need to be lectured on how hard things were.

But, I'm allowed to recognise the many positives of the year - becoming debt free and saving towards our deposit. A more relaxed pace in my last trimester because I worked from home and had zero commute and minimal stress - this contributed to my fast recovery. Got to spend time with my dog every day, and no longer needed to spend over a hundred a week on a pet sitter, or money for petrol etc. I could avoid head wrecks in the office. My lectures were online. Everything was easier, and me recognising that is not insulting to those who were worse off, and it doesn't change the outcome for them either.

We were also close to 100 percent compliant with restrictions when many people were not, so why should we feel guilty? I've never volunteered for sorrow, am not going to start now.

GarIT

For Forks Sake wrote: »

And the Green types wonder why no-one takes them seriously, read the room.

To be fair over 40% of people are perfectly happy with FF and FG and the less than 60% remaining can't agree on enough to form a government.

Graces7

weetiepie wrote: »

Completely disagree, you cannot tell this poster that they are wrong in how they felt about this year, each to their own. My heart goes out to those who lost someone this year, through covid but alot of people felt this year has brought about a positivity in their lives ,and that is not wrong

But we can show some empathy. Not talk as if we are not aware and do not care. And yes I have lost loved ones to covid and it marks the year as a grief laden one whatever else is happening.

GarIT

Graces7 wrote: »

But we can show some empathy. Not talk as if we are not aware and do not care. And yes I have lost loved ones to covid and it marks the year as a grief laden one whatever else is happening.

We shouldn't have to hide away either. If people want to talk about the positives let them.

Graces7

Graces7 wrote: »

But we can show some empathy. Not talk as if we are not aware and do not care. And yes I have lost loved ones to covid and it marks the year as a grief laden one whatever else is happening.

Graces the two are not mutually exclusive, you can show empathy to others, while having an opinion on how the year has been personally. You are allowed to think of yourself as well.

Stihl waters

Graces7 wrote: »

But we can show some empathy. Not talk as if we are not aware and do not care. And yes I have lost loved ones to covid and it marks the year as a grief laden one whatever else is happening.

Nobody is lacking empathy from what I can see

Kaybaykwah

weetiepie wrote: »

Completely disagree, you cannot tell this poster that they are wrong in how they felt about this year, each to their own. My heart goes out to those who lost someone this year, through covid but alot of people felt this year has brought about a positivity in their lives ,and that is not wrong

Yes, I agree with you on that last point. A number of people have also knocked the list of positives the O.P. posted. These collateral benefits are not to be taken lightly if we value saving energy and knocking out pollutants past this crisis.
I know I can do without traveling so much into the future for one thing.

My wife and two sons were laid off for.months and then returned to work. My wife now has been laid off because of lack of work in her department due to Covid. I am an artist and work from home, so, I am not drirectly impacted by this situation. I sympathize and do the right things to avoid transmission, but I am also of the opinion that individuals experience this differently, and not wholesale negative.

Pauliedragon

Pauliedragon wrote: »

I'm not sure what your work situation is but believe me being unemployed for 9 months is no picnic. Less traffic doesn't pay the bills for most of us.

All too many are dismissive or blissfully unaware of the hardships endured by many.

GarIT

GarIT wrote: »

2020 has definitely been my favourite year.

I'm hoping the lockdowns last as long as possible tbh. No pressure for the only social interaction to be drinking anymore.

Too bad house and rent prices didn't fall, if that happened COVID-19 could be the best thing that ever happened to me. But maybe Brexit can sort that for me.

Wishing a pandemic continues because you are unhappy in your own skin and can't afford a property is fairly maggoty TBH.

Augeo

Augeo wrote: »

All too many are dismissive or blissfully unaware of the hardships endured by many.

Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.

(Just thought I’d add that to your loftiness)

GarIT

Augeo wrote: »

Wishing a pandemic continues because you are unhappy in your own skin and can't afford a property is fairly maggoty TBH.

Ah well. I don't deny being selfish.

GarIT

Augeo wrote: »

All too many are dismissive or blissfully unaware of the hardships endured by many.

Too many are sick of second hand experiencing everyone else's hardships

Can we just have one positive thread?

Antares35

Wildsurfer wrote: »

Time was women reared 6+ children with no help, nowadays both parents together and they need a 'support system' to look after one baby.

Time was also it "took a village to raise a child".

Thankfully things have moved on and women have reproductive autonomy and careers and are no longer forced to have six children and stay at home.

Yes, we do need a support system. Whether that's parents close by, the public health nurse calling, a coffee with a friend or simply having your parents visit. I make no apologies for wanting those things.

GarIT

GarIT wrote: »

Too many are sick of second hand experiencing everyone else's hardships

Can we just have one positive thread?

You are wishing the pandemic continues whilst pleading for this positive thread.... Lol

Tig98

This year has definitely had ups and downs for everyone, its hard to generalise that and summarise it in a few words.

Personally, It was good to centre myself. Without going out clubbing in big gangs or going into college every day my social circle has definitely reduced, and now it's a question of making time for individuals and not activities. I've realised that I am truly blessed to have the friendships that I have, and that amongst us there really is a family vibe, and a love. I've realised how much I love my family now that I can't see them, and how living completely independently (not a plate of food served up to me in months) isn't easy. It's also fairly lonely, as despite my good friends I still live with a bunch of strangers. I spend a lot of nights alone now, when before I'd be with friends or on dates, just anything to keep busy.

That's another thing I don't miss, the constant revolving door of dating. I honestly dont give a **** about half the people who chased me or who I was chasing, just a massive ambivalence towards them now. Its really refreshing to not be on the hunt for the ride, and to actually connect with people who would be a good relationship match.

My finances have plummeted through the floor as I've never not worked in my life, I honestly don't give a **** though. I have enough to get by until next summer because up until now I was privileged enough to have the support of my parents and I could save most of my income. Money is just money, having a huge surplus wont make you happy if you're sad. You'll just be sad in designer clothes.

Phfwoosh, monologue over I guess. While there has definitely been downsides to this year, but I believe everything is about perspective. Even in hard times as long as you can pick up and move on you're doing a lot better than some