Into 2021 at Last!

Wednesday (30 December), on my off day from work, I took an online recertification course on refereeing soccer. It's part of the annual process, which usually includes an in-service clinic; however, the pandemic ended that clinic, and all the process was done online. I began with amodule on the law changes and a quiz about that that I had to pass with a perfect score. I did pass, on the third try. I then took the test on the Laws of the Game, which I did pass with flying colors. It's an open book test, but the way some of these questions are phrased meant it wasn't easy. Finally, I gave proof that I passed the renewal of my SafeSport certification. This is for any issues of misconduct (such as physical and mental abuse, and secual harassment). Earlier in the week, I sent the state youth referee administrator a self addressed stamped envelope, so that he can send me my 2021 referee badge after I completed the recertification process.

After an abbreviated workday at Enterprise (https://www.enterprise.com/en/home.html) on Thursday (31 December), I came home for dinner with Mom. We also watched TV waiting for Midnight and the chance to ring in the New Year. Just before Midnight, Mom and I stood by our front door, reading to welcome 2021 with noisemakers. I had a cowbell I received a few years ago when volunteering at a road race, while Mom had a put with a spoon to beat against it. After confirming that it was midnight (using my smartphone), we stepped out onto the front porch to yell "Happy New Year!" and make noise. Some neighbors across the street did the same thing. While we were making noise, some fireworks were being set off in the vicinity, which added to the festive mood. After all that 2020 had going on--the pandemic, economic downturn, racial strife, and a contentious election season--it's great to enter a new year with hope for a better future for all.

The weekend was a time spent home for the most part. I did drive Mom to Chick-fil-A (https://www.chick-fil-a.com/) in Mehlville to pick up dinner to go last night (2 January). Today, I took an online futsal referee recertification course, which included learning about the law changes for this season, taking (and passing) a quiz on those law changes, and taking (and passing) a test on futsal laws. I am good for another year and hope to get some games in this season just underway. I should also be getting a 2021 futsal referee badge in my mail, again through a self-addressed stamped envelope sent last week.

It's back to work tomorrow morning.

Later.