I thought 2020 was an odd and different year. I’d say 2021 had its moments as well. There are times when I wish there was a crystal ball to see what is going to happen and have the ability to prepare or make shifts so something different comes about. Yet, life does not work that way, and in all actuality, I am grateful for that. Preparing or making shifts may lead you to believe that you know what the outcome is going to be, however you can never stay a step ahead. So, being determined to take whatever comes my way and make the best of it was what I needed in 2021.
In 2021 my mother and father turned 75 and I was determined to see them both for their birthday. 
I was able to completely surprise my mother. In January, I made it to Florida without her knowing and spent a long weekend celebrating her. One of the best parts was my brother was in on the surprise and helped me work it all out. The last time my mother, brother, and I were together was when she turned 50 (yes, 25 years, we have a crazy life, but it works for us).
In June it was time for a road trip with my daughter to Texas to celebrate with my father. This was a combination of a birthday and Father’s day trip. This was not a surprise, but a relaxing fun time was had by all.
I am very thankful for the health both of my parents have. Our world is topsy-turvey and there are never any guarantees which is why I was determined to continue to live my life and see my parents for their milestone birthday.
While I did not have a milestone birthday I did take some time for myself and went to California in September. This trip just solidified in every fiber of my being that I belong at the beach. I absolutely love being in Colorado and having the beauty of the Rockies to explore and be one with nature. But the ocean, sand, and sun…that is where my soul belongs. Someday, if not on a permanent basis, then at least for weeks or months at a time I will be at the beach.
Even though it had been a crazy year of teaching during 20-21, I decided to teach summer school. My thinking was the determination to have money to purchase flooring for my house. Well, that determination took a twist and I ended up creating my own version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, I called it If You Give a Girl a Paint Roller. This is how my story went…If you give a girl a paint roller to paint a small bathroom then she’ll want to paint the cupboard and change the light fixture. Now because she had to use a gray that was different from the rest of the walls she will need to paint the other gray walls to match the new gray walls. The grays have to match throughout the house. Then she’ll look in the kitchen and be frustrated with the cabinets and want to give them a makeover to match the pretty walls. So, the cabinets become white with added nobs and handles that had never been on the drawers and doors before. As she reflects on how lovely the kitchen looks with the gray and white she realizes that the doors and jams throughout the house would look better white, to match the kitchen, so all those have to be painted before the walls. Then seeing the gold/brass colored hinges and door nobs makes her realize that with the white and gray that just doesn’t work so she will replace all those. All the new brushed nickel handles just really clash with the outdated light fixtures. So, she will put in new light fixtures around the house as well. Then she will look around at what is left of the horrid green carpet and with a determined mind pull up the last of the carpet and paint the subfloors. Word to the wise – be prepared for changes, major changes If You Give a Girl a Paint Roller. Oh, as for the flooring that hasn’t happened, yet, but hey, when it does the house is ready!
A DETERMINED mindset can lead in many different directions. I continue to learn that I am able and as ready as I can be for what comes my way. Life is interesting and while a crystal ball may seem like the route to go, being determined to take what comes your way and make the best of what you have is what life is all about. So thank you 2021 for showing me that I am determined.