As most healthcare workers (and people in general in the world) I am pretty sick of the ever-present COVID apocalypse that appears to have no end in sight. I am struggling with even thinking of a world where I don't have to deal with this virus that has taken over everything about how we live and work.
BUT...
There are always pockets of joy, resilience and happiness and below are pictured some of mine.
Here is my 2021 TOP TEN:
10) In person school - All 3 kids have been in school IN PERSON since September. Cian started at a Grade 7-12 school (Gordon Bell) and bikes or takes the city bus and got his own phone for that purpose so we really have a big "kid" in our house now. Sam started preschool with Mrs. Tompkins like his brother and sister did before him and he LOVES school. He might love school the most. He cries when Keith comes to pick him up he loves it so much. I am hoping they all still get to stay in person for the rest of the school year.
9) My new office - after a rotating office situation at work I now have my own office. I love having my own office so very much. I love that people find it a safe space to come and vent and cry. I love decorating it with stuff that feels like me and look forward to doing that a bit more in 2022. Now that my gynaecology clinic has moved from St Boniface to HSC all my clinical work is in the same space and despite a few expected hiccups (and a few unexpected ones) this has improved my life a lot. I spend a lot of time at work and I'm happy to have a space to call my own there.
8) Christmas Cabin - this year we went to Nopiming for a few days again to spend some time together as a family. It is a highlight of the year for me. I might even like going to the cabin more in the winter than the summer! The cosiness of the fireplace and the hot tub on the deck lend itself so nice to the perfect winter cocoon getaway. The hill outside is just enough for the kids to go out on their own at their whim. We pack the van full of music and crafts and food and spend our days enjoying each other's company. It's really a great way to unwind over the holidays. We are hoping our new house will provide that without the 2.5 hour drive but we are lucky to be able to call Nopiming home for a few hibernating days in the winter.
7) Canoeing - my friend Vanessa and I had to change our summer canoeing plans many times due to floods and fires but eventually were inspired by Ric's new book and took the big drive to Northern Saskatchewan to go paddling where I used to guide. It was an incredible trip - serendipitously full of people I used to work with who I still love with my whole heart. We flew out to Paull Lake and paddled back to Missinipe. Vanessa had done all the food (which was delicious) and I still had my guiding chops even after 20 years. We left in summer and returned in autumn and saw the leaves change colour as we paddled. We had beautiful weather and soaked up our time recharging out in the wilderness.
6) Wedding Bells - In September our sister (Keith's by blood/mine by choice) Sue got married in Kelowna. Despite ever changing rules with Covid she managed to get it done and it was a beautiful day. Emily was the flower girl and she was SOOOOOO excited to have such an important job. We loved celebrating with family and sharing wedding fun with the kids all of whom had an amazing time helping prepare for the wedding, riding in the limo, dancing, flirting with pretty girls (Sam) getting pictures done and falling asleep under the table (that last one was also Sam).
5) BFF Day - Emily's best friend moved to Dubai in the summer. We have loved Miah and her family since the girls were small so this was a hard transition for us as their family lives down the street. Emily and I planned a full day of fun for her and Miah in the summer before Miah moved and it was a super great day for the girls (and for me who got to chauffeur them around).
4) Flying - for my birthday Keith got me a flying lesson and I got to fly a Cessna. I thought I would get to be in the passenger seat and maybe get to try the controls for a bit but NOPE. He put me in the driver's seat immediately and I got to take off and land and fly around Oak Hammock Marsh. It was AMAZING. I was grinning from ear to ear and Keith thought the grin alone was money well spent. Maybe float plane flying will be my retirement plan...
3) New House Dreams - This was the surprise for 2021. We found a riverfront property that seemed to fit with the new build in Wolesley dreams we have been having for a while so we took the plunge (even with Keith hyperventilating from the stress of it - sometimes that guy loses his cool too you know!) We have spent about 9 months planning and enjoying the property's backyard and hope to put the plans into the city next month with a hopeful start midyear next year. We have loved living here for 15 years but we are excited for our new adventure too.
2) VACCINES - Thank you thank you thank you to the scientists that created vaccines for this terrible virus. 4/5 of us have had a covid vaccine now and hopefully Sam will get one in 2022. One of my favourite days of the year was "Poked in the Park" where my friend Leslea and I gave vaccines to my neighbours in the park beside our house. I even got to vaccinate Keith which was very meaningful to me. It was a beautiful grassroots operation that saw over 30 people vaccinated that would have otherwise had more time accessing vaccines and it was a day full of hope, gratitude and community.
#1 OUR LITTLE FAMILY who brings me joy and laughter and smiles every single day. I am so thankful to have an incredible partner who I love more with every passing year and 3 beautiful children who complain less than their mother does - who find wonder and happiness in so many little things - they inspire me everyday. We have had countless nights of movies and snacks, morning cuddles, trips to the park and Saturday night date nights. They fill my cup to overflowing and I am looking forward to what 2022 might bring.
Wishing you health, hope and happiness as we head into 2022.
