It’s almost over: Happy New Year, SJ

And of course we start with Dave Barry wrapping up the disaster year that was.

Is there anything positive we can say about 2021?

Yes. We can say that it was marginally better than 2020.

Granted, this is not high praise. It’s like saying that somebody is marginally nicer than Hitler. But it’s something.

What was better about 2021? For one thing, people finally emerged from their isolated pandemic cocoons and started connecting with others. Granted, the vast majority of the people who connected with us this year wanted to discuss our car’s extended warranty. But still.
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Perspective | Dave Barry’s 2021 Year in Review — The Washington Post

 

Once COVID hit, I buckled up for 2020, viewed it as a test, a challenge - 2021 has been rougher just because I figured the vaccines would allow us to return to normalcy - Trump too. Almost makes me think the neo-con idea that "America needs an enemy, otherwise it will turn on itself" isn't so off-base.

 

At least in 2020 we had 2 1/2 months of relative normality.

 

Gee thanks for jinxing it

 

Saw something posted the other day.

2022 is pronouced "2020, too."

You've been warned.

Lost a job, a dog and a cat in 2021. Fifteen months until I can retire. Hope I can put up with this job until then. But I wouldn't bet the mortgage (if I had one )

 

I have had one, maybe two normal days each year since Feb 15th, 2020. This is getting old. I am fairly fluent in three more languages. pro tip: remember to log in so your progress is recorded. I am getting better at comp sci, engineering, and maths. I have a cat who is arguably a multidimensional being. If I am still having to shelter in place this time next year, expect me to help create a mini-Wakanda full of determined people who want to learn as much as I did when my instructors created something akin to the Hogwarts-like incubation environment my cohort and I enjoyed.

MAKE AMERICA SMART AGAIN!

(Gee, Oscar! Pissy much?)

 

For me personally and professionally, 2021 was probably the best ever.
Yeah, I had to deal with insurrections and COVID concerns in the background, but I honestly can't complain about anything.
I hope everyone's 2022 is life-changing in a positive way.

 

I read this line in the Athletic (can't remember who wrote it) and it has stuck with me: "I lost bits of myself and had to find new pieces. All the while, I was fortunate that was all I lost."

Kind of sums up the last 21 months for me.

 

My wife died. I have cancer.
End of thread. End of year.

 

I have no words but wanted you to know that I hear you. I'm sorry.

 

I hear you too, @heyabbott. And as sappy as this sentiment may sound, choose to wake each morning with hope. Best of the New Year to you.