2020 was about wearing a mask to avoid spreading the Coronavirus. It was also about arguing with friends over conspiracy theories, government lockdown decisions, and, well, that's about it. Covid-19 dominated all of our lives.
I'm trying to find some good memories from 2020 and really that wasn't hard. These memories did not include cruising the seas as we love to do or attending a major concert, but two things I've learned are:
1) I can do with less. I've had to.
2) Companionship and feeling social is my love language.
Now, here are 15 things I want to remember from 2020. Maybe it wasn't really that bad after all.
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| I stepped down from my role as Station Manager at LIFE 100.3. It was 21 years in that position and I was just tired of doing the same things. I guess I am in semi-retirement because I still have duties at LIFE 100.3. I still believe in the ministry and am grateful for the impact the radio station has had on the lives of listeners in Central Ontario. |
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| This process of removing my horribly yellow and decayed upper teeth and replacing them with new teeth took nearly two years. The "all on four in one day" (meaning all your teeth are replaced with four pins in your jaw in one long surgery) didn't happen as planned. It ended up being all on six over 18 months. I needed bone reconstruction before the pins went in. It was a ridiculously long process and many more dental appointments than you would believe. It's done. I'm happy. But, I'm not sure if I would encourage anyone else to do this. |
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| This is my friend Paul from North Bay. Throughout 2020 our friendship got richer as we visited each other nearly every month, with Covid's permission. We had planned on travelling to London, England in September and those plans got derailed. Sure hope we can do it in 2021. |
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| My best friend is a Kangaroo. He bikes with me, he roadies for me, he cracks my back when it's all seized up. He doesn't need things to keep him happy. He isn't materialistic. He never holds a grudge. Andrew is the nicest person I know. |
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| Several times a year Janice and I throw house parties. We bring in a band to rock the house and we typically invited about 40 people to squeeze in, enjoy the view over Lake Simcoe and enjoy a rockin' band. In February, we were blessed to have Jason Dunn who is the original lead singer with Hawk Nelson come and perform. His story-telling was awesome. And his last minute percussionist played just fine. |
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| The SJ Home Gym & Athletic Centre has been busy all year. I am fortunate to have a bunch of guys who like to work out and enjoy hanging out with me through the week. My buddy Bobby installed some cool lighting and a sound system and Todd installed giant mirrors. I'm grateful at age 63 that I can do this and sometimes keep up with my younger friends - like Professor Jordon. |
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| For half of 2019, I was churchless. Living For Jesus Outreach Ministries ceased it's Sunday services so I began attending Bethel Community Church because they needed a percussionist. After a year of Sundays, I decided to make Bethel my home church. Pastor Stephan seems to think I have good ideas and is eager to make changes. I think God has me in the right place at this time. |
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| I've managed many artists, played with them, booked them, guided them and funded them. In November, I became the artist! I recorded a song with me on vocals. This is a bucket list project of 3 songs. The first one is nearly done. "Blame It On Cain". I don't have plans for sales or radio airplay - it's just the process I want to experience for myself, with a profession producer. |
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| One of my good friends is Chris Bray. We met professionally as he is a recording artist, we became friends, and then good friends. We chat almost daily, talking about his music projects (and he has many), talking about our fitness goals and family stuff. In September, Chris brought his family to the Oro Station Super City Centre to hang out for the day. |
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| This is Jeff Catto. He is a new recording artist based in Waterloo. We met professionally, and then became friends. He's invited to play percussion with his band - and his band rocks! I am a huge fan of Jeff because he sings with passion! His vocals are powerful and they cover you. Because of Covid, many shows were cancelled but we squeezed in a youth event in November. All he needs is a manager. |
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| My weekly radio show on CJAI "Amherst Island Radio" is now four years old. I host "The Scott Jackson Show" on this community radio station near Kingston, where I began my on-air career 40 years ago. On this show, I play the classic rock songs I played back then when they were new on CKLC, plus some new material. And I have a team of people in the studio. Some of these people are Todd, Steve, the Kangaroo and Crystal. Others have come to fill in from time to time. |
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| Ottawa is my favourite city. It's the one city I wish my radio career had taken me to. Since it didn't, I take a 3-day vacation every year, ride my bike along the Rideau Canal bike path, shop for clothes at the Rideau Centre and tell myself "this is my city." |
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| Last but not least is my wife Janice. In 2021 we will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We met in grade 7 and have been together ever since. We have travelled and cruised the world, loved and buried our dogs, founded a ministry and support each other as our health changes and age demands choices. Still going strong. |
NOT A BAD YEAR, WHEN YOU CONSIDER A GLOBAL PANDEMIC!
