Dear 2022
Dear 2022, I know we are about to begin dating, but I need to be open with you. I'm just getting over a long-term relationship that has not always been positive. 2021 started hopeful, of course. When 2021 and I first met we were hearing about vaccines and exiting the pandemic, but it quickly turned dark. So many words have now become part of our daily news feeds; insurrection, variant, breakthrough cases..., and I am tired. My colleagues are tired. Our students are tired. Our families are tired. The world is tired. Still, I am hopeful. Anytime I begin a new relationship I try to remain positive. I try to set goals. I try to listen and remain excited, and I will try. I promise. I will try to lose that 10 pounds that I gained in the last year. Yes, I will clean out my workroom and closet. Yes, I will practice my guitar more. Yes, I will reach out in love to those extended family members and friends whom I never seem to see. Yes, I will catch-up and read the books th