2022 in review
As 2022 comes to a close, it's time to look back and reflect on the ups and downs of the past 12 months. For me, this year brought many exciting and memorable experiences, including starting a new job, diving into the world of Ruby on Rails, and welcoming my second child into the world.
As 2022 comes to a close, it's time to look back and reflect on the ups and downs of the past 12 months. For me, this year brought many exciting and memorable experiences, including starting a new job, diving into the world of Ruby on Rails, and welcoming my second child into the world. It also brought its fair share of challenges, including several hospitalizations for my kids due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Looking back, it's clear that 2022 was a year full of growth and change. From learning new skills and adapting to a fully remote work environment, to navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood, it's been a whirlwind of a year. I want to share some of the highlights and lessons learned from my personal journey in 2022.
One of the biggest changes for me in 2022 was starting a new job. After spending a decade at my previous company, I decided it was time for a change and took a leap of faith by accepting a new position at a different company. The transition wasn't always easy, but it ultimately proved to be a great decision.
In my new role, I have been able to take on more responsibility and challenge myself in new ways. I have also had the opportunity to work with a talented and supportive team, which has been incredibly rewarding.
One of the biggest adjustments for me has been working in a fully remote environment. While I had worked remotely before, this was the first time I had done so full-time. It took some getting used to, but I have come to appreciate the flexibility and autonomy that comes with remote work.
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my new job was the requirement to learn a new programming language. After years of working with C#, I was tasked with learning Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework.
The learning process was not always easy, and there were certainly moments when I felt overwhelmed or frustrated (and occasionally still do). However, I found that the more I practiced and applied what I was learning, the more confident and competent I became.
I was also fortunate to have a great support system at my new job, including fellow developers and online resources, who were there to offer guidance and encouragement.
One of the biggest highlights of 2022 for me was welcoming my second son, Desmond, into the world. As a parent, there is nothing quite like the joy and love that comes with a new child, and Desmond has brought so much happiness and laughter into our lives.
Having a second child was certainly a different experience than the first time around. I was more confident and prepared in some ways, but there were also new challenges and uncertainties to navigate.
One of the most memorable moments of the year was watching my older son, Osborne, who is now a big brother, bond with Desmond and take on his new role with pride and joy. It has been a true joy to watch the two of them grow and develop together.
Unfortunately, 2022 was not all sunshine and rainbows for our family. My kids both ended up hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common but highly contagious respiratory illness. It was a scary and stressful time, and seeing my little ones hooked up to machines and struggling to breathe was heart-wrenching.
However, the hospital staff were amazing and did everything they could to make sure my kids received the best possible care. They were also very supportive of us as parents, helping us navigate the situation and providing resources and guidance.
While the hospitalizations were certainly a low point of the year, I am grateful for the care my kids received and for the lessons learned from the experience. It reminded me of the importance of taking care of our health and being prepared for the unexpected.
Overall, the hospitalizations for RSV in 2022 were a challenging experience, and one that I hope to never have to repeat.
As I look back on the ups and downs of 2022, it's clear that it was a year of growth and change. From starting a new job and learning Ruby on Rails, to welcoming my second child and facing hospitalizations for RSV, it's been a whirlwind of a year.
Looking ahead to 2023, I am focusing on getting my health back on track. I have a new doctor and have taken up cycling with my new Peloton bike, and I am determined to make healthy lifestyle choices and prioritize self-care.
One of the things I am most excited about in 2023 is watching my children continue to grow and develop. My older son is already showing signs of independence and creativity, and my younger son, Desmond, is growing and changing every day.
As a parent, there is nothing quite like the joy and pride that comes with watching your children learn and grow. I can't wait to see what new milestones and achievements my kids will reach in the coming year, and to be there to support and encourage them every step of the way.
I am also looking forward to continuing my journey with Ruby on Rails and growing in my new job. It's going to be a great year, and I can't wait to see what it has in store.