Looking Back at Another Covid Year

"Late Fall in Maine"

What a year it has been. I don't want this to be a recap per se but more of just a commentary on this and that. Great things have happened, bad things have happened. I will touch on both.

I am truly blessed for what I have. Yes I have complaints but most of them are rather comical and stupid like me freaking out to my doctor about an overblow minor medical issue (I arrive with a list) or me complaining the Maine house is soo big (really Marc? STFU fool).

So as usual in no particular order, here's some of the real and ridiculous stuff I have dealt with: 

I am neurotic and embrace it.

I am a nerd and embrace it.

I will always stand by my mantra that my glass is half full.

In February, I got Covid the week before I was to get my vaccine which resulted in three weeks of an odd pandemic virus whose symptoms were unlike anything I've ever experienced before. 

My brain fog from the Lyme disease is now exacerbated by the Covid. Yay me. Some days really suck. I think I need to install permanent house handles to hold onto walking around. Or maybe wrapping myself in bubble-wrap.

Brain fog now affects how I process alcohol. When it hits me, one drink equals three. At least I'm a cheap date. 

And this has further complicated my already complicated relationship with the drink.

I have not lost the Covid weight ... yet. Luckily though, I am not gaining anymore. I am steady at my weight and lovably chunky.

After two Covid tests up my shnoss, I have realized the right side is no longer passable and I probably haven't smelled properly since 1997.

Arthritis in my knees is kicking my ass. Thank you Lyme disease. 

I made a new friend, Menno; he's Maine Amish. I think I am more into our "friendship" than him. He views me with amusement. LOL

Speaking of amusement, there are a lot of people I still talk to just because THEY amuse ME. 

I had my first colonoscopy. Found a tiny polyp, removed it. All good. I go back in 5 years. The prep was the hardest. The procedure was the best sleep I have had in ages. That Propofol drug is the bomb.

Speaking of assholes, I can truly be an asshole sometimes. Sorry if I offended anyone in 2021. 

I truly love my cigars. Enjoying exploring that side of myself with my fellow cigar smokers.

We sadly lost Max the Cat to cancer in March. Miss Moxie mourned for a good several months, as did we. It still is extremely sad. She's getting better with the help of some daily Kitty Xanax.

Moxie is still a carb-loving kitty and eats whatever bread products she finds. She is advancing predictably into her old age with some senility here and there but she's still a cutie. 

Yard work on the Lake Wynonah home petered out, the yard looks pathetic and I want to inform you that I really don't care.

I found myself bartending twice this year. Last time was March of 2020. I enjoyed it and still haven't shaken that bartending bug. I'm glad I took a major break as I was really hating it towards the end of my run. People noticed, I noticed. They say you should step away from something when it is no longer any fun so I had made the right decision. It's nice though to do it here and there again. 

Anxiety is still there sometimes. Those demons reside in the deep dark corners of my mind. Insecurities, lack of confidence. It sucks.

Both of my dads, Dr. Bob and the Bear, suffered dire health issues this year. It was touch and go with both of them for a bit but both pulled through. Thank you God. 

I was blessed to see Dad and Martha out in California in August. It was a wonderful visit catching up. 

Trips to Maine were wonderful. The Big Ragu and I went up five times. So blessed to have this home. This was the best decision we have made.

We hiked Mt. Chase up in Maine! Was a big achievement considering the Big Ragu's and my aging knees. Next, onto Mt. Katahdin! 

I am always thankful for the Big Ragu as my rock.

We had a wonderful family trip to Maine with the Bear, Dee, bro Adam and sis Sheryl. Was so nice to have family at the Gardiner house and Adam and Sher saw a moose!

After "quarreling" with a very close family member for a good couple months, we buried the hatchet and made up. Making up was a highlight of my year. 

I am more closer than ever before with my brother and realize we have more in common as I get older. I love that I am so close with both my sis and bro.

I have really worked to nurture and foster my friendships with my closest friends. Reaching out every week, checking in on each other. It goes both ways and each of us realize that. They keep me sane. They know who they are.

I am never going to learn that second language and have finally taken it off of the "to-do" list after 15+ years. HAHAHA.

This year has taught me that I'm too old for games. If I see that happening, I move on, no questions asked. Life is too short.

I continue to love the wisdom that is bestowed upon me by life's pleasures and disappointments. I soldier on through the disappointments, stronger than before. 

I find that I need to have goals, keep working on projects, and keep myself mentally active. I don't get how people don't have goals, they just live. SMH.

With the isolation of Covid, I have found joy again in the quiet, the simple, the basic:  watching colorful leaves in the Fall float down from the trees, the annual intoxicating smells of the lilac bush in the yard, Moxie softly purring, a quiet moment by myself. 💓

It is interesting, I now find that I am more conservative than my Mom and Dad. After much self-reflection, I have embraced it and am proud of my views and beliefs. 

In the same breath, I choose not be defined by my specific part of my personality, interest, or being. They're are just too many facets to myself. 

I am just MARC.

Bring on 2022!

Blogger's note: This one is dedicated to my dearly departed friend Jack Ross. I miss his advice and wisdom.