2022inreview

December 31st, 2022 by Jan

December 31st, 2022  by Jan

Happy New Year! Let’s do this!

Being retired, homebodies, and introverts has continued to pay off for Ken and I. We still mask up, get our shots, wash our hands. We’ve dipped our toes back in the social waters, we eat out more often, yet we are happy with our own company for the most part. We continue to count ourselves fortunate to have stayed healthy as we enter the fourth year of the pandemic. I am especially grateful for social media, penpals and Zoom.
So, here we go again…Optimism is not necessarily a symptom of insanity, Maybe it is an attempt to preserve sanity

The Year in Review in simple question and answer form.

What did you do in 2022 that you’ve never done before?
I joined a book club
I got a flu shot
Started taking daily prescription pills. (we used to do drugs, now we take pills).
I spent almost a month in 44 C degree weather.

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions/motto, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t remember last years motto or if I made any resolutions.
For 2023 I’m going with Coddiwomple!
Coddiwomple is an English slang word that means to travel resolutely and dynamically toward an as-yet unknown destination. It’s not the same as wandering aimlessly. The prevailing mood is not passivity and vagueness. Rather, one who coddiwomples has a sense of purpose about what’s enjoyable and meaningful. They may not have a predetermined goal, but they know what they need and like, and that seems to suit me just fine right now.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don’t think so. Oh, Linda got another grandchild.

Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, way too many. Let me say their names.

Betty Marks
Machelle Fontenot
Annie Aculiak
Tuen Shut
Richard Labonte
Gary Shipley
Tom Masich
Dale Morgan
George Zawadzki
Mike Taylor
Sid Morrell

What countries did you visit?
I went to the USA!

What would you like to have in 2023  that you lacked in 2022?
Professional haircuts

What events from 2022 will remain etched upon your memory?
The phone call from Tammy telling me of the horror and sadness of  Machelle’s death. Watching her funeral on zoom.
Caring for Art after his successful heart surgery.
The joy of hiking alone in the deep woods with MuMu.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I read 25 books and listened to 56.
Hiked 2140.45 km most of them solo and / or with MuMu.
I kept my girlish figure, within a pound or two all year.
Gave away 18 quilts, and continue to raise money for our food bank selling and sewing tote bags.

What was your biggest failure?
Getting my grandmothers 100 year old fur coat made into slippers was a big fail. However the pillows made from it are lovely and a fine success.
Sending money to the USA is all but impossible!

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Ken and I in general are well and healthy.
We have aches and pains that come with the luxury of age.
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my neck, and am learning to live with chronic pain. I now take daily pain pills.
The noise in my head from the injury is more subdued and I am grateful. (again, pills help).
I fell twice in the woods and bruised my hip and ego.

What was the best thing you bought?
We aren’t shoppers, and buying stuff is either boring or stressful. We are fortunate to be able to keep ourselves stocked with supplies for our hobbies. We continue to eat like kings, and we are able to share.

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The people who live on Isola Peak Ave. in Las Vegas. I salute the way they came together to help my brother through his heart surgery. Special shout out to Gary, Jim, Marie, Maxine, Richard, Steve and Maryann.
Tammy Totman stands tall and brave and I love her.
Also, Sandie Moss, Patrick Visser, Jess Rice, Anna Michael, Kathy Granger, Trina Raper, Kas Sears, Dr. Julie Baxter.
My brother Art gets a special salute!
I continue to cheer the everyday actions of my husband Ken.

Whose behaviour appalled you?
You know who you are…

Where did most of your money go?
I’m grateful to be able to say most of our money went towards making life easier for ourselves and others.

What did you get really excited about?
Big trees, forest walks, bear sightings, and the beauty of the Sunshine Coast. Art gave me the tome America’s Test Kitchen and well, it is the bomb!

What song will always remind you of 2022?
The Dance sung by Garth Brooks.
Then there was the music of a saucepan and metal spoon clanging at 2 am just to keep me on my toes!

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?  As happy, with a few more WTF moments loaded with grief.
ii. thinner or fatter?  At this writing I’m one pound up!
iii. richer or poorer?  Richer in joy

What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had said yes more, as I want to be asked, invited and included on adventures  – yet the introvert in me knows I probably wouldn’t go. It is still nice to be asked.

Did you fall in love in 2022?
Ken has my heart. Our life together is good.
It was really nice to feel genuine sibling love for my brother.

What was your favourite TV program?
I record TV shows, then fast forward through them. I like the last 5 minutes of baking, sewing, singing, and painting competition shows.
My secret shame was getting hooked on Sister Wives! OMG!
I also watch a lot of Chicago Fire, PD and Med. (note to self – never get sick or in trouble in Chicago, but if your house catches on fire – call firehouse 51).

Have you let go of any resentment or have a regret you cling to?
I continue to resent selfish and stingy people.
I still regret never learning how type with my thumbs.

What was the best book you read?
I read a lot this year. A few faves were,
Beijing Bittersweet by Andrea Falk
Love & Saffron by Kim Fay
The Pedestriennes by Harry Hall
The Brief and Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese
Music is History by Questlove
It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay by Megan Devine
I also read the biographies of Billy Porter, Willy Nelson, Elton John, and Sally Field and was surprised.

What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
After reading Questloves book, I listened to some of the rap music and musicians he talked about. I’m not very adventurous when it comes to music and can go days without listening to it.
I do like hearing Ken sing when he plays guitar.
Playing music trivia with Art Hudson is beyond fun!

What did you want and get?
The trucks that have been parked in front of our house since we moved here FINALLY left! Oh, and I got a new belt.

What did you want and not get?
Cookies and evening snacks!
Invitations
A new ironing board cover. (only because I can’t find one that fits my ironing board.)

What was your favourite film of this year?
No films were watched in a theatre. Some TV movies were seen, but none that stand out. I prefer to read.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 67 on May 20. I got a lot of attention, cards and cake and went for a hike!

What one thing made the year immeasurably more satisfying?
One thing — being able to be there for my brother when he needed it.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2022?
I’ll let you know when I buy new clothes. Sigh…

What political issue stirred you the most?
I stir easily. It’s best for me to keep my head down.
Is climate change political? Is Covid? Is tRump in jail yet?
Sechelt was on Stage 4 water restrictions for more than 4 months. Living in a rainforest during a drought and not having access to enough water is crazy making and sadly, political.
Don’t get me started on the US and their “supreme BS court”, abortion, republicans, or whack-a-doodle Christians.
Yes, I know my privilege.

Who and what did you miss?
Who I miss –
If you are reading this, I miss you!
I miss hanging out and laughing with Art and, his silly kitty Mittens.
I miss having a cat.
I still miss my mom and Kim.

What did I miss?
I ask that question daily!

Who was the best new person you met?
Gary Worrell hands down! He is a generous and giving man. I am forever grateful for his support and friendship!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2022.
Saying life is short so we should enjoy every moment, is no excuse to eat crap, not exercise or take care of yourself.
We never finish grieving the death of a loved one. We learn to live without them and it sucks.
Being comfortable with yourself for long periods of time is grand.
It’s not that hard to be kind or generous.

What do you think happens after you die?
The people who love you, will cry and miss you.

On we go.

2 thoughts on “2022inreview

  1. Gary Worrell

    Thanks for the shout out. My pleasure to help out you and Art. You should be applauded for the time you took and love you gave. No one could have done better.

    Reply
  2. Jess

    You’re a good sister, wife and friend. Thanks for the nod in your blog, and I love painting with you weekly. It’s been fun to watch your view of the world change through watercolors.

    Reply

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