It's almost time to leave the year 2021 — in hopes that 2022 might be different finally? 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 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.
1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?
Lived through a whole year of Covid. That's not that interesting though, we all did that if we are able to read this.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Position self to get the full raise amount in the spring (it’s small, don’t get excited). Yes.
Invest $8k in Wealthfront account. I actually switched everything from Wealthfront to ETFs.
Decide if we are going to take on the bedroom/half bath addition or just the full bathroom renovation in winter 21-22 timeframe, get quotes, begin designing, and save for it. We had to unexpectedly get a whole new HVAC unit so this got pushed back to 2022, but I did get it designed!
Get COVID vaccine. And a booster!
Do acupuncture sessions to hopefully alleviate allergy symptoms in early spring. Done and love it.
Continue daily Duolingo Spanish sessions. Yo comprendo español! I stopped in the spring once I realized I wasn't going to get to go to a Spanish speaking country anytime soon.
Take a vacation outside of the Southeast, preferably somewhere that needs a passport. No, but I am in January 2022!
Continue weekly yoga — one in studio, one at home at a minimum. I did stick to this for the most part but didn't track it or anything.
Publish at least 104 new blog posts in 2021, that’s 2 per week. I got to 92, but also started working on my SEO more in the autumn and stopped working as hard on new posts.
Get solar panels installed on the house. Done!! Love them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I can recall.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
We had a no-death year, as far as close friends, family, and pets are concerned. That is quite a feat in this environment.
5. What countries did you visit?
Well, I went to Savannah, GA! And Asheville, NC. I didn't leave a state that didn't touch SC this year, again.
6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
Direction. I felt a bit rudderless this year, like I floated through it and somehow made it to the end with no major issues or life changes. That is good and bad at the same time, in a way.
7. What dates from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't think any. This was a pretty uneventful year. Probably the best days were my short trip to Savannah in the spring.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I started a novel. As of this New Year's Eve, I am 30,000 words into it. My plan is to finish a readable first draft by my birthday in May. I've been doing most of my writing in the evenings between 8:30 and 10 p.m.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I really wanted to advance my career and salary this year, which includes securing a fully remote role, but did not succeed in that arena. I think I needed to stay where I am now until the exact right opportunity comes along, whatever it may be. It was and is nice having that stability and confidence in what I am doing in one place when the rest of the world is so tumultuous. That being said, I am looking to advance these things in 2022 because I will never close myself off to betterment.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I think I've figured out the allergic part of my sinus issues, and the solution is acupuncture, which I tried this year and love. Now I need to figure out how to predict and prepare for weather and air pressure related sinus issues.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Probably our solar panels!
12. Where did most of your money go?
FOOD. Groceries, dining out, take out, beer. Comestibles.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Those few weeks in the summer when we thought COVID was trending downwards was pretty cool.
14. What song will always remind you of 2021?
Maybe Reelin' in the Years? I feel like the years are reelin'.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? About the same.
– thinner or fatter? About the same, working on toning more lately.
– richer or poorer? Richer because I invested several thousand in the S&P500, and I plan to put more in next year.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Deciding.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Having sinus problems. Again.
18. How did you spend Christmas Day?
Made a lunch for family, then we went to take our annual photo in front of the state house Christmas tree.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
I didn't really have one.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I loved Laura Hankin's novels a lot, and also reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil while in Savannah was awesome. The Book of Longings was also especially interesting.
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?
I don't remember watching any movies this year... I am sure I did somewhere along the way but clearly none were memorable.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 36 and we went to brunch and a hike on the Congaree Heritage Trail Preserve.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If it didn't fly by so quickly. I swear it was just this time last year. If time goes by faster as you age, then I don't even want to know what it will feel like when I am 80!
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
Athleisure anywhere I go.
26. What kept you sane?
Probably yoga.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021.
Don't let the days just pass by (unless you're feeling ill, in which case, do).
