Happy New Year

 Thursday, December 31/20

Never has one year been so hard to endure and had everyone longing to see the door close on it then has 2020.

This last year has seen untold tragedy and loss around the world as well as close to home. We've lost loved ones to a pandemic, experienced financial hardship as jobs were put on hold and lost, and yet through it all, we've still managed to prevail, to fight the good fight, hoping that a better day is just around the corner.

I'm not going to tempt fate by saying something flip like "it can't get any worse" as I'm sure it could. No, rather I'm going to keep my head up, smile at those around me, continue to do my best to have a positive outlook, and try my damndest to be the person I know I'm capable of being.

I'm not going to let the Karen's and Ken's of the world get me down, apologies if either of those names is yours but I think you get my drift, I'm not going to forego my mask in public, I'm not going to belittle or mock anyone on the front lines who are just following the guidelines set forth by our health agencies.

When the time comes, I'll get my vaccine as I'm not one who believes there are microchips in it so the government can track me.

Let's be honest and admit that 2020 has been a complete and utter cluster fuck from the get-go.

We've seen protests over social inequalities, over shootings, over the lack of response from our elected officials, hypocrisy from the narcissist in the White House, false claims of voter fraud, attempts to overturn the will of the people and disenfranchise millions upon millions of voters rights.

But in the end, we the people are still standing, ready for the next year and doing our best to make things right for ourselves and our families.

2020 brought some good things as well, least for me and my family there have been some good outcomes. My son graduated from university and my granddaughter was born just before all hell broke loose so we were able to be there at the hospital when she made her appearance.

I dated a little bit via a couple of walks and one nice lunch. Nothing came of them but the fact that I didn't give up says loads about my attitude around continuing my quest to find my "one".

I don't do New Years Resolutions as I consider them as fake as Valentine's Day. Both are artificial and don't really mean as much as doing something naturally and from the heart.

I set goals and sometimes I meet them and sometimes I don't, that's how life works. Live and learn and move on to try a different approach next time.

In 2021 my goals are to improve my health one day at a time through some exercise and better eating habits as well as continue to improve my financial position. I'm hoping to maybe do some traveling, even if it's just within Ontario to play some golf, and undertake some DIY projects around my place, not the handiest of guys but I think the efforts will go along way to increasing my self-confidence and hopefully assist me in that whole dating thing.

What are you looking forward to in regards to 2021 and what good things came your way in 2020? I'd love to know and maybe chat about them with you.

I wish each of you a Happy New Year and hope you have a wonderful 2021 :-)

My name is Marcus and I'm going to embrace 2021 and do my best to enjoy everything that comes my way, whether it's time with my children and grandkids, kicking ass on a work project, regaining some distance on my golf clubs, maybe buying new clubs, and even getting to experience my last first kiss.

The last musical suggestion for 2020 is "Where's My Love" by SYML. Kind of haunting but makes my heart yearn for love once again.

This little blogger can be reached at ooasm2018@gmail.com if you'd like to chat.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

 Thursday, December 24/20

Here we sit on the eve of Christmas so I thought I'd offer up some holiday cheer and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

To say the past several months have been trying times would probably be one of the biggest understatements I could make, and a few of those I've made over my life lol

Since this is an even-numbered year it means I'll be alone on Christmas Eve as my son rotates who he is with on the eve and morning year over year.

We all have little traditions we follow and I'm no different than anyone else, mine normally include Midnight Mass but those are on hold this year as we continue to follow guidelines to help us win the fight against Covid-19. I'm not thrilled to miss Midnight Mass, especially given I'm alone tonight, but the needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the few or the one, and yes, that is a quote from Spock but if the quote fits than it needs to be used regardless of the source.

I've never been fond of my solo Christmas Eves but always took solace in the gatherings I was able to partake in over the years that reminded me of the love that is all around if we are only open to seeing things with the combination of heart, eyes, and mind, The true triple threat for sure.

It would be easy to let this post segway into a review of the year that just was but I think I'll hold off on that for the next few days as I'm slowly sorting through all that has happened over the course of the last 12 months, and oh my but it's been a full year, both good and bad, and yes, there have been some good points over the past year or so.

One of my best solo years came in 2014 when I was invited to join Corinna at midnight mass with her mother and her eldest son, an interesting way to meet the new GF's parents don't you think? lol

So while that won't be happening this year, no new GF's parents to meet or midnight mass to embrace, I'll take a few moments to think of all the people who have come into my life and made a difference one way or another.

With all the presents wrapped and cards signed and sealed it means that in just a short little while I'll be sitting down to slowly sip on a little glass of spiked egg nog while I watch one of my favourite Christmas movies "Love Actually".

I hope you are spending these times with loved ones and friends, with reminders of what the season is really about, making memories and living in the moment.

Tomorrow will be a short drive down to my daughter's place for our family gathering and dinner, there will be mayhem galore as we exchange gifts, smiles, hugs, and laughs. My best gifts will be seeing my grandkids and getting to hold my little princess as she's taken to wanting to be in my arms as I walk around the house, nothing beats that feeling she puts inside my creaky chest, I'm pretty sure she makes my heart grow 3 sizes bigger each time she smiles at me.

However you celebrate, whether it is Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, I hope they find you doing well emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

My name is Marcus and these are my ongoing observations around being single, trying to be a good father, grandfather, and mastering the perfect 8 iron from 130 yards. I'm still looking for love and hoping I don't find it in all the wrong places but beggers can't be choosers, as they say.

Tonight's musical suggestion is "Christmas Wrapping" from The Waitresses. It is a cute little song about, well you can guess that from the song title lol

I'd love to hear back from you with any questions, thoughts, or possible blog topics you'd like to see me cover in the new year. You can reach me at ooasm2018@gmail.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ME TO YOU!!!