Time Flies Even If You Aren’t Having Fun

What a year!

My word for 2021 was curious, and 11 long months later, I’m curious how the heck we survived another trip around the sun. The year started with optimism and Covid vaccines. We were going to be rid of those pesky masks and social distancing in no time…or so they said. Eleven months later, at least in Colorado, we have the highest number of Covid hospitalizations since the pandemic started, the kids are still wearing masks to school (at least they are going to school), and more and more businesses are requesting that patrons mask up and be kind to protect their dwindling staff.

My beloved part-time job working with terminally ill patients and their families came to an end when my employer informed me that I needed to work full-time for less money. I’m still curious why they were surprised when I did not accept that oh-so-attractive offer. Instead, I’m seeing clients in my private grief counseling practice along with teaching and leading guided meditation walks at the Botanic Garden. It’s hard to keep a good woman down!

l will admit my curiosity got the best of me this year. I had been hearing about Critical Race Theory and White privilege and I wanted to understand the concepts more fully. I thought the best way to educate myself was to teach a course entitled Power, Privilege & Oppression. OMG! What I learned is that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ is no joke, AND, I’m never teaching that class again.

Don’t get me wrong…there were highlights. A vacation to amazing places with a forever friend was wonder-full. There were visits from friends and family, including one from the newest family member, a six-month old beautiful little red-headed girl named Scarlett, who reminded me why parenting is best left to those under whatever age doesn’t need 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

I would say I’m curious what the new year will bring but ain’t nobody got time for that. I’m still working on my word for 2022. Given that 2022 will include a milestone birthday…I may decide to go with three words…beats the alternative.