As we look back on 2020, we know about all the crazy, scary, frustrating and anxiety producing things that happened. There were also a lot of good things that took place this year, so I begin this post remember those things.
- Charly got a really bad case of pneumonia in February. It lasted into March and now really wonder if he had Covid, since this was before there were any Covid tests. I have read that Covid was actually in the U.S. much earlier than previously thought. Charly ended up in the E.R. for a few hours, but thankfully he recovered at home, even though it took about six weeks.
- Early in March, I fell while out on a walk, and broke my hand and banged up my face and needed stitches. Even though three doctors told me I would probably need surgery on my hand to have a normal range of movement, a new doctor looks at the x-rays and said "no surgery!" I was in a cast for about six weeks, but ultimately healed up well and my hand is as good as it ever was before the fall.
- The week after I fell and broke my hand, COVID was declared a pandemic and schools almost everywhere were closed and lessons went online. I am thankful that both Charly and I could work from home and that Josh could finish his college classes online. Interestingly, we had just purchased a new computer in December and we had upgraded our internet in February, right before COVID became a that would mean we would be using our home technology.
- On March 18 after being on stay-at-home orders for only a few days, there was a pretty significant earthquake here along the Wasatch Front. Although there was some damage to buildings west of here, and we definitely felt the shaking, nothing even slide off a shelf here at our home.
- Beginning in April, I got out my sewing machine and began making masks. At that time, it was virtually impossible to find masks, so I used fabric and elastic on hand and began sewing masks, first for friends and family and then for pretty much anyone who wanted or needed them. Before the end of the summer, I had made and given away or donated over 350 masks to friends, family, total strangers, the Navajo Nation and home patrons of the 4th Street Clinic in Salt Lake City.
- In May, we wrapped up the school year, and Charly and I made the decision that this would be his final year as a classroom. Teaching during COVID just presents too many risks for Charly because of his age and health condition. I am grateful that we are in a financial position to have him retire.
- In June, Charly and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. Josh celebrated his birthday. We walked and hiked a lot.
- In July, after cancelling two vacation due to COVID, we took a road trip to Yellowstone National Park and had a delightful, mostly outside, socially-distanced, mask wearing National Park vacation.
- In August it was back to school for me. Charly officially begin his life as a retiree. While going back to school created some anxiety, returning teachers got a raise and several unexpected COVID bonuses. Charly has help down the fort here at home, doing all the things he usually did and more. He does a good part of the cleaning and almost all of the grocery shopping
- In October, Charly and celebrated our birthdays, and went on a long weekend trip to Southern Utah where we visited Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Kolob Canyon Section of Zion National Park. It was really a nice trip. I am grateful we could make it. The school where I teach has its first COVID closure.
- In November, Joe Biden won the presidential election, and the school went on another COVID online only closure. at the end of the month. We had a nice Thanksgiving - just the three of us.
- December brought the Electoral College confirmation of Joe Biden's victory, and a nice Christmas holiday and break.
As I think back over the 2020, I realized that these are some of the most important lessons I learned. I hope to remember these things, as we move forward into what will hopefully be a better year - 2021.
- Things can change EXTREMELY quickly and in a major way.
- Never assume that you know what is going to happen next - you don't!
- Health is a precious thing - don't ever take it for granted. Do whatever is necessary to preserve it!
- Having a lot more time at home is not necessarily a bad thing!
- Going shopping is NOT fun, and money can be saved by shopping online and avoiding impulse purchases. This is especially true of gift giving.
- I can treat others good, even when I don't feel good!
- Listening, validating and having empathy is important and the key to good communication!
- Moms are NOT responsible for all choices - good and bad- that their children make.
- Democracy is a precious and fragile thing.
- Every vote DOES really count!
- Having a spouse you actually enjoy spending time with is a great blessing!
Now on to my goals. Here are my goals for 2020 and a quick look at how I did at achieving them:
- Read the scriptures every day - While I did miss a few days of reading, I would guess that I probably read the scriptures about 75% of the days during the past year. I also finished my Come Follow Me study.
- Make a gratitude list every day - I would estimate that I made a gratitude list first thing every morning about 90% of days during 2020.
- Post on my blog at least once every week - Yes, I did this. Most weeks, I have posted twice.
- Read at least 25 books - I read 47 books in 2020 - a new yearly reading personal best for me.
- Go to the temple at least 15 times - Temples were closed in March because of the pandemic, so sadly, I could not complete this goal.
- Index at least 500 records - I indexed over 1200 records this year. Being home on lockdown during the spring and summer allowed me to spend much more time than usual doing this.
- Lose 10 lbs. - Nope. I lost five pound at the beginning of lockdown, but promptly gained it back. I weight about the same I did last year at this time.
- Eat fish at least 1-2 times per week - Nope. I simply don't like fish, so I quit trying. Charly has been eating a lot more fish though and he is eating it at least 1-2 times a week.
- Have weekly positive communication (talk, text, email or one-on-one time) with at least one family member other than Charly - Yes, I have done this - I think, but honestly, I will say that I didn't really keep track.
After giving it a lot of thought, these are the goals I decided on for this year (in no particular order). You will notice that many of the same as last year.
- Read the scriptures every day.
- Complete the 2021 Come Follow Me Scripture Study.
- Index at least 500 records
- Reach out in a positive way to a family member who does not live with me every week. This can be different family members - including siblings, cousins, aunts, children and grandchildren. This can including calling, texting, emailing, or sending a card, gift or letter.
- Continue to post on my blog at once every week.
- Reach out to a friend (other than work associates) once a week - call, text, email, card or letter.
- Eat healthy - fruits and vegetables with every meal. Limit sugar.
- Continue to count calories - strive for 1500 or less.
- Exercise every day.
- Limit time on social media - FaceBook and Twitter to 15 minutes a day.
- Read at least 30 books this year - 15 of those books from personal existing "to read" book stash. Aim for 30-60 minutes of reading time each day.
That brings me to my word, my focus, for 2021. My word for this year is STRONG!
I will admit that sometimes, I do not feel strong. Sometimes, I feel like I am a weak, hot mess. Still, I know that I am strong, that I have been strong, and that I can be strong when that is needed. I want to continue to be strong and get stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have done hard things in the past and I can do hard things again.
This past year has been hard, but I got through it. I learned new things. I did things I never imagined I would have to do. When I felt at my weakest, I prayed and relied on the strength of God.
With Him, I am STRONG and getting STRONGER with each passing year.
Prayers for 2021 to be a good year for all of us, that we can all stay strong, and look to the light and hope of the world when we feel weak.
Happy New Year to all!
