Well, 2020 sure wasn't the year I expected when it started. I didn't anticipate a pandemic, or the protests, though those were needed. I didn't expect getting laid off from work for 3.5 months. Thank you, COVID-19. Grrrrr. I didn't expect my hermetic tendencies to become such a positive thing. The shutdown, though inconvenient at times, didn't bother me as much as it did some of my family and friends who are so much more social than I am. I didn't expect to have a meltdown and spend a day huddled in bed sobbing my guts out when my state's lockdown was extended yet again. I really wanted to get back to work, and the extension revealed that I wasn't as mentally and emotionally okay as I thought I was. I'm doing better these days.
But 2020 was okay in some respects. No one I know has died from COVID-19. Deity willing, that streak continues. Some of my friends had it, but seem to have missed the long-term effects. I may have had it last February but my doctor and I aren't 100% sure. Despite the economy and the center I teach at being under-enrolled, I am still employed. My health is reasonably good. My family is mostly healthy. My church has been smart and having services online. That pleases my introverted soul though I know for some of the other church members, it's challenging not meeting in person.
I'm cautiously optimistic about 2021. Mostly, I have hope. I hope it will be a better year, that we get the pandemic under control. That politics in the US becomes less volatile. That we have a government that gives a damn about its people. That we make progress eradicating racism and treating all people fairly and justly. That we peace, health, and happiness.
I hope that all of you will have a year of health, happiness, and peace. That you have good books to read and time and quiet to enjoy them.
Happy New Year, and blessed be!
2020 was such a challenging year. Like you, I tend to like to stay home but there were times that I felt antsy because there weren't any other options. I am hopeful that 2021 will bring about the start of the changes that we need. Happy New Year, Bea!
ReplyDeleteYes, I got antsy a few times too. It's one thing to choose to stay home and something else to have to stay home.
DeleteHappy New Year!
Happy New Year, Bea. I hope that 2021 is a kinder, gentler year for all of us!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Jen! I also hope 2021 is a kinder, gentler year for all of us.
DeleteThis was definitely a year when being an introvert was a bonus. The three of us were perfectly fine with staying home most of the time! I hope 2021 is a good year!
ReplyDeleteIt really was; introversion FTW! I hope 2021 is a good year for you and your family.
Delete2020 was certainly not what any of us expected. Here's hoping to a better 2021. Happy New Year, Bea!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Yvonne! Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy 2021 Bea. I hope this year will be gentler with us all, and that we'll be able to keep our jobs (or find new jobs for those who need it), and of course that we'll all stay healthy and safe.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely wish, Linda. I hope the same for you and your family.
DeleteI hope so too! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy New Year!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
DeleteI'm glad last year is over, even if, like you, I didn't mind staying home as much as other people did. My sister hated it, not me ! The cats were happy ^^ Hope is there, I do wish you a better year, Bea :)
ReplyDeleteMy cat was confused, then happy that I was home so much. 😁 Happy New Year Iza, here's to a better year!
DeleteHappy 2021, let us hope it is better (though I am personally not too optimist about it, certainly not until well into summer).
ReplyDeleteBeing introverted, staying away from people was OK by me. Mercifully work was stable. These days I do get nervous going out mainly due to all the twatwaffles out there who refuse to wear masks, etc. Seriously, a trip to Walmart is basically taking your life in your hands. Less I have to go out, the better. So far, been COVID free (tested twice at least), getting tested again this week as I go back to work. *Knock on wood*
Stay safe one and all. Best, and keep on blogging.
Other than going to work every day, I don't go out much and yes, shopping is stressful. Stay safe, and happy New Year!
DeleteWe had the privilege of being able to work from home, and I know not everyone got to do that. So I guess we'll be home for a bunch more months, but at least now we know! The more people like me stay home, the more people who HAVE to leave the house will be safe. *waves from the basement*
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many jobs truly can be done from home when given the opportunity. It does seem as if we'll be confined to home for a while longer but there may be light at the end of the tunnel.
DeleteStay safe! *waves to Jody in her basement* Claude says hey.