2021 was a very emotionally exhausting year. I had high hopes of things stabilizing and improving, but we end 2021 in much the same way as it started, amongst a tidal wave of illness and looming deaths~

I did get things accomplished this year; I managed to pay off my Silverado, and do some overdue maintenance on its engine. I managed to save up and buy a $2,000 Sony Alpha that I always wanted, and invest the money into two additional lenses to expand photographic opportunities, and travel around Central Ohio to document nature throughout the seasons. In the fight against the pandemic, I got vaccinated (and later boosted), and overcame an extreme fear of needles. That I'm very proud of myself for. And I managed to hold onto my job, get a second pay raise, and continue my duties as a truck driver.

I must admit that the past two years have really worn me out. Being worried about family and friend's well being, my own health and safety, has unfortunately taken a toll on my optimism for the new year. I didn't really get a chance to hang out with friends as hoped, and had a bunch of personal issues creep up throughout the year. I also had an extended family member die from Covid-19 recently. The state of the nation seems fragile; we're more divided than ever before, and a sense of conflict looms. But one has to press forward, despite the headaches and frustration. To give up means to just lay down and die. And I refuse to do that.

Ready or not, here comes 2022~