Oh Boy! What a year!

Before writing this, I re-read the farewell note to 2018 I had penned last year. It made me nostalgic. I had not idea back then that our world was about to change so drastically. If I had known then what I know now, I would have basked in the spirit of the Holidays a little while longer… I would have made Christmas Morning extra, extra special and would have invited more people to my Christmas Dinner. I would have gone to that New Year’s Eve Party. I would have savoured every little moment spent in Texas with my Family back in January. I would have had longer conversations, hugged them a little longer.

2020 looked promising! We were getting ready to celebrate our 10th year anniversary here at the Seeker, which is no small accomplishment for a print publication in this day and age. We were going to throw the celebration of the decade and party like it was 1999! Well, as we all know, that party, along with all other events, was cancelled and our 10th year went unnoticed, overshadowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which took over the entire world.

On a personal level, it’s been a hard year too. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer this year. She suffered alone, died alone, her situation made significantly worst by the pandemic. I’m not sure just how much things would have been different had Covid not hit, but I know that at the very least, I would have spent a lot more time visiting with her, hugging her and holding her hand. So my mental health, like that of many others, took a beating this year.

But I am thankful that I have made it through 2020 and want to start the year with an attitude of gratitude. That being said, there are many things I’m looking forward to in 2021. Here are a few.

Hugs

This is probably what I miss the most. Sure, I get plenty hugs and kisses from my kids, but I miss greeting people with a hug! For example, I saw a couple of friends while on a walk yesterday, and I stopped to say hi, socially distanced, 6 feet away. In normal times, I would have given them both a warm hug before engaging in a long discussion. I’m looking forward to doing that again.

Dinners with friends

My husband got a killer new smoker this year and makes a mean Texas Style brisket. We usually love to feed our friends. I make my famous cornbread and potato salad, he puts on some sausage to go along with the brisket, and we gather, share some good laughs, sit around the fire and share a few drinks. Can’t wait for that to happen.

Meeting, but not over Zoom

I didn’t realize how much I enjoy meeting my clients in person until that option was no longer an option. Zoom is ok and practical but you don’t get the same feeling as when you actually sit down and brainstorm on an idea in person.

Volunteering

I did volunteer from behind my computer, but I do miss volunteering at bigger events. There were bigger events that could have used my help, but I simply wasn’t comfortable being anywhere near crowds, even small ones, for a long period of time this year. I can’t wait to get back in the Ribfest Beer Tent again. I realize this may not happen this year, but it will, soon enough.

The vaccine

If there is any chance of quickly getting back to some kind of normalcy, it’s with the vaccine. I am praying that we do not see any strains that would render it ineffective pop up. And when my dose is ready, I’m ready. Jab me. Jab me now…

Going back to Texas

God I miss my family! Borders are closed, but that’s not the only reason we’re staying put. Things have been really bad in the United States, but I am hopeful that 2021, and a new administration, will bring on change, and that when we do visit next, all our family members will still be with us.

Travelling

We’re travellers! My kids and I used to go on week-end trips all the time, and husband would join whenever possible. My 16 year old was on the basketball travelling team and we sure miss going to games. When the pandemic hit, we changed this to day trips and hiking, but I sure hope we can slowly start going away overnight soon.

Eating in a restaurant

The last time I actually ate in somewhere was back in February, after visiting my mother at the hospital. It was at a Domino’s in Old Montreal, near CHUM where she was. We had pepperoni pizza. Like volunteering, I have not felt comfortable to eat in anywhere since then. I did plenty of ordering in though, so I’m still supporting my community, but dining rooms have been a big no-no.

Movies!

Similarly, going into a movie theatre has been a thing of the past since March. I miss the Massena Movieplex, where we used to go almost every week to watch horror movies and eat all-you-can-have popcorn. I don’t know if that theatre will survive the pandemic, or if we will be allowed to travel in 2021, but I will get back to Galaxy soon enough. In the meantime, did you know you can order Movie Theatre Popcorn from Galaxy on Skip The Dishes?

Festivals, Fairs and Trade Shows

Yes! Ribfest, Waterfest, Garlic Fest, Food Fest!!! I want them all! Avonmore Fair, Williamstown Fair, Highland Games, bring it on! If not in 2021, soon after, OK?