The year 2020 has finally drawn to a close. On New Year’s Eve, Erin and I both had a few errands and odds and ends to wrap up, and the kids played pretty nicely for most of the day. I went out and got a few groceries to make a yummy meal of scallops and risotto, and also stopped to pick up some bubbly for the occasion of ringing in a new year.
The corner liquor store greeted me with an enormous promo display for Fireball, which I remain surprised is still a thing. I can only imagine how many awful hangovers that display will have inspired.
But in terms of a good surprise, while the in the checkout line I saw they had a few bottles of 2020 Goose Island Bourbon County Stout on display. That is mighty rare in these parts, so I took it as a sign that I should pick one up to help ring in the new year.
Along with a nice dinner, we did have some fun family games. For Christmas, Auntie Kallin gave the kids a game called No Stress Chess, which helps teach kids chess. Amelia has really taken to it, and frankly yours truly never really learned chess, so I had the treat of having my daughter teach me how to play. It was really fun, and further enhanced by the fact that Henry was watching old Superfriends cartoons in the background.
We also had a few fun rounds of Mario Kart, with Erin once again proving her dominance.
After the kids were in bed, I sat outside and enjoyed my Bourbon County and a cigar, reflecting on the year that was. We all know this year was crazy and and awful in so many ways. But, as I mentioned a few posts ago, I do also try to practice gratitude where I can, and I do have plenty to be thankful for from the past year.
Top of the list, of course, is my family. As challenging and difficult as everything we’ve faced this year has been, we’ve managed to have so much fun together, build so many great memories, and grow even closer. I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled to be locked down with these three people and two dogs.
I am also thankful for my extended family and friends all around the country, who are always inspiring and wonderful each in their own ways.
Then there is this blog. I’m thankful for everyone who’s taken time to read, respond and contribute, and it’s been a fun ride for me. Eventually the age of COVID will come to a close and so will this blog, but in the meantime it’s been a helpful exercise for me, a good piece of habit building, and I hope readers get a little something out of it as well.
As many punches to the face and gut as there have been in 2020, I’ve also had some good moments. Some successes at work and some successes at home. AND I’ve gotten direct responses on Twitter from both Alyssa Milano and Josh Gad, so I’ll take some pride in that, too.
2020 was what it was. Who knows what the new year will bring, but I am sure interested to find out. When midnight struck here in Colorado, fireworks erupted around the neighborhood.
Part of me smiled at the celebratatory gesture, and the fact that plenty of other people are excited to turn the page. And then another part of me was thinking, “keep it down, you kids! Do you know what time it is?!?”
