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It's Okay to Not Be Okay in 2020

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 This year has been, what can we say; Disruptive, strange, and hard.  We were supposed to go on an epic Japan adventure sans kids for the first time, party at the BTS concert together, and explore more of LA as a family to name a few of our plans.  Instead, we tried to make the most of remote learning, rearranged our home to accommodate two work from home parents, worked our butts off to retain both of our jobs, and found small ways to keep the sanity.

To focus on the bright spots though:

1. We are now raising some cute fish in a 10 gallon tank

2. Tie dying has become a family hobby

3. We enjoy quality family time every weekend with a lunch {& boba drinks} & movie date (Disney's Onward and Netflix's Over the Moon are standout favs) 

4. Netflix & Kdrama has become a fond pastime for Eleen & Lucas (Netflix's Signal and It's Okay to Not Be Okay are excellent)

5. No one has been sick for a whole year (with kids in preschool & elementary school normally, this is unheard of)

6. Businesses have increased conveniences by providing Drive-Up pickups and prolonged return windows (thank goodness for Target & Amazon)

7. Eleen has tripled the number of house plants to care for, thus providing more oxygen and literal "life" inside our home

8. Ethan can add two digit numbers and write three sentences on a topic

9. Leila loves listening to stories and helping by cooking, doing laundry, and playing pretend with us

10. Lucas was able to start his watch collection

11. Eleen started a new kpop photocard trading hobby and found a new community to connect with

12. Ethan learned how to ride a bike and joined Cub Scouts!

Despite this year being a tough year for everyone, we are so very grateful for having our health, family, and friends.  Like BTS says in their song "Life Goes On," 

Like an echo in the forest

The day will come back around

As if nothing happened

Yeah, life goes on

We miss traveling, going to concerts, and exploring new restaurants, but it's okay.  It's okay to not be okay this year.  The lows of this year will provide a solid foundation to contrast against the future highest of highs.  All of what we used to consider "normal" will come back around.  Life will go on with hope and purpose.

Here are some highlights of our year thus far:

https://youtu.be/4PIsP1ECM1s

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