(NOTE: Despite my efforts to get this blog out before the end of 2020, I just couldn’t make it happen. But here it is anyway).
This is a recap of 2020 for me to look back on later and reflect, so hopefully it is not too boring if you are reading this!
To say the least, where the year started and where it is ended was in very different places. We have had perhaps the the oddest most life changing year that I’ve experienced in my life. To have to where masks everywhere we go and not eat in restaurants or go to movie theaters is definitely a change. Even at my normal “day job”, we must wear masks for 12 hours at a time. It’s definitely taking some getting use to.
The Bad
I would rather begin with the not so positive things I dealt with first:
1. The struggle of building LivestockCity, the company. I could almost write a book on this story, but LivestockCity has been labor of love at this point. Luck plays some part in entrepreneurial success or failure, but for the past two years, it has mostly been bad luck. We are making changes in 2021 with LivestockCity, that I hope will finally be the edge we needed to succeed. More on this story in 2021.
2. My hobby of running has been in the toilet in 2020. I have dealt with back and hip issues that have mostly sidelined me from running in 2020. Doctors, physical therapy, and Chiropractors have not really provided a way for me to get back to running pain free, and I don’t know what will happen in 2021, but I do miss running in races and training.
3. Sadness for the victims of Covid-19 and those financially struggling during the pandemic. Also, the deep division of our country hardly makes it feel like the “United” States of America.
The Good
Despite the challenges of 2020, I have had some “wins.” :
1. Job security – I have not had to really suffer financially during this time, as I was considered an “essential” worker, so the pandemic has not really impacted me financially – I know others weren’t as fortunate, so I am grateful.
2. Healthy family and friends – I do not personally know anyone that has died due to a Covid-19 infection and for that I’m thankful. Also, it is great that we ended this year with Covid-19 vaccines, with more companies also bringing their vaccines to the market.
3. Earning a black belt in American Freestyle Karate. Despite the pandemic issues and the back pain, I was able to test and pass a black belt test that took 3.5 years for me to obtain. I may write some more about karate and martial arts in 2021.
4. My side projects (for the most part) had good development success.
5. Still made it to the beach (a few times).
