A Year In Review: 2020
[At the end of every year, I try to go through this process of reflecting back at the year, remembering some of the good moments, retrospection on the bad and reminding myself of things that I learnt from all of it. This might, however, be the first time I ever formally write down some of those thoughts. Here's hoping that this practice continues.]
2020 brought about a lot of ups and downs for the whole world. My year, like everyone else's, did not turn out much as I had expected at the beginning of the year, but today, on the first day of 2021, looking back at 2020 in the rearview mirror for the first time, I feel quite content, grateful for all the positive things that happened, big or small, and hopeful and optimistic for this new year.
The beginning of last year saw my second date with a special someone. And two weeks ago saw our first anniversary. It would have been a weird, funny, interesting year for any relationship, and it was especially so for a new one, but one that I feel certain will last a lifetime. This is the most important highlight of my 2020, something that made the year very meaningful amidst all the chaos and uncertainty of the covid-19 pandemic. I will skip being stereotypically "girly" or getting any more personal about this for now.
Looking back at the major events of last year, here are some other highlights that make me happy:
- 17 books read, and other attempts at learning. My best year since I started the goal of reading 1 book a month ~4-5 years ago. Also, by far, my best year of non-fiction books read. I have always been interested in history and last year, made time for some books, podcasts and documentaries for learning more about our history. Also followed the US elections more closely than I ever have before.
- Watched all the Harry Potter movies for a HP trivia night. Our team of four, the Order of the Pint, since the trivia was hosted at the Pint pub, were nowhere close to the winning teams, but we had a great time and formed some new bonds.
- Spent some time with my Mexican and Peruvian friends. I got to learn more about their lives, their culture, attend a virtual wedding and form new friendships.
- Loved having my Seattle friends visit and stay with me. Glad that last year offered a couple of long weekends before the pandemic hit.
- Visited Seattle with my special someone. Met some old friends and some new.
- Liked organizing some bigger hang outs with friends - bowling, potluck, Halloween house party.
- Spent a lot of real and virtual time with most friends and family that are important to me. Some other friends, sadly, do seem to have drifted away a bit.
- Completed level 2 of the Spanish coursera course. Did a bunch of practice on Duolingo.
- Did some guitar practice on my own. Also started guitar lessons last month.
- Made the Hufflepuff painting, a Hedwig rock painting and a yarny from Unravel. Tried calligraphy, fabric painting and ceramic and glass painting.
- Baked a decent amount. Made 4 birthday cakes, including my own half birthday cake ;), and several other cookies and lava cakes.
- Completed a 1000 piece puzzle. Started a 2000 piece one.
- Started and finished Unravel 2 on PS4.
- Got a fitbit. Started paying more attention to health and fitness. Also, discovered Zumba and BollyX! My cardio methods are changed forever!
- Turned 30! Got to have the best birthday given the circumstances - 2 cakes, a close-to-midnight surprise, a beach birthday party and a white water rafting trip.
- Started this blog!
- Completed two years in my current job. It has had its ups and downs but last year had more ups than the year before, so that's something.
- Explored BC more than ever before - shorter day stuff like SUPing on Harrisson lake, kayaking on Cultus lake, boating (and having to be rescued by a motor boat) on Pitt lake, visiting Stave Lake and Pemberton. And longer trips to Sunshine Coast, Nanaimo, Victoria, Port Renfrew, Campbell River, Kelowna and Sun Peaks.
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