DILOKKLAISATAPORN/ISTOCK
I cooked my very first turkey last week. After watching videos, chatting with my grandma on her self-proclaimed “turkey tip hotline,” and carefully following all of the steps, my first bird was a success! The meat was perfectly cooked, we had leftovers for days and I only set off the smoke alarm once (note to self: an extra pan to catch the drippings beneath the roasting pan is a must). We missed our families of course, but there was something nice about not having to leave the house or change out of my favorite hoodie and sweatpants.
It’s been an unbelievably challenging year to say the least, but I find comfort in continuing to share and connect with others and never get tired of hearing how our members are adjusting to this new way of life. Many of us are ready to quickly turn the page to 2021 and put this year behind us. But as we continue to look ahead, take a moment to stop and consider these three questions:
- Is there something you tried for the first time this year?
- What are you grateful for that you didn’t have at this time last year?
- Do you have a new daily or weekly ritual that brings you comfort?
Maybe you too set off the smoke alarm with your first turkey or first batch of homemade bread. Or maybe you’ve learned to love FaceTiming or Zoom-ing with friends. Jot your thoughts in a journal, or feel free to tell me about it in the comments section. You may inspire someone else who’s reading this.
By Ramona (Lucy) Corlew December 2, 2020
This really got me thinking. One thing this year has done is make me aware of my surroundings and how important it is to protect myself from people who choose not to follow health guidelines. I know that I can’t change their behavior, so I needed to adapt to take care of myself.
I did try, and have enjoyed roasted vegetables this year. They are more flavorful I find than cooked any other way.
During the time our chapter was in lockdown, and couldn’t hold meetings, I sent out weekly programs to members to try to keep everyone focused.
As for myself, when I feel my spirits getting low, I try to take a few minutes to just be quiet and thank God for the good things that I still have in life and the things I’m daily blessed with.
By Gayla December 6, 2020
Thank you so much for sharing about how you are getting through 2020! I also am more aware of keeping me & everyone around me safe.
You stay Safe & Merry Christmas.& A Happier,
Healty New Year!
By Helen Lawson December 3, 2020
I can appreciate how excited you must have been to cook a perfect turkey. I have been married for 55 years, have two sons and daughters-in-law and two grandchildren in college.
At this time in my life, I am a the one that does the cooking. Yes, it gets tiresome but I still am hoping to get them interested in the kitchen.
By Ellen Johnston December 3, 2020
I!m grateful that i am cancer free.I have had a lot of support from my family and Tops friends dealing with this terrible disease. But thankfully now cancer free. 2019 and 2020 have been terrible years for me but proud to say I am now stronger and in a better mindset because of it. It’s-now about me Being healthy.
By Gayla December 6, 2020
Thank you so much for sharing about how you are getting through 2020! I also am more aware of keeping me & everyone around me safe.
You stay Safe & Merry Christmas.& A Happier,
Healty New Year!
By Janet Long December 3, 2020
Trying to stay more positive during this pedimic. Not being able to go places & do things I really like to do has been hard for me. I am a high risk person and having to adjust has been hard. I am grate to be alive. So many people have died from this virus and its really sad. Talking to friends and family more is my new weekly ritual. I”ll just be glad when this virus is gone from us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
By Linda Cole December 3, 2020
It has been a rough year for me. I lost a sister in July and a brother in September. Then I got Covid end of October. Did okay through it all. My year became a little brighter when I reached TOPS status on November 9th. Looking forward to a better year next year. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
By Margaret Marino December 3, 2020
What a rough year for you! I am happy for you for reaching your goal. A rough way to do it, but it has certainly been a year for strange bug that is going around to change all of our lives. Glad you can say you got through Covid may you not get it again.
By Ron Wenberg December 7, 2020
Thanks Maggie, I always enjoy reading your posts! So meaningful. Have a safe Holiday.
By ev baker January 5, 2021
Two of our members reached their Kops status during the shutdowns. What a grand feeling after struggling for 17…plus years, shhhhhhhh I’m 84.. gotta count for something…