Looking back at 2020 and forward to 2021

A friend of mine did this.
I liked the idea.
So I’m doing it.

In 2020…
I woke up in my Nashville apartment.
I went to work.

Two months later…
I lost my job due to a layoff completely unrelated to COVID-19.

A week or so later…
George Floyd was murdered. I went to a protest. It was peaceful. However, I decided from said protest after much contemplation that the BLM movement and “social justice” as a concept was not something with which I wish to associate myself.

About a month later…
The pandemic hit. I was unable to find new employment.

I was still proud of myself for accomplishing my 2019-2020 resolution of losing 30+ pounds. I kept it off (mostly).

I found a part-time job.

A month later—

My father nearly died. I had to quit my job. I went to help him. He regained his will to live. COVID-19 got worse.

I found another part-time job. Same job, different company. Hours got less and less as the pandemic got worse. I had to drive for Instacart and Postmates to supplement my limited income.

My father needed another surgery. I went to help again.

I came back home. I still technically had a part time job, but barely.

I wore a mask. A lot. Mostly to protect my elderly family. I still do.

I thought I had COVID-19. Twice. I tested negative both times. Thank God, literally.

I celebrated holidays. It wasn’t as fun as before, but it was still enjoyable.

I left my former church for personal reasons. I visited other churches and am still doing so.

I spent a lot of time at home. As an introvert, this is good and bad. Good because I no longer feel pressure to interact with people unnecessarily. Bad because I don’t go out of my way to maintain relationships, so said relationships have begun fading.

My grandfather died. I began to truly understand and appreciate the fragility and shortness of human life.

I grew closer to God…and further…and closer…and further…

I stopped singing. I stopped dancing. I began missing social interaction and sharing mutual passions with others.

I downloaded the Acapella app and started creating music on my own. People liked it!

I gave myself valid excuses not to interact.

I started new TV series.

Thank God I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my father, as I do every year! I am blessed with some amazing father figures, but most of all my actual father.

I celebrated the onset of Advent with one of my favorite humans. We chose a tree, put up decorations, and made the holiday magical.

I watched a lot of YouTube. A. LOT. It’s almost embarrassing. 😳 I discovered lots of new recipes too!

I only smoked one cigar.

I ended the year with a Zoom meeting with some old dance friends and a glass of Jack.



In 2021…

I will read the rest of the Old Testament and finish the Bible.

I will get the COVID-19 vaccine, provided that it becomes available and relatively safe for all Americans.

I will serve others (and God) more and myself less.

I will participate in activities that promote more charisma and confidence.

I will take down my Christmas decorations and put up my new home decor.

I will have a better year than last. After all, how could it possibly be worse? 😂