Happy 2022! First life update of the new year...

2021 has been a challenging year while also being a year of growth. My children were able to continue their education in person during the new school year while also participating in extracurricular activities. My wife and I were able to have a date night on our anniversary and see the new Gustav Klimt exhibit at NCMA. While those moments were great, some challenging things continued to persist. Being a teacher has its own challenges but this year continued to provide new difficulties that could not have been planned. The stress of work continued to impact elements outside of work and I’m working to improve on that during 2022.

The sign at the entrance that greeted you when visiting the Alphonse Mucha exhibit at NCMA.

Outside of work, I continued to experience new health concerns. I was able to get vaccinated in the Spring and boosted in the Fall. To ensure that I wasn’t getting anyone ill or if I showed any symptoms, I made sure to get tested frequently. I had to also be careful since I have other health concerns and a compromised immune system due to some of my medication. While I did not contract COVID (based on the many tests I’ve taken every month), I did experience a viral infection that impacted my heart. When I realized that I could not walk up a flight of stairs without running out of breath, I knew I needed to go to a doctor. After many visits, tests, and a set of x-rays later, I was diagnosed with heart failure. Last month, I experienced one of the sickest moments of my life. I’m continuously working towards healing and participating in treatments, I continue to deal with day to day fatigue and other issues but I’m fortunate to have my wonderful family beside me.

Many moments of joy were present during 2021 too. One of my sons enjoyed their first season of soccer while my daughter was able to perform during a holiday parade. All of the children enjoyed their new classes and my wife continues to work towards helping as many as she can. Along with the hard work we’ve done, we continued to make our house more of a home for us all… including building a chicken coop with our little flock of chickens.

One of the awesome pick-ups from last year for my office: Prime One EVA Unit 02.

So, that’s where I’ve been! Not all fun but some great moments were experienced. With most negative experiences, something positive can be gleaned. I hope to provide more consistent content on my site, which is done out of for fun and provides me some relief. I’m looking forward to writing on my site regularly. Being able to share my thoughts on films, games, books, collectibles and other art is therapeutic. Even if no one reads it, being able to put my thoughts in published words allows me to free those ideas and feel more at peace.

I look forward to providing more content and a more peaceful year. I wish you a blessed 2022 and good health during your experience. - Jeremy