Whatever word or phrase you use to describe 2020, I think we can all agree it wasn’t what anyone expected. At the end of the year, I like to reflect on the past year and the year ahead. While 2020 certainly didn’t go as expected, I’m grateful for all of the positives it brought. Most importantly, I am beyond thankful for my good health and that of my family and friends.

Some other 2020 highlights included

• Regular Zoom check-ins with friends who live far away, including a virtual bachelorette party when my friend’s Los Angeles bachelorette was canceled
• Trying my hand at new cooking and baking recipes, including fried calamari, homemade biscuits, pizza, galettes and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
• Enjoying the dishes my husband cooked, including a variety of smoked meats, crab cakes, paninis, nachos and homemade eggplant parmesan
• Visiting our friends at their new house in Alexandria, Virginia
• Outdoor brewery visits with friends
• Serving as a bridesmaid in my friend’s fall wedding with social-distance measures on a perfect day in October
• Going to Sleepy Hollow, New York, for a daytrip
• Hiking in New Jersey
• Watching a live, outdoor production of Frankenstein on Halloween
• Dinner outside with friends at Suraya in Philadelphia
• Experiencing our first snowstorm in our new house

While it’s difficult to predict what the new year will bring, I have a few events scheduled. We’re attending four weddings this summer, which will involve some travel to Maryland, Long Island and the Jersey shore.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy 2021!

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director