Happy New Year! Taking a moment on New Years Eve to appreciate some of the good things that happened this year, both globally and on a personal level including the successes of people I like — which is always a good thing. I’m sure I missed some things but it’s heartening that I was able to come up with this many things to be grateful for! :
1. I do not personally know any friends or loved ones that suffered from COVID-19 complications.
2. I am in relatively good health.
3. Family is in relatively good health.
4. While there may be a global economic crisis, there haven’t been mass global deaths because of the pandemic in lower-income countries in the world. As bad as it was, this could’ve been very very very bad. Sounds funny to say, but we dodged a bullet.
5. Liverpool FC broke a 30 year curse ⚽
6. Went to the spy museum for the first time. It’s a cool museum!
7. That one afternoon this summer when there was prolonged yellow sunset. #mezemerized
8. My friends found a way to throw a covid-safe big birthday gathering, in just the perfect way to. Incredible.
9a. Essential workers i.e. service workers, gig workers, teachers, scientists, and doctors.
9b. Semi-related, for friends personally doing good work for the cause — coming clutch in their research, on the front lines in hospitals, and even substantive contributions on congress — doing work that is often invisible.
10. Read S Street Rising, a book about a period in DC’s history that will make you appreciate the city in a different way.
11. Participated in a memorable friendsgiving. It was in a setting like a movie, it was that well put together.
12. Words of wisdom from a friend temporarily Thailand who still takes the time to text me. She’s in a very good place professionally and she’s brilliant in her field — it would be typical for many at her work level to be “above” talking to me. Love her for that humility 😊
13. My newest friend — Zach, I like this because we just started kicking it before the pandemic.
14. Nephew was born — benevenuto Silas
15. My friend Mrs. S.B. who also experienced a positive career milestone this year.
16. Spending endless spring, summer and fall afternoons in the local parks — Meridian Hill Park, Kalorama Park, and Mitchell Park
17. Having a new someone that I’ve been able to spend most weekends with. Interesting how that works 😉
18. November 7, 2020.
18. I got to walk around Philadelphia with the Wrecking Crew: AC and Big Kev
19. Finally watched and marathoned some iconic TV shows — Westworld and Attack on Titan
20. Pandemic doesn’t stop regular good times with the BFF
21. Whenever I’d meetup with friends at the watergate steps — another thing I did for the first time this year. This is an absolute hidden gem.
23. Went to a couple of vineyards in the DMV. Before 2020, I had never been to any vineyards in the USA!
24. A group trip to a cabin — the only “trip” of the year for many of us.
25. The cool chic ambigous looking ‘teller-of-truth’ neuroscientist who thinks I’m her bookmark for desserts and future restaurants once the pandemic is over — and also her husband who still takes the time to invite me over once in a while and just laugh and connect.
26. Christmas sleepover at Mbaku’s
27. Went to Haines Point in DC for the first time.
28. The Egyptian fratboy, who I got to see a couple of times and still checks in to see how I’m doing during the pandemic.
29. Two of the kiddos got married and bought a house.
30. I have a steady, secure job.
31. M.P. who invited me to her home for a nice dinner, a home cooked ordered dinner put together just for us, one of the kindest things someone did. MP also got a new puppy, congrats!
32. A thoughtful gift from a good friend who I haven’t seen in over a year, but she still remembered me and thought to send me a very specific gift that took time and care 😊 (the gift is related to this.)
33. The 2020 social justice protests of summer and #BlackLivesMatter
34. My friend RD, who moved into a new building that has the best residential rooftop bar none, it’s breathtaking. Plus, we got to terrorize one bartender over drinks.
35. The new high school friends WhatsApp group.
36. The vaccine miracle.
