05 January 2020 / 02 January 2021
Once again, time for the yearly update. For someone who likes to write, I sure don't write very much. I failed to post this last year, so I thought it might be interesting to see my reviews pre- and post-COVID.
What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?
Last year, I launched a podcast. Peggy and I didn't record anything new this entire year, but we do have 8 episodes in the universe, and 4 more in the ether. I truthfully don't know when or what is going to happen with it, especially with how busy we are.
| Love & LIght Podcast |
I also decided I wanted to travel more, and I'd I did, I'd have to be able to drive long distances. So with lots of prayers and podcasts to listen to, I did! 4 trips with 1,500+ miles where I was the only driver. Not too shabby.
I also started doing the "Curly Girl" thing with my hair. Wow--that has been a process (with a huge learning curve). It's kinda working, and I'm okay with wavy.
2020–Wear a mask in public
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not really sure, because I'm not great at making/keeping them. I did run two half-marathons, both of which were not great (over 4 hours each), and a handful of other races. I did sign up for a full marathon in 2020, and I'm genuinely frightened. I might die. But training starts this week.
2020-I don’t remember my resolutions. I made lots of lists, and pretty much abandoned all of them.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister Sarah and her husband Chad adopted the cutest baby boy. Oh, my sweet nephew Leo! I love him so much!!
2020-My cousin Katherine, my friend Melanny, and my former mission companion Camie
Did anyone close to you die?
"It's been a difficult year." My friend Andrea passed away suddenly (and had, what was possibly the coolest funeral ever--with a D.J.!). My friend Susanne finally beat her battle with an inoperable brain tumor (I played the organ for her funeral). My friend Jason's daughter Ashtyn also completed her mission at age 18. My friend/co-worker Brett died suddenly while working in Alaska (he was in his late 30's). My sweet Great-Aunt Barby died at age 101. And recently I played the piano at a funeral for a guy I had never met, but who was a very kind and good man.
2020-346,000 Americans at the end of the year. Fortunately, no one very close to me, though my brother-in-law was right at the door.
What states did you visit?
I went to California (3 times!), Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. I almost made it to Nebraska, but my GPS rerouted me.
2020-I drove through a tiny bit of Wyoming and Idaho on my way to Bear Lake. That’s it.
What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
Total repeat and still true: confidence and organization
2020-More travel. More family get-togethers. More lunches with friends.
What date from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory?
December 26. Holding hands with my boys in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.
2020-Friday March 13th: the day my world shut down. No concerts, no school, no church, etc.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Probably driving to South Dakota on no sleep, without killing anyone.
2020-staying alive
What was your biggest failure?
Not getting started in school when I should have. I keep putting it off, because it will be hard.
2020-complete incompetence as a wedding photographer
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Ugh. I had a terrible cold (it might've been the flu, tbh) in July. Right before (and during and after) Girls Camp. I coughed my brains out, which made me pee all the time. AND my period started on the first day of camp. And there weren't showers. PAINFUL, but I survived.
2020-not particularly. Praise be.
What was the best thing you bought?
Unlimited Car Wash membership to Mister Car Wash. I. LOVE. IT.
2020-iPhone 12Pro
Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm going to say Tollene. She recovered from two major surgeries (bilateral knee replacements), did her PT like a boss, cooked many meals, provided lots of free babysitting, tackled the front yard, packed up her life, and moved back to California. I am still sad she's gone, but I'm more angry at myself for not noticing how depressed she was here. She seems much lighter now.
2020-Joe Biden
Where did most of your money go?
Bills. Car (which uses a small fortune in gas). Food. Concerts/Shows. Gifts. Bath & Body Works. Ulta. Amazon. (Not necessarily in that order)
2020-Amazon. But for real, I paid off most of my credit cards.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A trip to South Dakota for Spring Break. I've wanted to see Mount Rushmore for a lot of years, and I finally did it this year. It was good to spend time with Ryan and Benji.
2020-the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A modern miracle.
What song will always remind you of 2019?
"Run For Cover" by The Killers. I'm ashamed it took me as long as it did to discover the album "Wonderful Wonderful." SO GOOD. It's a tie between that and "Cause and Effect" by Keane for album of the year. Excellent stuff.
2020-I really don’t have one.
My top 10 SONGS of 2019 (or, the songs that have meant the most to me this year):
(10) "La Vie En Rose" by Édith Piaf (SLS)
(9) "Into the Unknown" by Panic at the Disco
(8) "Wonderful, Wonderful" by The Killers
(7) "I'm Not Leaving" by Keane
(6) "God Hath Sent His Son This Day" (Ward Choir)
(5) "No More Sorrow" by Will Todd (SLS)
(4) "Stay Alive" by José González
(3) "Beloved" by Mumford and Sons
(2) "Stupid Things" by Keane
(1) "Run For Cover" by The Killers
2020-I got nothing
And the concert list for 2019:
Train (with Goo Goo Dolls and Allen Stone) 6.18.19
Mumford and Sons (with Portugal the Man) 8.13.19
Sting with the Utah Symphony (with Allen) 8.31.19
Pretty sparse, but pretty great. And they were all at USANA this year. Interesting how that happens.
2020-Ha! I thought 2019 was sparse.
I also saw "Aladdin" and "School of Rock" at the Eccles Theatre. And "Hamleton" at the Off-Broadway with Peggy. That was absolutely fantastic.
2020-I purchased season tickets to the Eccles, but everything has been pushed back indefinitely. We’ll see when Peggy and I actually get to use said tickets.
And here are my top Podcasts of the year, since I spend a fair amount of time listening to their voices:
(10) Goal Digger (Jenna Kutcher)
(9) Couples Coaching (Natalie Clay)
(8) You're Welcome (Hilary Rushford)
(7) Happier with Gretchen Rubin
(6) The Life Coach School/Better than Happy (tied)
(5) About Progress (Monica Packer)
(4) Don't Keep Your Day Job (Cathy Heller)
(3) Life on the Rocks, Please & Baconsale (tied)
(2) Start Here (ABC)
(1) Awesome with Alison (Alison Faulkner)
2020-This year, I have listened to a lot of the same podcasts, and some new ones as well. Here’s an updated ranking:
(10) The School of Greatness (Lewis Howes)/The Ed Mylett Show (tied)
(9) Fake Doctors, Real Friends (Zack & Donald)
(8) Baconsale
(7) Unlocking Us (Brené Brown)
(6) The Life Coach School/Better than Happy (tied)
(5) The Mompreneur Mastermind Show (Stefanie Gass)
(4) On Purpose (Jay Shetty)
(3) Happier with Gretchen Rubin
(2) About Progress (Monica Packer)
(1) Start Here (ABC)
Honorable mentions: Cultivate a Good Life (Becky Squared), Don't Keep Your Day Job (Cathy Heller), Awesome with Alison (Alison Faulkner), Leading Saints, All In (LDS Living), The Happiness Lab (Laurie Santos), Losing 100 Pounds (Corinne Crabtree), Plot Twist Media, This American Life, You’re Welcome (Hilary Rushford)
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder? Happier in general, though life is really up-and-down.
2020-is that even a real question?
Thinner or fatter? I've regained some weight. I'm avoiding the scale
2020-fatter
Richer or poorer? I think richer, though we're still in debt. We did refinance the house and complete the Self-Reliance course.
2020-Richer, actually. Almost debt-free, since I didn’t do anything interesting this year
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading and exercising
2020-same. Add sleep.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Staying up too late, saying yes when I really want to say no, staring at my phone
2020-work. I went back to full-time by choice; in January, some night shifts came open, and my little Holy Ghost told me to take them. So I did. It’s been a blessing, especially through the pandemic, but it’s been tough.
How will you be spending Christmas?
Honestly, I'm not sure. This year was in California, wirh a sick husband, a trip to Sunset Beach and Frozen 2.
2020-at home. And at work.
Did you fall in love in 2019?
Not really, but I do love my husband
2020-um, no
Who were your best friends?
Peggy, Heather. My sisters.
2020-same
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?
- I spent a fair amount of time taking and editing pictures this year (and several of these sessions were free of charge); I hope they are meaningful to others.
- I spent lots of time with the Young Women of the Kearns 34th Ward. I hope that means something.
- I drove to California for Aunt Barby's funeral. I hope my being there was meaningful.
2020-similar, except for the CA part. I worked a lot. I tried to contribute to lots of different charities and people in need.
What were your favorite TV programs?
I have watched very little TV this year. The only series I binged was "Unbelievable" on Netflix. I really liked "The Mandalorian" on Disney+. Everything else has been very hit-and-miss.
2020-Oh, geez. I watched waaaaaay too much television this year. Here’s all of the binged series that I can remember, in no particular order, though top 3 are indicated:
Better Call Saul
Hollywood
Big Little Lies
Sex Education
Parks & Rec (3)
The Good Place
Upload
Dear White People
Never Have I Ever
Away
The Great
Bridgerton
The Queen’s Gambit (1)
The Crown
Emily in Paris
Ted Lasso (2)
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. Some relationships have been strained, but I don't hate anyone. I'm not sad to be rid of the dog, though (we dropped him off at Tollene's new apartment last week).
2020-I don’t hate him, but I will not be sad to watch Trump leave the White House
What was the best book you read in 2019?
I did not read as much as I wanted to (again). "Fearless: The Heroic Story of One Navy SEAL's Sacrifice..." by Eric Blehm was FANTASTIC. I read it all in one sitting.
Also, I decided to re-read all of the Harry Potter novels in January. I believe this will be a tradition, to stave off the SAD.
2020-I did not re-read HP. I’m planning on it (again), but we’ll see. I did read all of the Cormoran Strike series, including the new novel “Troubled Blood,” so I got my J.K. fix. The best book I read was “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty. Life-changing.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
José González's "Stay Alive." It was in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," which it made me cry. Excellent song. Phenomenal movie.
2020-I don’t really have one, though Dua Lipa is intriguing
What did you want and get?
To see Mount Rushmore. To see the ocean. To drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. To go to the temple more. To go to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. To return to Disneyland.
2020-a MacBook Pro, an iPhone, and a COVID vaccine
What did you want but did NOT get?
A big weekend in Vegas party for my birthday. That kinda sucked, since I'd been planning it for years. Also a new laptop. And a new lens for my camera. And AirPods and an Apple Watch.
2020-too many to mention
What was your favorite film of this year?
Star Wars Episode XI. Frozen 2 was pretty good. Aladdin was okay. Ad Astra, Toy Story 4, Avengers: Endgame, and Captain Marvel were very good. A Marriage Story (Netflix) was excellent.
2020-the only new movie I saw in theaters was Tenet (Christopher Nolan), which I saw three times. I also rented a theater for my family to watch a private showing of “Back to the Future.”
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 40, and my sisters and mom went to Lava Hot Springs (thank you for making the decision, Rachael). Then I went to Twin Falls for Lexie's sealing. Lots of driving and time to reflect on four decades. Certainly not a weekend in Vegas, but still pretty nice.
2020-41. I did nothing. Allen and I also had our 15-year anniversary. We did nothing.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More sleep.
2020-same. And less politicization of mask-wearing.
What kept you sane?
Friends. Good people at work and church and in my life.
2020-who says I’m sane?
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Patrick Wilson is still #1, though Adam Driver is seriously closing in.
2020-sure. Add Adam Scott to the mix.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The Mueller Report and the Impeachment of President Trump.
2020-the presidential election
Who did you miss?
Lots of people. I did not see Shannah Leigh at all!
2020-Um, that’s two years without seeing Shannah? LAME. Also, 95% of my non-church/non-work friends.
Who was the best new person you met this year?
My nephew Leo!!
2020-I didn’t actually meet her, but Dr. Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters from an American” have been a great source of perspective, reason, and comfort.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.
You can choose your thoughts.
2020-take nothing for granted
Quote that sums up your year:
“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.
John Lennon
2020-this meme made the rounds. I’m not sure it’s 100% accurate or attributable (Devon Brough, Instagram post 19 Oct 2020?) but the sentiment rings true:
“Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard. Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard. Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard. Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard. Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard. Pick wisely.”
And finally, what was your word of the year, and why?
My word for 2019 was grace. I needed to learn how to give myself grace, how to accept the grace of the Savior, and how to live gracefully. I'm not sure i succeeded, but the thought stayed with me and helped me stay sane.
2020-I honestly don’t remember what my word was. I thought it was grace, until I read this post. My word for 2021 is trust. I was leaning toward peace, but I think there are more layers of meaning in trust, particularly in regards to obedience, and the peace it will bring.
So there it is . . . my yearly (?) contribution to this blog and a reminder of the good and bad of this time of life. I want to know how your year went as well! Please comment or shoot me a DM (slide on in, baby!). Let's remember the lessons of 2020, and make 2021 a beautiful one.
LOVE YOU!!!
