Reflections on 2020

When I think back to my childhood, I remember thinking of 2020 as this far off time, the year that I would turn 50, a lifetime away.  Yet somehow, here we are, just 6 hours away from the end of the year.  How in the world did it get here so quickly?!?  Of course when I thought about it or wondered what it would be like in 2020, I could never have imagined what we actually got.  I don't think any of us expected to be in the middle of a pandemic in our lifetimes, but here we are.  And while there have been some really tough moments for many people, there has also been a lot of good.  So one day, when I think back to this year, I won't remember it in a negative way, but will remember the good things that it gave me.

We may have traveled less this year than in the past, but we explored more of Michigan and the Lansing area than we ever had previously.  We found so many great new trails and parks close to home, some of which have become regular parts of our lives.  There are an abundance of places to explore within 10 miles of home and lots of beautiful, wooded areas I never knew existed.  We are all thankful for the trails that we have discovered and the ability to be able to get out to enjoy them.

We have continued to do good by helping homeless pups.  While I haven't been able to spend time volunteering at the shelter like I have in the past, I have still been able to foster.  I had a couple more challenging fosters this year in Cricket with her trust issues and Piper with her anxiety, but I also had the joy of fostering a couple of youngsters, Melanie and Roxi.  And I continued to learn life lessons from each of them.  

We were able to finish our Hike 100 Challenge on the North Country Trail for the fifth year.  I continued to make progress toward visiting all of Michigan's State Parks.  I challenged myself in new ways both physically and mentally through group challenges(like the plank challenges I completed), practicing gratitude, focusing on things that I can control, making healthier choices, and eating more vegan and vegetarian meals.  I enjoyed my garden and all of the bounty it gave me.  I have a freezer full of goodies that will get me through the Winter and make me so appreciative of the gifts that nature can provide.

Most importantly, I have gotten to spend so much more time with the girls.  With the exception of the one day that I packed up my office, I have spent every work day since March 17th at home with them.  As Maddie gets older, I can't tell you what a blessing that has been.  They are great coworkers and I am so thankful for the extra time we get to spend together.   Working from home has been a blessing in so many ways and I'm thankful that I will be able to continue to do so long-term now.

I am so grateful for the fact that Maddie will be here to ring in the new year with me tonight, and I am hopeful that she will be here for many more months.  While she is older and that comes with health issues, she is pretty healthy for a nearly 15 year old girl, she still loves a good adventure, and she's always up for a good road trip.  We're only 5 months away from her birthday and I am hopeful that she'll be here to celebrate it.  I have big plans!

Peaches is doing great as well and she is so much fun to have around.  We are nearing the third anniversary of her coming into my life and I never expected her to still be here.  I am thankful that she is.  She brings levity to darker moments, she brings joy to all who meet her, and she has helped keep Maddie going through some dark days.  Maddie and I are grateful that Peaches came into our lives and that we will ring in the new year with her too!

Over the last couple of days we were able to safely spend some time with friends.  Maddie is always up for a visit with her Aunt Chastity!

We also enjoyed more hikes in some areas we haven't visited previously.  While it's been chilly, the sunshine makes us happy and makes the cold bearable.

We also enjoyed a little snow.  While it turned to slush by the next morning, it was pretty on the lighted trees.

To end the year right, we got out for one last hike on a trail we'd never hiked.  It was a little slippery and we didn't go far, but it was a beautiful morning to be out enjoying nature.

And the best part of the day, and the best way to end the year, was a visit from our favorite girl!

We had an outdoor Christmas celebration and the girls were so excited to have our girl home with us.  While we haven't seen her as much as we'd like this year, we are all definitely happy every time we do see her.  And the best part was how excited Maddie was about the presents.  She was back to her enthusiastic self!

I have so much to be thankful for today and every day.  I am thankful for the health of all of those that I love.  I know that many people have lost loved ones this year due to Covid and many other causes.  I am lucky that I haven't lost anyone.  I know that 2020 has been a really tough year for many people and realize just how lucky I am.  I have made it through the year with my health, I have a good job, I have my girls.  I am happy and safe and warm.  

Tonight the girls and I will peacefully allow the new year to arrive without much fanfare because tomorrow is really just another day.  And I plan to continue to make the most of each one I am given. 

 Wishing you all health, happiness, and love today and every day.