My annual reflection of the past year started on New Year's Day. While I was dragging myself through the day (groggy due not to the previous night's festivities but because we were trying to calm our dog during the fireworks set in our neighborhood), I assessed my goals for the new year. I took the time to remember what was accomplished and what still needs to be done. I, also, remembered the significant events of the last year that will help shape how I feel about how I'll tackle life goals.
2021 was a year of persevering. It was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, testing my resilience and positivity. Here's how the year went down:
Politics
On January 4 this year (as I was reflecting on the year 2020), I wrote
"After a week of counting very-close races, the Biden/Harris ticket won decisively. Unfortunately, the Trump shenanigans did not stop and, showing bad manners and disgrace, he and his lackeys continued to contest that the voting results were legal or legitimate. As of today, there is still one last option to disrupt the results. We'll find out how the Congress acts when they're asked to legitimize the votes this week."
Unfortunately, this comment was prescient. On January 6, as the Congress was verifying the Electoral count (which is normally a ceremonial duty rather than a place where votes change), hundreds of marauders stormed the Capitol building. I watched in horror at the images that the trapped reporters inside had sent to us outside. One Capitol policeman was bludgeoned and later died of his injuries. One person was shot trying to launch herself into the Senate chambers. Two more officers committed suicide, considered "died in the line of duty." This was a massive, out-of-control insurgence into one of the most important national buildings. Soon afterwards, a trial was held to impeach President Trump for "incitement of insurrection." 57 Senators voted "guilty" which fell short of the 2/3 majority needed and my hopes for an effective Biden/Harris administration were dashed.
In February, the COVID-19 vaccines became available -- first to those on the front line, the infirmed and senior citizens; then, to other adults. The rate of the creation, testing and production of the vaccines were unprecedented and, initially, I was skeptical that it was safe but I poured over the medical journals and realized that it was built on 20-year-old mRNA method that had been used for cancer and HIV-AIDS. Besides, I felt the testing results were in line with most vaccines out today. I stood in a long line, giddy with hope that the year would turn around -- specifically, that we would conquer the rampant spread of the virus. Months later, it was clear that the nation was divided between people who believed the virus actually existed and those who thought it was hoax or, at the very least, an inconvenience to them.
In March, the American Rescue Plan (aka the COVID Relief Plan) barely passed the Senate. It was a significant program designed to provide funds to aid state and local governments' ability to manage their emergency systems; to distribute vaccines throughout the nation; to support rehabilitation of schools; to expand the tax credit per dependent child; to aid small businesses and small to mid-sized restaurants; and to expand eligibility of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) to people who didn't qualify before. It made a huge dent in the efforts to combat the results of the pandemic. I was hopeful that we were on the right track. A few months later, as the mask mandate was lifted in each of the states, the American Rescue Plan was virtually forgotten. By then, the public was exhausted from wearing masks and confining themselves to essential-only activities. The virus reared its ugly head again and mutated into the Delta and Omicron strains. The supply chain was taxed to its limit. The economy became depressed.
The transition from the Trump administration to Biden's was rocky. It was as if the renters were still in the home when the buyers moved in. Even now, there are conspiracies that undermine our country's ability to move in the right direction. The Trump presidency was a civics lesson to us all. It laid bare all of the flaws of the Constitution and, most importantly, how the unofficial codes of conduct that we should expect of our elected leaders are not honored. All year, I watched as government leaders (Congress and Supreme Court) attempt to fix these holes while others obstruct the progress.
Most importantly, I observed the public acting badly. I read negative, personal comments about people's race and politics when a question as innocent as why our gas bill is higher was posed on our neighborhood app, NextDoor. People were divided in two groups: 1) those that patiently stand in line, waiting their turn; and 2) those that cut in line, assuming they're entitled. I worked the polls for the California initiative to recall Governor Newsom in September and heard so much vitriolic statements about masks, guns and Newsom that I was hyper-vigilant all day. Two voters actually got into a heated argument about masks and one dared the other to meet him in the parking lot!
My hope for our country has been battered. Yet, I still believe there are remedies (such as the Voting Rights Act and many parts of the Build Back Better Infrastructure Bill). As of today, passage of either is projected to be a hard battle and is not guaranteed. At the very least, I cannot imagine opposition to ensuring our votes count and that everyone CAN vote safely. That is the basis of democracy. I vow to do everything I can do to support the members of Congress who are fighting for us.
Friends
The year 2021 was about restoring those important friendships and realizing that they were built on a very sturdy foundation.
When businesses and restaurants started to open, we pondered how to enjoy our friends. We rented a movie theater and invited 20 friends and family to join us -- twice! (While I don't have 20 friends, we managed to find friends of family to invite as well.) I had really missed the popcorn and watching people enjoy a movie on the large screen was so uplifting.
A couple of my friends and I set up monthly lunch dates so we could see each other face-to-face. I never realized how much I had missed the spontaneous conversations and laughter! Other friends were still reticent about venturing out so we continued to email and send silly cards. I, also, met new people at family get-togethers. True, I don't have the history with them but it was nice to commune and, in some cases, make new friends.
2022 will continue to be about nurturing these friendships. In my small world, there is positivity.
Family
2021 was a year to solidify the relationship with my family. We were able to weather storms and rainbows as a fully-functional, loving family.
My relationship with my Dad improved quite a bit -- possibly, because he realized he missed us after he moved to Colorado. While most of the calls were utilitarian, some were just catching up and I loved that.
My relationship with my brother took a positive turn. We met for my sister's birthday and, later, during the Christmas holiday. Both were very pleasant visits. We, also, reached out to both his sons and daughter (and their families) just to touch base and enjoyed our interaction. We are so proud of them and how they've settled into their lives with their families.
Our relationship with my husband's brother and his family really grew last year. We watched as their daughter navigated online college courses, then actually move into an apartment at the campus. She stayed overnight at our house several times and we had wonderful, deeply personal conversations. It is so interesting to see things from a younger perspective. She has grown into a fascinating, funny, smart young woman. I, also, really began to fully appreciate my relationship with her mother. We drove up north and had terrific, honest conversations throughout the trip. It is so nice not to fight jealousies and resentment as some do with their in-laws. My husband's brother, also, started to become more candid and less self-conscious with me. We saw that we had many things in common (including cooking) and could seriously talk about them. It didn't hurt that he still is a big goofball!
The relationship with my sister, her daughter and daughter's husband became stronger. Family Game Night continued through June but, when they began to have other obligations, we stopped it. Still, we managed to meet regularly for movies and dinner. The bonus was that my sister's son-in-law really got into smoking meats last year so we were very happy to test their results! Her daughter showed interest in woodworking -- actually, restoring old furniture -- so my husband and she spent quality time working in the garage and he was so pleased to find an avenue to get closer with her. During the year, they diligently looked for a new home (and suffered all the inherent disappointments of buying a home in 2021) but it paid off -- they bought their perfect home. Their new place is so suited to entertain their friends and family (which they do well) -- and to relax and chill. We have enjoyed watching them take on the responsibilities with owning a new home with such expertise.
My sister was the only family member that was required to work at an office in 2021 but she handled it well. She advocated for a safe environment and held her company to it. She had an emergency surgery to have gall bladder removed (luckily, just before the hospitals started turning away patients again) and recovered well. My relationship with her has always been so strong and, last year, it became stronger. It was clear that we depend on each other to be cheerleader/confidante and to give honest feedback.
I expect, for 2022, we'll discover more about each other and confirm that our support for each other is golden.
My Little Family
My little family of my husband and dog continued to provide me everyday comfort in 2021.
We were so proud of how consistent we were about Ella's walks and trips to play ball. As a result, she seemed particularly loving throughout the year and she didn't mind the reciprocal hugging and kissing we smothered on her.
While my husband and I stopped our regular spiritual discussions because he became so busy at work, we still found time to eat together and have good conversations -- mostly humorous. Also, we discovered we loved our downtime. Sitting on the bed, watching a good action movie, was our favorite past time. 2021, also, allowed us to go out! We went out to restaurants (for our missed sushi fixes) and concerts (for our missed jazz and classical music fixes) but, honestly, cooking and eating a great meal at home could not be beat.
My husband started playing, again, with a college jazz band of educators in the area. He was so happy to play live again. He, also, began woodworking which caused me to consider what new furniture I wanted. It was fun to watch him light up doing the things that he loves. Retirement was now something he wanted and he negotiated a earlier end date for his work contract.
I anticipate 2022 to be a year of learning new things with each other.
Personal
On a personal level, 2021 was productive...and not-so-productive.
I was determined to finish at least one large home improvement project. After being inspired at craft fairs, I planned and designed what I wanted to accomplish in our living room and saved money, throughout the year, to refresh our furniture as well. While I wasn't crazy about the dust and noise, when it was finished, I was so pleased with the result. Our living room became a room where I wanted to sit and relax rather than just visit. We, also, took on a small project to fix some broken tile in the dining room and create a tile mosaic. This was a nice, beautiful way to solve a potentially large expense.
With the good news came bad news. Our washer and water heater had to be replaced. I was so distressed with the new expense (and it wasn't inexpensive) and looked around the house to guess what other large item would have to be replaced next. Yes, the car became our next nemesis. We had to replace the car battery, brake pads and thermostat. Luckily, the expense was nothing huge because we were still under warranty -- whew!
We met with our financial advisor and were happy that our plans for retirement were solid. Our advisor advised that we refinance our mortgage to a lower rate. What a smart idea! We saved quite a bit and ended up spending far less money in payments each month.
I wanted to concentrate on my health and well-being. While I was horrible at restarting a regular exercise routine in 2021, I did improve our eating habits and planned meals to eat less meat. I, also, completed my annual physical -- something I put off in 2020.
I did start an art project and finished a couple craft projects throughout the year but not to the extent that I wanted. Still, the end results helped me express my artistic self.
This blog, after a while, became a burden. I had too many ideas and did not commit enough time for them. I'll, also, admit that I felt powerless in the political atmosphere in 2021 and it impacted my voice.
2022 has started positively, though. I'm back at my blog. I've got another home improvement project in the planning phase. I've started a cooking class. I've designed my next art piece. I have persevered through the ups and downs of 2021.