2021 Wrap up
I saw this done by Jane Yee on the Stuff website in 2010 and shamelessly stole it. Thought it would be fun to do this again, 11 years later. I think there’s real value in reflecting back on the year as a new one approaches.
1. What did you do in 2021 that you'd never done before?
Spend 14 days in isolation after having a Covid case at school in August. That was an exercise in mental resilience, but the whole staff was in the same boat and we kept each other sane through email banter and Google Meets.
On a more positive note, I was Head of Department for the first time! That was really awesome and something I have been working towards for a number of years. It felt really cool to have the opportunity to take the reins and implement some of my ideas fully.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
If I remember correctly, my resolutions were to look after my mental health and wellbeing, and to read more. I did both of these things pretty well.
As for next year, I have a whole load of goals and aspirations. That’s a seperate post.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Only one birth I can recall, and we didn’t know she was pregnant until there was a birth announcement!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
THANK GOD, NO.
5. What countries did you visit?
Haha, this question hasn’t aged well in a Covid world, has it??! Within New Zealand, we will have stayed at least one night in the following regions by the end of the year:
Auckland (duh), Bay of Plenty, Manawatu-Whanganui, Malborough, Tasman, West Coast, Otago, Canterbury.
6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
More certainty after two years of constant whiplash from the changes and redirections life suffered under the pandemic. I’m confident I am not alone in this wish, but I am unsure it is ready to be granted to us all yet.
Besides that, I really didn’t feel like I lacked anything in 2021.
7. What dates from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
That day we found out Delta was in Auckland and the whole country went into a “short, sharp” lockdown which lasted 100+ days! I’m so glad I had the presence of mind to go and buy a latte before going home.
Having our nephews stay overnight and teaching them which of the KFCs on the Shore are good and which ones taste like “butts”.
Hearing from my brother that, months later, our nephews remembered this information as they drove past the KFC in question: “THAT ONE TASTES LIKE BUTTS!” My life mission is now complete.
Getting our boat Tāwhiao.
Our first overnight trip away on Tāwhiao around Waiheke.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Teaching the English for Academic Purposes standards for the first time and getting really good results.
Keeping on an even keel during lockdown.
Pushing my students to achieve more and seeing their pride in themselves when they did something awesome.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Falling off my bike half way up the hill when someone reversed out of their driveway. I stopped and lost my footing. FLAIL. Only bruised my ego though, so that was a relief.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I’ve been amazingly well this year, which lockdown has helped. Also, realising that processed white flour and white sugar cause inflammation and pain has meant I have been in much less pain and felt far better than I have in years.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The boat, Tāwhiao, which is named for the second Māori King and leader of the Waikato tribes. She’s a glorious piece of NZ history and we love her.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
The teens I know and love have been legends through a really difficult year. It’s not easy being a teen in the age of social media and such existential pain (pandemic, global warming, political division), but they’re doing amazingly well and continue to impress me.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I’ve given away being appalled and depressed by people and their shitty behaviour. I now know I can’t control others, but I can control how I react to them. Spending time and energy being appalled and depressed is not good for the soul. So I don’t. At least, I don’t for long.
14. Where did most of your money go?
So, you remember how we said we got a boat? Yeah.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The first time we heeled over on Tāwhiao under sail.
Sleeping on a boat.
Breaking out of Auckland after MONTHS of a hard border around the region.
My first latte after lockdown L4 ended.
My first pile of library books after it opened up after months in lockdown.
Growing veges for the first time in my own garden successfully.
16. Which songs will always remind you of 2021?
Nightcall by Kavinsky, The Brazilian by Genesis and Keep on Movin’ by Five.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder? Happier, despite being back at work full time. I have found my joy again.
b) More or less fit? More fit, thanks to my ebike.
c) Richer or poorer? Richer, because I’m working haha!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Journalling. It always gets lost in the churn, so I’d like to make more of a habit of it.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Although I’m getting better, I still want to spend less time mindlessly scrolling.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
We had a bike ride and then a lovely BBQ roast in Murchison.
21. Did you fall in love in 2021?
I fell back in love with teaching, ESOL and my school. 2019 was a shite year and after the year off in 2020, I wasn’t sure for how long I would be back in teaching. It is with delight that I realise I am looking forward to 2022 and beyond!
22. What was your favourite TV programme?
The Expanse and The Witcher were both excellent. I also snorted a few lines of True Crime stuff from Netflix.
23. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
No! I think I’ve finally pruned back my people to those who want to be around me as much as I want to be around them!
24. What was the best book you read?
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman, Columbine by Dave Cullen.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Rediscovered how much I love Muse, which was good. Also found Genesis again. NONSTOP by Vo Williams was new and I love it.
26. What did you want and get?
Contentment, work-life balance, good health, job satisfaction, a sense of belonging, adventure.
27. What did you want and not get?
For Covid to eff off.
28. What was your favourite film of this year?
Dune. What a great movie!
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
It was a lockdown birthday, so not much! I was 39, last year of the dirty thirties!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Less global uncertainty, houses being affordable for all and less division between people.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
Same as always: comfortable and presentable.
32. What kept you sane?
Meditation, coffee, Dan, cups of tea, naps, good books and good friends.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ryan Reynolds, probably.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The whole disinformation issue. It’s seriously concerning.
35. Who did you miss?
I still miss Art like I’ve had a limb chopped off.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
We found an additional DnD crew to do weekly games with and they’re awesome!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021:
Don’t waste your life waiting for the weekend or holidays. Build fun and enjoyment into as much of the week as you can or you’ll wish away your whole life.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Get on up when you're down
Baby, take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on movin' on anyway
