1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?
This year, things were supposed to be "back to normal." They were and they were not, depending on the thing. We all returned to school in the fall in person, wearing masks. We were all thankfully able to be vaccinated, and no one in our home has contracted Covid. The kids have had their share of quarantines, but we did enjoy some degrees of normalcy.
Lucas is in fourth grade, and he loves school. He is playing travel and rec baseball. He just earned his red belt in tae kwon do, and he is a Webelo in Boy Scouts. Cecilia is in first grade, and she is having a good year as well. She is happiest when riding horses. She also played soccer this fall, and she began tae kwon do over the summer.
We also have celebrated most of the holidays and birthdays with our extended family again. We have been able to travel again, with some modifications.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolution for 2022 (as in all of the years past) is to live in a state of gratitude for all I have been given, most of which I do not deserve. I need to make quality time for myself more of a priority this year.
3. What places did you visit?
We went to North Carolina in July, Maine in June, Cape Cod in August, and Lancaster, PA in December.
4. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
I miss that deep sense of security and trust in others that I experienced pre-pandemic. I would like to worry less and enjoy more.
5. What dates from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory?
7/13: a new niece was born
8/9: Cecilia turned 6
8/22: Lucas turned 9
6. What were your biggest achievements of the year?
After years of vacillating, I finally enrolled in a program to earn my Master's in Literacy! Being even a part-time student while balancing the rest of my life has proved to be a big challenge, and yet I am so happy to be back in school. I am learning so much, and I love the school I am attending. When work feels frustrating, I can now say that I am actually doing something to change it.
7. What were your biggest failures?
Two of my failures are not blogging and not exercising/eating well! I could make excuses, but the truth is that neither is a priority right now.
8. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No :-) My back has gone out a few times, but otherwise, it has been a healthy year.
9. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
This may sound corny, but watching Lucas pitch was really exciting! He is such a goofy kid, but when he gets on that mound...so poised and focused.
Also, Ceci has made some huge strides. I want to be vague to protect her privacy, but she has come a long way!
10. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
a bit of both actually
b) thinner or fatter?
fatter
c) richer or poorer?
richer
11. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I have to admit that my patience has been short this year so I wish I would have shown more patience. Patience with myself, with Dave, with the kids, and pretty much everyone else!
12. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating bad food!
13. What were your favorite TV programs?
Dynasty
Schitt's Creek
14. What did you do for your birthday in 2021?
I turned 40 this year! It was a super-stressful time with school so I ended up taking a sick day. I took a walk with my sister, went to Home Goods with my neighbor, and tried to make the best of the day. It wasn't the best birthday ever, but there's always next year!
15. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021?
Life is short! The pandemic has highlighted the importance of living life now.
16. My goals for 2022:
I hope to graduate in 2022 or early in 2023. I also hope to be more present and peaceful.
Happy New Year!
