The Good & The Bad of 2020

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Just wanted to take some of my own time to reflect on this past year. It has been a roller coaster ride - not just for me but all of us I am sure. We are almost through! COVID isn’t just going to disappear when the dial hits midnight, but I always feel more inspired with a clean slate. Here’s my YAYs and NAYs of 2020. The Bad: *COVID-19 changed how we all have lived. States have gone in and out of partial and total lockdown. We have lived in fear, at first, carefully but complacently now, attempting to social distance yet still see the people we love. I have been lucky to not know anyone who has passed from COVID-19 (knock on wood) *My uncle Pat passed away in October after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. I was very close to him. *Minneapolis experienced MAJOR RIOTS after the shooting of George Floyd by police. From end of May to early June an emergency curfew was in place and literally buildings were being burnt down, shops looted, national guard came in. White supremecists from out of state also somehow got involved with the burning of buildings. Businesses were boarded up and you couldn’t even get gas if you needed it for a couple days. We were fearful then. *I have gained about 30 pounds as a result of quitting smoking!! I did NOT think this would happen. Tightening up my diet starting today... *Most of my traveling plans were cancelled, which is a bummer but understandable The Good: *I quit smoking (after like ~13 years of pack a day smoking) back in January, so almost ONE year ago! I never thought this would really happen. I have gotten used to it and not smoking has made my life much simpler. *Remained healthy and employed throughout 2020 (!) *Because travel plans were mostly cancelled, I took some extra $ and paid off my student loan (around $5,000) and my outstanding credit card debt. Been paying a little extra on my car payment also. Credit score has increased now and sits around 802-805! *Was extremely productive, me along with my household, painted just about every room we could between May-July. *I am almost finished with the Firefighter Academy and working my way on being a part-time firefighter for the department that’s down the block... It has been a ton of book work and physical classes - not quite done yet. I will never ever forget this year. The fear over COVID and then the riots. Sadness over my uncle. Has been a crazy year. But I have also done some awesome things I never thought I would have done. There’s always a trade off. Did you have anything extraordinary happen this year? Hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years!