The year 2020 was unquestionably a hard year for everyone, to the extent it’s becoming cliche to acknowledge it. Not that I had a particularly bad year myself. I, along with 3 billion plus others, quickly came to accept 2020 as a year of unprecedented change - often painful. 

When calamity struck, it was “Because...2020.” Sickness, politics, the economy, you name it... if it was bad and happened in 2020, the whole dang YEAR caught the blame. Finally, I (along with 3 billion plus others) bid an overdue farewell to the “year that was” and turned bleary eyes toward 2021.

But now...three weeks into a new year once slopping over with promise, it’s beginning to feel as if the “Year That Shall Not Be Named” wasn’t quite finished with me, personally. 

Thankfully, my family and I have our health, I have a job, bills are paid and mouths are fed. I can’t lose sight of those fundamentals since, with them in control, I can devote my energy to addressing the crazy little things that seem to come from nowhere. Things like in the past three weeks of my life.

If I were a superstitious person, I might be inclined to accuse the gods of toying with me. Or, perhaps worry I had tipped the balance of some great karmic scale. Maybe I mumbled some arcane metaphysical incantation by accident, cursing myself to punishment.

Okay, maybe that’s a bit much.

Still, 2021 is out of the gate with some fist-shaking fatuity. For your consideration:

1) Ceiling leak

2) Check engine light on in truck. Twice.

3) Washing machine broken down (out of warranty) 

4) Microwave Vent Hood Fan began making unusual noise. Out of warranty. Still works, for now though. (This one really bugs me, but I’m not cooking a holiday meal in there. I just want to warm up my coffee. Squeak on with your bad self, Mike.)

5) Dishwasher down. Has been for a while now, but hand washing dishes instead is so soothing and therapeutic I just couldn’t...

6) Hit a dog on my way to work: truck fog lights broken. Dog fine.

7) Hit a tree in my own yard while backing my truck: license plate light broken. Tree fine. 

8) ...and finally, driver’s side door handle of my truck broke. Actually, snapped off. Have to open through the passenger side. 

In just under three weeks. 

Thanks 2020. I know it’s you. You’re ugly and you’re momma dresses you funny.