As others have mentioned, thankful that I enjoy my husband’s company so much and that we get along so well.

I finished a record number of quilting projects. A colleague at work got started making her first quilt very early in the pandemic, and I gave her some Zoom support/lessons. The two of us have become close friends as a result, and she has contributed to my enjoyment of the hobby this year.

My husband’s hours were cut within a couple weeks of the pandemic beginning, and then he lost his job in the summer as the company (an advertising agency who mostly works with one of the big 3 auto companies doing trade shows) was struggling. But he found a new job within a couple weeks. It’s actually in the town where we live (a <5 minute commute), less stress and politics, and way more enjoyable, for about the same money. They are in the manufacturing sector so are considered essential and have weathered the economic downturn okay. So his job loss was definitely a blessing in disguise.

Despite my school having active cases since early November, including a couple in my class that resulted in a two week quarantine for me, we have all escaped getting CoVid as far as we know.

Since all travel plans were obviously cancelled, we built a new deck which became a lovely oasis for our summer at home.

I was involved in a few projects with some of my teacher friends from across Canada that never would have happened had we not pivoted to all virtual projects in the education professional learning world.

And of course our dog Heathrow thinks that 2020 was the best year ever, since we spent so much more time at home!

One more thing. I haven't got a hair cut since early February. So I get to experience keeping long hair. And it looks like my hair will get to grow longer as I expect people in my demographics to be at the back of the line for vaccines.

quote:

Originally posted by Doug:
Nothing to speak of so far, but I’ve still got a couple hours left…

I have remained healthy so far.

I celebrated one year at my new job. I am so grateful to work at this food justice org. The pandemic had the team step up and work harder and reach more people than ever. It is inspiring.

My 91 year old mother moved in with my sister at the beginning and for that I am grateful she did not have to be locked down alone. In September, she moved to an independent living complex with her own beautiful one bedroom apartment and all services on site (dr., store, meals, library, you name it.) She is so very happy and safe there while preserving her independence. The complex has a plan to visit each resident at their apartment to offer the vaccine..no lines, no travel to the clinic.

Oldest started grad school online in March. Ironically it was already set up that way long before the pandemic.

Middle and Shorty have not only managed to keep their restaurant jobs but also gain extra work in areas they particularly love. Not tons of money but they are supporting themselves and managing pretty well despite the times.

And my long planned home construction project got started! Mostly outdoor work and still not done, but just before the end of Dec I finally got my new windows! Things are a lot less drafty around here.