I just had to with the title. Thanks to Taylor Swift for that. Well, hello, old friends. I think it’s safe to say I have neglected this blog yet again. Haven’t posted since September…wow, that’s shameful. When y’all ask me why I don’t get paid to do it, this is why. My full time job, my Beautycounter job, and now my weekend job keep me from putting as much time and energy into this “job” as I’d like. But upon reflecting on 2021 and what my goals might be for 2022, I was hit with a wave of creativity for this space, and I hope to carry it out to fruition this year.
Today I’d just like to say Happy New Year! It’s the first of, hopefully, a better year than last year in terms of the world. We had some doozies happen, huh? I, honestly, don’t see things improving that much (I’m more of a realist, guys). We’re in a weird place politically and medically and even in humanity, and it’s just not the easiest of times in which to be living. However, at the risk of sounding optimistic, we were all put here for a reason at this time in history. Let’s figure out why and make the most of it.
2021 started with a bang in the Norman household. We wrapped up a great holiday season and headed back to school only to be hit with COVID in January– both of us. It was awful; I’m not going to lie. Well, awful for me. I had it worse than Paul for some reason, but we both made it through. He’s completely back to normal, but my smell and taste are still altered to some things. Like soft drinks… I can’t do it anymore. The only one I can get down is Ginger Ale.
February was fun with a little snow flurry action just after Valentine’s Day, and I joined a new wine club. I mean book club.
March was more of the clubs and we all seemed to be getting back to normal a little with meet-ups between friends.
In April I turned 35, my scary age, and it turned out to be not so scary.
In May I became a plant lady. All of these died except the rose bush, which I’m particularly proud of. Paul turned 34, got all of his anemia levels figured out, and helped me get new curtains put up in our bedroom.
In June I got bangs (again), and Paul and I took our first vacation alone since our honeymoon. We should really prioritize traveling together more in 2022. We went to The Grand Hotel and truly had a grand time.
July brought the end of summer vacation, a trip to the lake with my wine/book club, and eleven years of marriage with my love.
August began year 14 as an educator. We chose local businesses as our Community Theme for our bulletin boards, and Paul hooked me up for Cambrian Ridge. And on the second day of school, the doorknob broke and we got locked in. One of the most significant things Paul and I did this year was randomly decide to start eating low carb meals for dinner most weeknights. It’s changed our lives.
In September we got football back with fans in the stands, and that felt particularly wonderful. Splurging on rotel dip and chips was also a fun thing to do on Saturdays.
In October I bought a BUNCH of Beautycounter holiday sets, and I’m not sorry I did it. I also took a whole day to shoot a bunch of staged content, and I had a fabulous time doing it. Also this month, I started a new skincare routine, and I’m telling you, it is worth the hype and the dollars spent.
November always brings that Christmas tree, and this year I decided to do something different with the ribbon. I followed a bow tutorial I found on Instagram, and I am in love. Also, going with blue ribbon was definitely the right call. Thanksgiving was a great one this year with lots of family and friends.
December was fun, y’all. From the Elf on the Shelf to a progressive Christmas dinner with my wine/book club in our PJs, it was a fast and furious month but oh so fun. Christmas was particularly delightful. I got to see Christmas lights while drinking hot cocoa. And the family celebrations were fun and sweet and exactly what I’d hoped.
Other things that happened in 2021:
We paid off my car, and Paul’s will be paid off in February.
We saved money on car insurance by switching FROM Geico to State Farm.
I finally found a good clean deodorant that doesn’t make you stink or sweaty. Beautycounter, of course.
I read 56 books.
I went down a pant size and can comfortably wear a Large in a shirt.
We started using cloth napkins at dinner, and I’m just saying it is such a happy things to do for yourself, your family, and the environment.
If 2022 looks even a little like 2021, I’d be happy (minus the COVID). I’m looking forward to more good books, more time with friends, more low carb recipes, evening walks with Paul (thanks to his doctor for our new QT), the return of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and whatever else we have in store. I hope you can take a few minutes to reflect on the goodness of 2021 and set some intentions for 2022. I’m not a word of the year or New Year’s resolution person anymore, but I do want to enter the new year with gratitude and hope. Wishing you all a very blessed and happy new year!
