It’s the All & Sundry year-end review!
What did you do in 2020 that you’d never done before?
Ordered curbside pick-up for my groceries.
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year’s resolution was “to try to feel more at home in my body.” I’m not sure how I did with that, and I’m not making another resolution.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don’t believe so.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My mother-in-law passed away in November.
What countries did you visit?
I’ve been doing this end-of-year wrap-up since 2006, and this is the first time I had something to report. Isn’t it ironic? Rockford and I went to Mexico for a music festival in January, and it was marvelous.
What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?
Last year I said, “A greater sense of calm.” Haaaaa-ha-ha-ha. In 2021, I’m hoping to get a COVID vaccine and to be able to see my extended family.
What dates from 2020 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
There are several, for not-great reasons.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting through it.
What was your biggest failure?
I’m not counting up failures this year.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major.
What was the best thing you bought?
A bidet.
Where did most of your money go?
The mortgage.
What did you get really excited about?
The election and the COVID vaccine.
What song will always remind you of 2020?
“Reincarnation.” Jeff Tweedy and his family have been live-streaming “The Tweedy Show” on instagram around four nights a week since March, and I’ve watched all but two episodes. They started playing “Reincarnation” as their closing song early on.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Four years in a row, I said more family hikes. I’m not saying it again this year.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Last year I said “Worrying.” I am once again laughing at my past self. Even so, I’m hoping to have less anxiety in 2021.
How did you spend Christmas?
At home, quietly.
What was your favorite TV program?
We loved watching “The Mandalorian” as a family again this year, and I’ve also been enjoying “The Durrells in Corfu.”
What were your favorite books of the year?
“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell
“Deacon King Kong” by James McBride
“How Much of these Hills is Gold” by C. Pam Zhang
“The Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson
“The Big Year” by Mark Obmascik
“Here for It; Or, How to Save Your Soul in America” by R. Eric Thomas
“Jubilee” by Margaret Walker
What was your favorite music from this year?
Jeff Tweedy’s “Love is the King” and Fleet Foxes’ “Shore.”
What were your favorite films of the year?
I did not see a lot of new movies this year, but I loved “Soul.” I think it would’ve been near the top even if I had been able to go to the movies this year.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 42 this year, and it was the day my mother-in-law went back into the hospital for the last time. Not a great day.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
C’mon, survey. I’m not answering this one.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
Comfort.