I don’t even know where to start. This year was wild, difficult [insert other adjectives] but we made it. No matter how nutty the year was, I’m coming out of it having learned lessons, a little stronger than I was before and most importantly, I have a bit of a hopeful outlook for 2022. I say “a bit” because I don’t want to get ahead of myself. Next year I’m turning a big age (eek) and it’s really made me pretty reflective on life in general but also very reflective on the life I’d like to live going forward.

OK, I’m not trying to get all deep here but I will say I’m 100% dedicated to learning how to better create the life I want. My focus for 2022 is all about creating healthy personal and professional boundaries and being more intentional about life decisions. Now for my 2021 recap.

LIFE
Well, I’m still here. Yes, I know that doesn’t sound very hopeful but it is what it is. I think there are a few life-changing things that took place this year that can be celebrated but the one that really stands out is losing my dad. Almost a year later and I haven’t quite processed it yet. Anyway, let’s move on.

MASON

The love of my life. 2021 was the year I become a parent to a one-year-old and it kinda felt like we finally started to understand each other. Almost two years into parenting and I’m still convinced it’s a scam but luckily for us, Mason makes it fun. This year she:

• took her first steps
• started saying words like mama, dada, yeah, ball, etc.
• began spending the night at grandma & grandpa’s house
• started wearing glasses

Can’t wait to see what 2022 will bring with this little strong-willed and sassy human being.

TELEVISION
I’ll be honest, the last year or so has been all about comfort and for me, that means watching TV. So this year, I thought it would be neat to round up a few of my favorite things I watched on TV in 2021. Here goes:

• Dopesick (Hulu)
• Hacks (HBO)
• Harlem (Prime)
• Love Life (season 2 on HBO)
• Maid (Netflix)
• Promising Young Woman (movie, HBO)
• Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO)
• The Way Down (documentary, HBO)

I also rewatched a ton of things like The Americans, Friends From College and Fleabag. And I’ll say that 90 Day Finacé has been getting both me and John through the pandemic since March of 2020.

What show did you watch the most this year?

SONGS
We love music in this house and like most times in our lives, music can get us through the best and the worst of times. So, here’s a peek into what’s been on repeat for me this year:

• Drake – Knife Talk
• Drake – Papi’s Home
• Giveon – Heartbreak Anniversary
• Snoh Alegra – I Want You Around (not new but definitely on repeat)
• Summer Walter & Ari Lennox – Unloyal
• Summer Walker & SZA – No Love
• SZA – Good Days
• Tyler, The Creator – RUNITUP
• Tyler, The Creator – WUSYANAME

I’m noticing a bit of a theme here. Who did you listen to the most this year?

EAT.DRINK.FROLIC. RECAP
Alright, this was another year of not really creating new content and recipes for you. I desperately want to get back into it in 2022 (which is the plan) but I cannot make any promises because toddlers are tiny terrorists and I work for her now. I’m already thinking about new recipes to share and potential brands to work with and fingers crossed – I’ll make it happen. At any rate, here’s what was popular on EDF this year, which looks very similar to what was popular last year (which means I need to create some new content):