2022 -- Who Knew?

If you are like me, you have already forgotten most of 2022. As the year goes by, events blur, impressions pale, recollections recede, and trends retract.

 

Just think that Wordle was all the rage last January. Today, I barely even remember how to play.

 

That’s why I started this list of the moments that mattered back in August. I might even look back someday and remember one or two of them.

 

Highlights of a Year Well-Lived

 

10. Going back to the gym

This was never going to be #1. I’m just glad it made the list at all. More on this topic in January.

 

9. Our 2^nd Annual – and Last? – 4^th of July Party

If you attended this event, we loved having you. It was a gas. Just don’t expect us to do it again any time soon. Few realized it, but we had been up all night with water flooding through the living room ceiling. Talk about stress.

 

8. Joni Mitchell’s triumphant return at the Newport Jazz Festival

I wasn’t there when she took the stage in late July. I was only able to piece together YouTube snippets to get a sense of this momentous occasion – an artistic homecoming that overjoyed fans like me.

 

7. Seeing David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway
It was an exuberant, rhythmic, life-affirming night in the theater. Even Joe, a reluctant theatergoer, was on his feet the entire time. 

 

6. Back to School

Using my brain felt good – especially with no homework, no grades, and pure whim driving the learning agenda. I was once again the teacher’s pet. 

A voodoo doll designed to make me more sexy
found in New Orleans

5. Our November New Orleans Trip
We usually go to New York for my birthday but switched gears this year. I’ll let you know if my voodoo doll designed to make me more sexy works. Or better yet, you let me know.

Atop the London Eye

4. Our October London Trip 

After a long absence from Europe, we revisited old favorites and made new memories despite the dodgy food. 

 

3. Retirement and My Last Day of Work, Ever

6 months in, I cannot think of one bad thing to say about my decision to call it quits. It helps to treat retirement like a job, where your job is to follow your bliss.

 

2. Blogging

Launching Vertes'Verities has been great! This blog lets me externalize my internal monologue, and gives me the gifts of purpose and focus in my retirement. More importantly, it has helped me reconnect with cherished friends like you.

 

The newest addition to our family

1. Little Link

Few pleasures in life compare with the introduction of a new puppy into your family. This sweet rascal completes us. We love you, you little Tasmanian devil.

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For me, it was a very good year.

 

I’d love to hear what made your list. If this was an annus horribilis, here’s to moving on. 

I toast your health and happiness in 2023. Cheers and all the best for the next 365 days.