Goodbye 2020; Happy New Year 2021!

Can you believe it, the year is FINALLY ending today and we all finally get to say goodbye 2020! What a relief! In hindsight, if I would have known about the little getting around I would do in 2020, I would have done a better job of planning what to do with this year that barely happened. I’m thankful to be saying goodbye to one of the most challenging years most all of us have ever experienced. Before I do, I figure I should share some of the good and the bad of 2020 that I’ve experienced this year and my optimistic view of 2021.

The Good, the Bad, and the Hope

The Good

I figure it’s always good to start with some positivity, and in this case, I did have a lot that went well in 2020.

• WE DIDN’T GET COVID-19!
• Moved into our own apartment (we were living with 3 others in a big house).
• Tesla – I was one of those fortunate folks who bought into Tesla (TSLA) 4 or so years ago, and has seen it now grow 1,442% since I bought in!
• Took the train from Portland to Whitefish for a socially distanced adventure (pretty much spent five days in a hot tub 🙂 )
• Spent some amazing time getting closer with my “quarantine buddies”.
• Made more money from my job than any year before.
• Donated more and helped raise over $700 for the American Lung Association via Reach-the-Beach (another canceled event)
• PAID OFF MY CREDIT CARD DEBT!!!

The Bad

The bad list could be quite large, but I’ll do my best to just keep it to the big ones.

• The large number of people who died and those that are struggling to make it due to COVID-19.
• EVERY planned trip or event was canceled or postponed after the end of February.
• I am no longer an airplane owner (for now – it was much needed).
• Jason didn’t get around as per usual.
• Didn’t get to hug enough of my dear friends!
• Worked way more hours in my job than any year before.
• Struggled with my identity being shifted around and put on hold (little travel, barely flew, no longer an airplane owner, and had minimal socialization)

The Hope

The hope list is what I’m optimistic about happening in 2021. It’s hard to plan, but thankfully all the flights I’m planning to take in 2021 are cancelable with either a full refund or flight credits.

• Stepping into an airport and taking a commercial flight again.
• Spending a month in Sayulita.
• Celebrating the weddings of my friends.
• Enjoying some R&R in Honolulu and Kona.
• Working remote in new places (here’s hoping this remote work thing continues).
• Taking my mom on an adventure to Alaska (previously postponed).
• Moving from Oregon (home for all my life) to Czechia in the fall.

Goodbye 2020

2020 was full of ups and downs for me and so many around the globe (maybe not Elon Musk as much as he became the 2nd richest person in the world). Unlike years past where the ups outnumbered the downs, this year the downs outnumbered the ups, but I’m so thankful for my partner, my family, and my friends for helping me to get through this difficult year. I’m hoping today will bring myself and everyone else a great experience as we say goodbye 2020 and bring it on 2021 – I’m much more prepared this time around!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!