A simple enough thought and a wonderful end of the year post… But harder to write than I expected. These are not in any particular order.
1. For the time I had to do nothing and everything.
A blessing often disguised as a curse and something that was new for me in so many ways. It took more time than I wish it had for me to recognize this time for what it was. But I am so grateful for what I was able to accomplish and for what I was able to learn.
2. For my cat, Storm.
Who made the hard days easier, the easy days harder, the nights warmer, and the insanity a little more sane. I don’t know where my mental health would be right now without him, but I know that he was one of many things that helped me to hold onto the joy and hope.
3. For the postal service and delivery people.
Without whom I would have felt more disjointed, uncomfortable, disconnected, and miserable than ever before. For their service not only to me, but to the millions of Americans and people world wide, I am grateful.
4. For Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and other Streaming Services, and the people who write, produce, act in, and create movies and TV.
I don’t know if I have ever been so grateful to have these constant sources of comedy, information, distraction, and fellowship. There was something truly wonderful about bonding with people around the world as new hits were released.
5. For Books.
I haven’t enjoyed books as often or as much in my adult life as I did as a young adult or child, but through tiny apartment quarantine, brutal early morning commutes, and hours of painting… books and audio books were a hero this year, and brought back joys and habits I hope to hold onto better this time around.
6. For Creators, Educators, and Protestors.
The people leading the movement, teaching, and pushing, and dragging the rest of us to and through the work. For the people building community in the most unlikely of places, ways, and around the most noble of causes. You filled aimless time with purpose and changed so many lives for the better.
7. For our New House and even the old Apartment.
When so many didn’t have a place to shelter, we did. That tiny Apartment that in the end felt as though it was shrinking by 6 inches a day taught us to find space where there was none, forced us to find ways to be together even when we wanted to be alone, and to be alone when we were stuck together. And our new home has only just begun to fill our lives with purpose, projects, possibilities, and problems… all of which I am grateful for. I hope that soon we can fill it with Friends and Family
8. For restaurants and local buisnesses.
Because I ordered way more than I should have, tipped everything I had, and I’m still not sure who will still emerge at the end of this, but I am so grateful for what they have done for the community and for the creative ways they’ve found to bring us together. For the jobs they provide.
9. For medical workers, on all levels.
For saving lives, when so many were acting with disregard. Fills me with anger and love. I don’t have the words. But thank you.
10. For my jobs, all of them.
For the job that put me on furlough, the one that brought me through the summer, the one that brought me back, and the one that fit me best when I couldn’t be back like that.
11. For Kids.
Students, charges, friends, purpose, challenge, and love. They bring so much joy to my life and have taught me so much.
12. For Family Zoom Meetings.
Clunky and awkward, too long sometimes, and absolutely worth every moment to just be together somehow. To chase away the worry just a little, and lift the clouds back just far enough to see the sun.
13. For Research Projects and New ideas.
Moving forward in ways I never expected, teaching me things about myself I never knew. Lighting fires that ignite passion and purpose. I think the innovation that has started has altered so many things, just a little, that perhaps it will lead to big change.
14. For my partner Nick.
Without whom I would have been lonely to say the least. This hasn’t been easy but we stuck through, we’re growing and changing, and pushing each other. For your support and love. For your warmth and understanding, and for all your little quirks that make me crazy, I am especially grateful this year.
15. For Nail Polish.
Which represents a level of self care for me, a silly hobby and time killer that I’ve gotten good enough at to feel pride about. For for this and all the other little things that fall into that category.
16. For Fresh Air.
Something I went without for a short time this year, for the first time ever. I am grateful. I am scared.
17. For Meditation.
And my ability to get past childish grudges getting so much better. A quieter, calmer mind. My practice is a long way from where I’d like it to be, but I am just so grateful to practice at all.
18. For Music.
Which filled the silence, made the sameness less dull, and expanded more this year for me than perhaps ever before.
19. For Friends and Games.
From the masked board games in the park, to the online board game nights, to online D and D, and everyone’s new obsession in Among Us. These social interactions that both kept us sane and safe, I don’t know where I’d be without them.
20. For my Health and the health of those I love.
For both my mental and physical health… both of which were a challenge to maintain and preserve, this year more than many in the past, not just for me but for everyone. I am grateful to have everyone still here this year… and for everything and everyone in their lives that made that possible.
Coffee & Conundrums 