2020: Year In Review

 What a year it has been!  I had so many plans for 2020 (I was looking forward to seeing Hamilton in three different cities, a road trip to Denver to see the Colorado Avalanche, and an amazing trip to Iceland) but I could never have imagined that a global pandemic would change everything in March.  All of my plans were either canceled or postponed, I was quarantined for two weeks, I finished the school year by teaching online, I retired without any of the usual celebrations, and I had to adapt to the new normal of wearing a mask and social distancing.  This year had been difficult and I am definitely glad to see the end of it but, looking back, there have been lots of great memories, too.  I know that this year has been much more difficult for so many people who have faced financial hardship, illness, and the loss of loved ones so I am especially grateful for all of the small moments of joy that I have been able to experience despite Covid-19.

I received season tickets to the Smith Center in Las Vegas last year for Christmas.  I was able to take a road trip to see one of the shows, Escape to Margaritaville, in January before all of the theaters were closed.  It was a lot of fun.

I had a fantastic time at the Sundance Film Festival in January seeing 16 films in 10 days at five different venues with some of the coolest people from around the world.

The biggest event of 2020 was my retirement in May after teaching for 30 years in the Granite School District (at Kearns Jr. High and Hunter High Schools).  What an amazing career!

Even though I couldn't travel internationally (or even to other states for most of the spring and summer) I decided to visit some of the places that I have always wanted to see in Utah.  Here I am at the Spiral Jetty art installation near the Great Salt Lake in May.

At Antelope Island State Park in the middle of the Great Salt Lake in June.

At the Golden Spike National Historic Site (where the Transcontinental Railroad was completed) in June.

My annual camping trip to Hanna in June.  Nature was such a solace this year!

Sean and I decided to take some educational field trips on Fridays (we have some planned for 2021, too).  One of the first places we visited was Red Butte Garden in July.

The Sunflower Festival at Cross E Ranch in July.

A family camping trip in Hanna in July.

At the Bonneville Salt Flats (a place I have always wanted to visit) in July.

A fun and relaxing week at my favorite KOA in Fillmore (including day trips to Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park) in August.

A trip to Hogle Zoo with Sean in October.

A visit to This Is The Place Heritage Park with Sean in October.

A visit to the Tracy Aviary with Sean in October.

Thanksgiving with my family in November.

I have no idea what 2021 has in store but I am hopeful and, whatever happens, I will keep trying to find joy in the little things.  Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year!