The Requisite End-of-Year Post

 What is there to say about this year that hasn’t already been said?

What can I write that could possibly convey enough to encapsulate this strange, brutal year?

There’s been a lot of anxiety, fear, and disappointment.

For some, there has been loss, sadness, and struggle.

It’s been a hard time to be a parent, weighing every decision and saying no, a lot. 

The election was an ugly time for me. I was judgemental, afraid, and demoralized. I swung back and forth from thinking I was on the right side of things, to wondering if I was one of the crazy ones.

I don’t see 2021 being much better than 2020. I don’t think that, just because the calendar page turns, things are going to be different. At least for the first six months.

I think it will be a year of hope, and tentative steps toward normalcy. 

There is still much to learn from this event, and I hope changes come about because of it.

(Now, I'm going to make a big, honking chocolate cake and eat it in the middle of the day!)

There were some positives too.

Time. More time to reflect (and worry), and to write. There’s been more time spent with family, and enjoying nature. I've spent time with friends in the rain, and in the freezing cold just to be together.

Celebrations. Birthdays, holidays, and milestones celebrated in memorable ways.

                   Gigi:

She’s given us such joy, and taught us patience, and the art of making people feel loved and special. 

Also:

Democracy won

Carbon emissions went down

Racial injustice protests

LBGTQ inclusion

The 1st female vice president!

Trends I tried, and even liked: a hot chocolate bomb, TikTok dances, and wearing yoga pants in public.

Favorite Books:                                                                                                                                    

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton:

magical realism meets gothic mystery.

The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue: superb writing

Circe by Madeline Miller: all around great read

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell: disturbing story of student/teacher relationship that blurs the lines of what is a victim. 

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson: how prison systems are intrinsically flawed businesses with no interest in reforming people

TV Shows:

Dark (Netflix): a mind-bending puzzle

The Queen's Gambit (Netflix): who knew chess could be so compelling?

The Spy (Netflix):

Modern Love (Amazon Prime): not the sentimental love stories you expect

What were some of your positives from 2020?
Or, if you need to rant, complain, or whine I'm here for that too!

My 3-layer chocolate cake with chocolate nibs sprinkled on top.