2018 is almost over. So, with homage to Ariana Grande, and her hit song (“Thank u, next”), it’s time to bid 2018, Thank You. Next!
What a year it’s been!
At dinner last night, my 12 year old reminded me there’d be an Olympics this year. I had to stop and really think about that. Who could remember?
In a year of non-stop breaking news (and shattering of norms), the carnival barkers shoved the Olympic heroes from the front of my mind. Heroes like Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir shouldn’t be forgotten (nor any of the other Canadian team members – see https://olympic.ca/games/2018-pyeongchang/). Nor should we forget the inspirations of folks like the Parkland kids, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And the wonderful people lost like Anthony Bourdain, Jamal Khashoggi, Penny Marshall, and so many others. Here’s NBC News’ take on who we lost this year: https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/remembering-the-people-we-lost-in-2018-1412492867873?fbclid=IwAR1XNd_PDcZ7e0girYRqTHflnk1aYb5JR9m9SW6K2TSOsJAIeKATvZYfUdI And here are some notable Canadian celebrity deaths http://www.legacy.com/news/canada/canadian-celebrity-deaths/3545/ .
There is much to be thankful for in 2018. Family, love, good health, snuggles, long walks, great dinners and conversation, and so much more. There were terrific travels – to India, the Peruvian Amazon, Disney, Las Vegas, Walt Disney World, and Newfoundland. There’ve been successes and failures, and hopefully we all learn from the failures, as Ariana implores us. But – there’s more to come.
2019 promises to be an exceptional year. There are some terrific group trips planned – from Iceland to Machu Picchu to the Rocky Mountaineer. And – a big trip coming now with a Christmas markets cruise for 2019.
So, 2018 – thank you. Next!
(And go watch some Ari https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl1aHhXnN1k )