Hello 2021

Here we are again, right on the edge of a new year. Last year, I remember thinking about how 2019 started out on a sad note for me (my sweet Gracie died on January 2) but ended on a high note as I got to spend New Year's Eve with my new love. I was excited about the New Year for the first time in a few years. Of course, that excitement was short lived. Could you have even imagined how much our lives would change this year? I couldn't... 

People really are resilient. I think that whenever (rarely) I leave the house and see folks wearing masks, lining up at safe distances, doing the things that we need to do to keep safe. It's not been easy but somehow we dragged ourselves through it. 2020 was probably (globally) one of the most traumatic years in recent memory. Always a glass half full kind of gal, I have spent some time over the past couple of days thinking about the good things that happened:

• My dad had successful valve replacement surgery and has kicked ass with his recovery and rehab
• My mom just celebrated 5 years of being cancer free
• Everyone in my family and in my group of close friends has remained safe and healthy during this pandemic
• I was able to do some small home improvement projects this year
• In September, for the first time, I purchased a car on my own (the only other time I have purchased vehicles was with Mark and I left a lot of it to him)

Also, unlike many folks, I have had the privilege of working remotely since March. My employer has been wonderful throughout this strange time. I feel very well supported by our senior administration as well as my colleagues and know exactly how lucky I am to be employed full time right now. I really never imagined that I would have the discipline to work at home. The ritual of getting up, going into the office, seeing folks in person, these were things I always felt that I'd need to be able to be productive in my job. Instead, I discovered that I'm more focused and (weirdly) more organized working remotely. I know that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for working from home but I'm quite enjoying it (and not having to think about warming up the car and shoveling snow at 6 a.m. is an added bonus)!

Me, working remotely, photo by Bill.

Because I've been working remotely, I was able to spend a lot more time in British Columbia this year than I would ever imagined possible. I know that many folks in long distance relationships have had to remain separated due to travel bans. We're so lucky to have been able to spend the whole summer together and to be together now.  During the summer, because we're in a rural area on a large property, friends were able to visit as we could safely gather outside. While we were always conscious of keeping our distances and doing things safely, it felt almost normal to be able to sit together on the patio or go to the beach and I'm so grateful for that.

The holidays have been weird. It's been strange not seeing people, having fun gatherings, dressing up for parties and dinners... Around here, we embraced the quiet. Many days have been spent wearing pjs, countless movies have been watched, many many snacks have been eaten and a lot of sleeping has been enjoyed.

As the holidays wind down and the new year starts, I'm feeling very fortunate... lucky to be in a wonderful relationship, to have my health, a job I enjoy, a loving and supportive family and wonderful friends. I'm hoping that in 2021, I'll actually be able to see the people I love again and hug them tightly. That's all I really want for this year. 

I don't care about what people think of me

I'm fucked up as it is but we've got so much time to kill

And so many things to see

Life's too short to worry about things that we got wrong

So hug all your friends and let them know

You're not letting go

I won't let go