Since 2011, I’ve used this list to help reflect back on the year. I really enjoy looking back while preparing to move forward. So…
1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?
I submitted my resignation papers to the Navy! I mean, it’s a nine-month process but still, on to the next phase of my career!
Also, I saved someone’s life with the Heimlich/finger sweep! I’m sure I’ve saved lives in the past, but this was the first time in a non-clinical setting.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My track record on resolutions kept has been okay the last two years. There are definitely some repeats/carry-overs from last year to this year, some of which I feel better about than others. “Read 52 books” is a repeat. Totally fine. I’m less happy that “No gossip websites” is still on the list. It is a tough one for me to give up, but they take up time and brain space. Who cares about Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson? (A lot of people, apparently. But still. My brain has only so much content space and I don’t want to use it for that!)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
0. I was disappointed that Hot Vaxxed Summer lasted all of three weeks before Delta arrived. Although in fairness, I did see my family a lot. I am also saving my vacation time for a big trip before I get out of the Navy.
6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
International travel (repeat). And if for some reason that can’t happen, a cool road trip in the US. The Western US (non-coastal) and Maine are places I’d like to spend time in.
7. What dates from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 30: Turned in my resignation request to the big black hole of online Navy admin.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Professionally, I finished a clinical trial, which was exciting and tedious at the same time. Now I need to write it up!
9. What was your biggest failure?
I was successful with no gossip sites until the middle of the year and then Pete Davidson’s BDE was too much to resist [From a gossip reading perspective, gosh. Not in real-life, what do you take me for? A nubile starlet weirdly unable to resist someone who looks like the walking dead?]
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No. I am vaccinated and boosted, which is pretty awesome. As far as I know, I have not have COVID but with the high asymptomatic rate, it’s completely possible. Omicron is also spreading like wildfire through my workplace. N-95s for the win, hopefully.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I enrolled in the Stanford Ignite Certificate course, a 4-week course focused on business fundamentals of entrepreneurship and start-ups. It was an amazing experience. My goals were to establish an understanding of how start-ups work both to understand Silicon Valley culture more and to apply to my own career. These goals were definitely accomplished!
12. Where did most of your money go?
Rent/Two Households for 2/3 year. Savings account. LCID stock.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Thanksgiving with my family. My nephews and niece! Stanford Ignite. Upcoming professional changes.
14. What song will always remind you of 2020?
Caution (Wasatch Style) by The Killers. The arts and entertainment questions are inspiring me to keep better track this upcoming year!
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Same. Pretty happy.
– thinner or fatter? Slightly fatter but I have healthy diet and exercise (more strength and yoga) plans for 2022
– richer or poorer? Richer
16. What’s one thing you wish you had done more of?
International travel. I know, I know. Me and a lot of people. Call a whambulence as long as I can bring my tiny violin.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Phone-scrolling. I’m going to establish more of an evening routine that involves no phone!
18. How did you spend Christmas?
With SMS’ family.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
SMS and I watched Derry Girls. That was pretty funny. I also watched Bridgerton and Cheer, but was that this year or last?
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Bird by Bird by Lamott, Transcendent Kingdom by Gyasi, A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by Saunders, Interior Chinatown by You, The Admirals by Borneman, Olympus, Texas by Swann, The Idealist by Munk, The Guide by Heller, Oh William! by Strout, Four Thousand Weeks by Burkeman, and How to Change by Milkman
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
I liked the album Imploding the Mirage by The Killers. Ancient Water is a great song by Future Islands.
Most of my music exposure was through Peloton playlists. Rüfüs Du Sol, Kiss Me More by Doja Cat and SZA, Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) by Elton John & Dua Lipa
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
I’m not much of a movie watcher. I did subscribe to Disney+ for a month and watched Hamilton and Soul.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
41. In Idylwild- so beautiful!
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
No COVID. Is that too glib? Yes, but it’s also true.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
Vuori joggers and comfy. This will need to change markedly in 2022 as tailored professional will start making more of an appearance as I search for, and hopefully get, a job.
26. What kept you sane?
SMS and my family! I also felt very endorphin-y after exercise.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021
If you’re going to start a company, be very clear as to whether you want to fund through debt financing or equity financing.