It's a wrap, folks. 

We're finally in 2021. 

I'm sure that I am not alone when I say that I am glad that 2020 is over. I could list all the reasons that were 2020 were terrible but I'm sure that you relate in more ways that I might imagine. Despite it being a tough year, I think we all learned valuable lessons. For example, John and I learned:

• staying home might come a little too natural for us
• we have some really sweet neighbors and they love our pups (Charli will actually drag me over to them when they are outside and sometimes when they aren't so she can check to make sure they aren't hiding behind a bush or something)
• as long as everyone has their own 'zone,' three adults can peacefully and quietly work from home

Of course, every year you learn more and more about the importance of family and friends. 

To recap the year:

January: Charli and I had spent Christmas 2019 at home with family so the year kicked off with unpacking and planning for the year, lots of walks and training runs. 

February: We were able to see Alter Bridge in concert. It was a great show and totally worth staying out late on a work night. 

March: I had the opportunity to go to Tampa for a conference for work. It was so refreshing to get some time to walk on the beach and enjoy the conference venue's paths.    

March was obviously when the pandemic swept America by storm and when I started my work from home adventure. Charli and I have been inseparable ever since. 

April: Sonny and Charli share their birthday and are exactly one year apart. Of course, John made birthday cookies from scratch which were quickly devoured by all three dogs. 

May: I ran my first 50k. I was originally signed up for a full marathon in Michigan which was canceled of course. Then I found an ultra that was not yet canceled and took my registration. Then, that was canceled. I wasn't about to let the hours of training go to waste, so I made my own course. My friend, Jessica, made these awesome race signs and she put them up all over the park and Greenway. Her and her son also decorated my car. Then, Coach Kim came and did her run at the same time so that I would have some people out there with me. So thankful for everyone's support.

June: No surprise here, June was a quiet month. We had some bonfires and spent lots of time outside with the dogs. I was focused on recovering from the 50k but also was transitioning to train for a trail marathon in August. Charli and I enjoyed the cooler weather runs together, as always. 

July: Another quiet month for us. We spent lots of time with the dogs and even found the perfect hat for Sonny.

August: Knowing my best friend was getting married in September 2020, I had planned to use my vacation time traveling back and forth to NY for fun things like dress shopping, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and the wedding. Due to the pandemic, traveling home was incredibly difficult. So, with the rest of the bridal party, I put together one interesting bridal shower via Zoom. No surprise here, the August marathon was canceled. This time, I did not set up my own little race and just enjoyed my runs/workouts while preparing for the new school year for myself and at work. And, we continued with our backyard fires...what else was there to do? 

September: Work is back in full-swing in September so overall life gets a little busier. We wrestled with our decision to travel to NY for the wedding so much. We knew that it was important to attend but we also knew several family members should not be put at risk. By then, NY and VT were controlling the pandemic well unlike Indiana. Our original pre-COVID plan was for my Buddy to fly to Indiana, we'd all see a Coheed & Cambria show, then all drive east together. Obviously, everyone's plans in 2020 were flipped upside down and backwards......Didn't my Buddy look amazing? 

October: For a quiet year, time sure does fly by. With so much uncertainty, stress, normal work exhaustion, and having saved PTO for things we didn't get to do (in-person shopping, bridal shower, etc), we decided to plan a little getaway. We stayed in Indiana and weren't actually far from home but it was nice to be on the water and out of our normal routine, even for just a couple of days. 

November: The worst month of the year. On November 27th our family said "see you later" to my uncle who was reunited with my cousin (his son) in heaven. I plan to reflect on all things Uncle Phillip in a separate post. Remember all that stashed PTO? I had the opportunity to roll over some days to 2021 due to COVID. I'm so glad that was the original plan because that meant I had the time available during this difficult time. So, 2021 will only have the normal PTO but I wouldn't have it any other way.  While I have more recent photos with him, I love this one from 2017 the most. 

December: Generally, the highlights of December are my Dad's Birthday, Christmas, and, of course, the new year. This year, John had time to install flooring in our room after ripping out the carpet and add a fresh coat of paint: 

Uncle Phillip had given us a "King & Queen" glass set as a Christmas gift a few years ago which I had tucked away for safe keeping. So after compiling some of my favorite photos of him, we thought what better way to show the set than to fill 'em up and have a toast. We also took some cheesy holiday photos. 

Since our very first Christmas together, John and I have exchanged ugly Christmas stockings. I "won" in 2019 and after votes from friends, won again this year. I think it's time for John to step up his game as I have severely interrupted his winning streak. 

Aside from losing my beloved uncle, 2020 really wasn't much different than any other year thus far for us. When you are in school and have side gigs with a full time job, little time remains for too many big adventures. I'm so excited for my Brother, though. He was able to set up a camp on Sacandaga in the Adirondacks. Selfishly, I so look forward to creating many summer memories there with him. Then again, he already knows this so maybe it isn't that selfish after all. 

So, here's to 2021--may it be relatively quiet with progress towards my degree, new running goals, time with family, and maybe a quick getaway or two with less travel restrictions and much less COVID. 

Stay healthy!