2021 recap

As 2021 draws to a close, it’s time for a traditional recap post where I reflect on the things that happened to me during the year.

My website

The last time I posted a Google Analytics screenshot was in my 2019 recap blog post. Two years later, I almost doubled the number of users that visit my website each month. For such a limited niche I think that's not a bad result, but it could've been better.

I'm planning to continue writing high-quality articles and adding interesting and useful code snippets to my library of snippets. Helping other developers with my blog posts gives me such joy. The goal for the next year is to have at least 5000 users a month.

Writing a book

I always wanted to write a book about Drupal. When I say the book, I don't mean 500 pages long and boring technical book, but rather a short and on-point book that is intended for beginners who want to get into Drupal and start building something right away.

I wanted to write it this year, but I was too busy and couldn't make time for doing it. I hope that'll change next year. So, one of my plans for next year is to sit down and just write it. No more excuses.

My holiday in Egypt

My first trip abroad in 18 months and I visited lovely and sunny Egypt with my girlfriend. I really needed R&R and staying 14 days in an all-inclusive resort did the job perfectly. I didn't think much about Covid-19 and neither did Egyptians.

Some people say that 2 weeks is way too much time to spend on a holiday, but I disagree wholeheartedly. I could do 4 weeks with no problem. Being with the right person at the right place is the key for me.

Another year another cat

Last year we found a baby cat. This year was no different. Last year I had to climb a wall to save the cat, and this year I had to chase a dog away. I'm no cat person, so hopefully, this is the last cat that I had to save and adopt in a while :) Three cats are more than enough for me.

Covid-19

I got Covid-19 back in March, but fortunately, it was not serious at all and got resolved at home only. I had a sore throat for a few days and I felt sick but that was it. Fast forward nine months and I'm fully vaccinated so I really hope that I'm protected for quite some time.

Although Covid-19 is still very much with us, that didn't stop me from doing outdoor activities that I really enjoy. I went on an 18km long trekking tour at Fruška Gora back in May. As you can see we followed strict Covid protocols :)

We also went away on a team-building weekend at Fruška Gora. Spending 3 days with colleagues was fun and the best part of it was the adventure park. Going from one tree platform to another and crossing challenge bridges, ziplines, and other exciting elements was an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

Staying fit by exercising and eating healthy is something I plan to continue doing next year. Being a developer and sitting and coding for 8 or more hours a day can take a toll on your body. Facing an adventure park that requires a great deal of physical fitness and vitality was a reminder of why being fit is a non-negotiable part of my life.

Peeking into the Universe

I always wanted to take a peek into deep space, but I never got the chance. Until this year. One of my friends bought a telescope and we spent a lot of time under the night sky watching planets, stars, galaxies, and of course the Moon.

My girlfriend sees it as a waste of time but spending time with friends and doing something interesting away from computers and the internet is always a good thing. The nerdy thing to do? Sure. But the waste of time? Hell no.

Secret Santa

This year we had a Secret Santa thing going on for the first time in our office. I don't know who my Santa was, but they put an effort into choosing my present and wrapping it up nicely, so I was pleasantly surprised. It's definitely one of the best presents I have ever received. Thank you, Santa whoever you are!