Happy New Year! We just turned our calendars from 2020 to 2021, hoping that one of the worst years for many of us came to an end and whatever the next year brings will be better. Looking back on 2020 for myself, I have to acknowledge that I’m among the privileged few that were barely affected, at least professionally. Only one client didn’t extend a project for pandemic-related reasons, but I could quickly fill my time with other work. Outside of work, though, a lot of plans had to be adjusted, mainly travel-related. And all the social activities, both work-related like meetups and conferences, and personal, like board game nights, no longer took place. A lot of these moved online.

Spending even more time on the Internet than I did before this year, I became quite an active participant in online communities, mainly Ness Labs and Interintellect. Through them, I got to know many different people and participated in a variety of activities. To improve work productivity and motivation, I joined a weekly accountability group and regular virtual co-working sessions. I started tackling Hofstadter’s Gödel Escher Bach with a reading group. Outside of work and intellectual activities, I hosted my first two virtual werewolf game nights and had my first stab at trying D&D roleplaying. I also upped my note-taking game by diving into Roam Research, which has many fans in both communities. I’m very grateful for these fantastic groups, their founders, and all their great and lovely members. Sending a round of applause, or, if you consent, a big virtual hug!