Sorry for the negative title. This blog won't focus too much on the negative aspects of 2020, but I will just get that out of the way. Back in March, half of our office staff departed for the U.S. - some as evacuees and some as regular rotation, without replacement. We went several months without enough personnel, and we were still pushing support to host nation teams... my workload increased significantly. The added work load and reduced ability to work properly due to telework requirements made things maddening at times. As I said, though, I won't focus on that.
As a matter of fact, the pandemic allowed me to do some things that I would not have normally been able to do. I read way more books than I had resolved to read, and I was able to drop 30 pounds thanks to exercise and Intermittent Fasting (IF). I gained about 10 back since my lowest weight, but I have a plan now, and feel I will be able to break that last plateau. Anyway, the pandemic wasn't all bad is my point.
I was happy with the results of my resolutions. Though I haven't gotten through many books in the last couple of months, I far exceeded my goal for the year. Also, I got back into exercising regularly and plan on staying this way even if I still worry that an injury will take me out for longer than I would like... the older I get, the more cognizant I am of how badly injuries affect me. The last goal I had was taking an online course. While I didn't finish my online course, I hope to have the first one completed by January. I also registered for another one that should be complete shortly after. By the way, those two courses are related to Programming in the C Language and Linux Essentials. I registered for both of these courses in EdX.org.
With that being said, I am not sure what I will focus on in 2021. I have some ideas rolling around in my head, but further thought is required. Let me get back to you on that.
I am off to Mui Ne the day after tomorrow. I will meet up with Diep in Saigon and take a long, long bus ride there. This lazy, beach-side resort town is the thing I need to start the New Year. Being with my darling on New Year's Eve is good, too!
I reckon the worst part of 2020 was not being able to get back to the US for a vacation this year, so I will end this post on hope. I hope that next year restores our global health and that I am able to get back to the U.S. to visit family that I haven't been able to see for a while now.
Happy New Year to All!
