It's almost time to leave the year 2020 — something most everyone is Very Ready to Do. I love looking back at these reflective surveys each each and seeing what I was thinking, feeling, and experiencing at the time. Some things never change, and some things do, radically. Here are ones from New Year's Eve 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.
1. What did you do in 2020 that you’d never done before?
Got to WORK FROM HOME FULL TIME!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few of my book club friends are having/recently had more babies.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My great aunt Irene, the last sibling on my grandfather's side, passed away from COVID in late April, at the impressive age of 95. We got to see her and interact with her through a glass door one more time before she left us. She was ready, I will always miss her, but her influence on my life is evident in who I am every day.
5. What countries did you visit?
Ha, countries. Before we knew what COVID was, my friends and I had just paid deposits for a trip to Costa Rica in September. Clearly, we canceled it, and I've barely left the state of South Carolina this year, save for like, two day trips to Charlotte, NC.
6. What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?
I guess the only thing I really want, aside from endless money, is some clarity on how my future work situation will shake out. I would love the option to stay full-time remote, or even only go in 1 day a week, but we are receiving little info on that, so the future feels a little uncertain in that regard. I am at a point where I really like my job due to working from home, so I want to keep that aspect for sure.
7. What dates from 2020 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 25, the first day we got to work from home. At the time we thought we'd be back in the office by Memorial Day, but here we are, likely looking at being home through the next Memorial Day by some guesses and estimates. Other than that, this year hasn't been that eventful, but it has been good for us.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Not only did we get the backyard done, but I just paid off the last dime of our HELOC today, which truly shows me how much I have been able to save this year by staying home.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Can you really fail if you aren't doing much to begin with?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Other than my stupid allergy and sinus issues, I've started to experience a bit of pain in my hands and elbows — some neuropathy and muscle weakness in those areas. But I am looking into an acupuncture regimen in early 2021 that I hope will be able to relieve both of those problems.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Probably the back yard work. It's a total game changer, and I love the backyard now. My in-laws gifted us outdoor furniture as an early Christmas present and it's been so amazing to enjoy it, from working outside at the picnic table, to lounging in the pink chairs, to watching the fire pit flicker in the evening.
12. Where did most of your money go?
FOOD and paying off the backyard! It's been easier to budget for food though with working from home. I don't have to prep as much ahead of time, and don't have to anticipate what I might want to eat in a few hours. I can just... go into the kitchen and get it. So that's helped me be able to not spend as much on food, and to not waste as much.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Totally, 100% working from home. Being in an office surrounded by noisy people and interruptions, where I had no control over environmental conditions like temperature was torture to me. Now I have everything I need and own right here in the house, and I control the temperature! And the noises, so there aren't any until the mailman delivers the mail and the dogs bark.
14. What song will always remind you of 2020?
Not being in the car for more than an hour daily, I really haven't listened to music much this year. Maybe this song? Minus the pervert implications, of course.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier.
– thinner or fatter? Thinner, thanks yoga and walking around the neighborhood!
– richer or poorer? Richer.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Body toning exercise. Maybe a little more freelancing, but I did enjoy the break from constant deadlines.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Having sinus problems.
18. How did you spend Christmas Day?
It was a weird blur in a slow way. We got up and did coffee and presents before 9 a.m., then hung out doing nothing til about 12:30, when we went to the State House to take our annual photo in the freezing cold.
After that, we picked up Chinese food and ate and napped the rest of the day. I woke up around 6 when it was turning to complete darkness outside and continued to graze on Chinese food and Christmas cookies.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
I totally started watching Dawson's Creek when it came on Netflix this fall and have enjoyed it. I never watched it or really knew what it was about when it was on air while I too, was in high school.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
My GoodReads list is being weird but according to it, I read 40 books this year. Additionally, I got a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library membership, because they have way more ebook options. I've been reading so much.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Same classic rock that it always is and always will be.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
The only new movie I saw this year was the Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. Fun fact: the only movie Patrick and I ever went to a theater to see together was the first Borat movie.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 35 and I don't think I did a single thing because #quarantinelife.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I guess making significantly more money, or not having to work at all? Not being trapped in an office for most of the daylight hours, I really feel like I got to connect with nature and the world around me more than ever. I felt and enjoyed the changing of every season. I got to see how the light streamed in through the windows in the morning. I took pleasure in the small things, like the feeling of the air on my skin, and doing things without an air of rushing constantly at my back. Other than worrying about myself and others catching the virus, I've had one of the most satisfying years of my LIFE.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2020?
Hahahaha. Shorts or yoga pants, t-shirts, and a bathrobe all the way.
If I could be assured I could work from home indefinitely, I'd get rid of at least half of my "work clothes".
26. What kept you sane?
The slower pace of life for me. Barely any obligations, plenty of time to decide exactly what is important to me, and the ability to let everything else just fall away.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2020.
I actually enjoy my corporate job and the stability it provides. Never thought I'd be this person, but here we are.