2020 has been a heck of a year. It would be easy to dwell on all the cancelled plans… on all the restrictions and the loneliness. But I’ve been trying to look on the bright side (as an enneagram seven, it’s in me to be an optimist). Here are a few things I’ve been trying to focus on…

• Spending quality time outdoors as a family. We’ve found new neighbourhoods and parks; done a few hikes; Nicklaus took up skateboarding; Cameron got a scooter and learned to ride a two-wheeler! This winter we may even take up snowshoeing… so far my whole family is resisting except for Barkley, but I think it looks like fun.
• Working on our home. We plan on moving shortly so this has given us the perfect opportunity to get things done around the house. We’ve narrowed down the kids’ toys to the things they really play with and love. We’ve redone the flooring and are in the final stages of painting so that we can list it… anyone interested in moving to NW Calgary?
• Working on art. We’ve been doing videos from the Art for Kids Hub, and I think we’re all improving… and I’ve been working on lettering. I have a few projects planned for Christmas gifts… 
• Cooking. This is something I’ve never really enjoyed – Kevin is definitely the cook in our home. But during the pandemic, we’ve been limiting our grocery trips and ordering Hello Fresh most weeks. I’m completely capable of following instructions and have made dinners that are edible and people actually eat!
• Reading. This year I’ve read more this year than I have in probably a decade. With no evening events, I’ve read 32 books so far this year – with a month to go! Top 5 books of the year have been:
  • Empire of Wild – Cherie Dimaline
  • My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress – Rachel DeLoache Williams
  • Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption – Bryan Stevenson

I hope you’ve found some ways to look on the bright side too – am I missing any good ones?