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(Larry D. Moore/CC)
The past year was a whirlwind of a year and one that has given Austinites plenty of time to think and reflect on how they want 2021 to look. With only so much we can do, New Tear's resolutions are a traditional way to set goals and improve yourself. With a rocky start to 2021, maybe you fell behind in your new year planning. This is the perfect time to infuse the new year with good changes to yourself and the area around you.
<p>So whether you're looking for a resolution to adopt in 2021 or don't know where to start, here are some resolutions that can help you better yourself and the community at the same time.</p>
<p>We've already made it through 2020, so we might as well be our best selves in 2021.<br/></p>
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<div id="d54bc" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7ceae4428b2e80dcd3f2211f4960514e"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJeaTHpLQcz/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>With the pandemic giving us so much more time at home, reading has become a hallmark activity for people of all ages due to its ability to transport the reader anywhere, mask or not. Austin has no shortage of local books stores to support, so you can find something to read all year. For those who like to break the spine of their book themselves, get a brand new book from Austin's most famous book store, Book People, on 603 North Lamar Blvd. If you love the experience of walking through cozy bookshelves, check out South Congress Books on 1608 S Congress Ave. Finally, for the lover of a home library, check out Recycled Reads on 5335 Burnet Road, so you can collect your books at a fraction of the new price. Bonus points if you check out Austin-based authors like Olga Campos Benz, Sarah Bird, Elizabeth Crook or Jennifer DuBois.</p>Volunteer in the community
<div id="897be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="63c684a3469d5ad6a0e57b79224d24a8"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJob3kUqvg_/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>After spending so much time at home and watching the community struggle in the midst of COVID-19, 2021 offers a unique opportunity to help out in a renewed way. If you've made it to the new year wondering how you can help your fellow Austinites, maybe check out one of these resources. For an easy way to directly help the community, donate convalescent plasma with <a href="https://weareblood.org/convalescent-plasma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">We Are Blood</a>. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 can donate convalescent plasma, which is infused with virus-fighting antibodies that can help current patients recover. If you have a hidden talent, are good with your hands or are innovative, <a href="https://austincovid.openproposals.dellmed.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ATX COVID-19 Exchange</a>, a project put on by Dell Medical School allows people to submit their needs and find a solution via crowdsourcing. Finally, with so many people struggling, the Central Texas Food Bank is always looking for volunteers who can help out in these trying times. From the kitchen to the warehouse to the garden, there are plenty of opportunities for all kinds of talents.</p>Try new things
<div id="7b4fe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3ba675e2e9a6cca41f82938d2b2d4bdd"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJcUVo4FhTT/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Out with the old and in with the new, as they say. Austin said goodbye to too many staple businesses last year and it is important now more than ever to show support to the community industries that keep Austin weird. Whether you're stopping for a horchata cold brew and cachapas con queso Guayanés at Filipino/Venezuelan restaurant Cuatro Gatos, scouting for the perfect vegan Tex-Mex at Lick It Up or trying to get your hands on a Japanese Wagyu burger brought to you by Luck's Wagyu Burger Shoppe, the possibilities are endless if you expand your search enough.</p>Get outside more
<div id="f3299" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fc0c2d0639efa4036b9667d4dc784c8a"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJg9YuShmKh/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Use this time to soak up the sunny Austin breeze on Lady Bird Lake—you can even do so in a bougie retro boat from Retro Boat Rentals ATX. If you're looking for a little bit of peace and quiet, explore the waterfalls of Pedernales State Park. Of course, if you want to see the outdoors but don't want to be too far from the nearest highway, there is always Zilker Park.</p>Learn something new
<div id="59e49" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="683d60c6471eb7b044274ac0912ff03a"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJy82cKgUID/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>People discovered new hobbies like crazy in 2020—sourdough bread, dalgona coffee and crocheting all around—so there's no reason not to continue the trend in 2021. If you're not sure where to start, find a topic that interests you and connect with a local group who can help. <a href="https://www.wildflower.org/learn/adults" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center</a> offers virtual classes on designing a rain garden or trying yoga with singing bowls. Take a live-streamed art class through the <a href="https://www.austintexas.gov/department/dougherty-arts-center-adult-arts-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dougherty Arts Center</a> or maybe even get a feel for the delicate art of glass blowing with <a href="https://ghostpepperglass.com/classes-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ghost Pepper Glass</a> classes.</p>
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(Christa McWhirter)
Trump supporters gather in front of the Texas Capitol while the U.S. Capitol building was breached.
While 2020 gave us at least two weeks of relative sanity before COVID-19 struck, 2021 started out in utter chaos.
Despite New Year's Day being relatively quiet for the American people, a break from the madness would turn out to be short lived. Here's a look at what the new year has brought so far:
<p><strong>Day 2</strong></p><p>On day two of the new year, University of Texas fans got news that <a href="https://austonia.com/tom-herman-fired" target="_self">Head Football Coach Tom Herman</a> had been fired. And only moments later, it was announced that Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian would replace Herman as head coach.<em><strong> </strong></em></p><p>The announcement came as a shock to many after they just watched the Texas Longhorns beat the Colorado Buffalos in a 55-23 bowl victory and finished the season with a 7-3 record. In December, Texas Athletics Director Chris Del Conte had also <a href="https://twitter.com/Jake_M_Garcia/status/1337847769185333249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1337847769185333249%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kvue.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Fncaa%2Flonghorns%2Ftexas-longhorns-tom-herman-keeps-coach-job%2F269-e544d73c-e0fe-4e98-912e-ded5127b05e5" target="_blank">confirmed Herman would keep his job.</a></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e7d71f6c086215d17a928b45b06fc819" id="77490"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1345410804011708417"><div style="margin:1em 0">https://t.co/w0BcDoAJXM https://t.co/fqLa3dr1E0</div> — Chris Del Conte (@Chris Del Conte)<a href="https://twitter.com/_delconte/statuses/1345410804011708417">1609605906.0</a></blockquote></div><p><strong>Day 4</strong><br/></p><p>On Jan. 4, the city experienced the <a href="https://austonia.com/cedar-fever-reaches-high" target="_blank">second-highest levels</a> of cedar pollen in the past 25 years. This can be stressful because, while there are some key differences—primarily the lack of fever in the so-called "cedar fever"—pollen allergies and COVID-19 have similar symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, headache, fatigue and change in smell or taste.</p><p><strong>Day 5</strong></p><p>In week one of the new year, the U.S. has experienced massive spikes in positive covid cases. Hospitals are maxing out their ICU beds, <a href="https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/coronavirus/2021/01/05/top-local-health-authority-says-austin-area-icus-are-on-track-to-exceed-capacity-in-the-coming-weeks/" target="_blank">a joint statement</a> from Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David's HealthCare revealed on Tuesday said that 2,473 staffed beds within all three healthcare systems are 79% occupied, and the 483 ICU beds are 88% occupied.</p><p><strong><span></span>Day 6</strong><br/></p><p>Congress' met to certify the election results with some senators prepared to claim voter fraud, including Texas Senator <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/02/cruz-johnson-9-other-gop-senators-say-they-will-not-vote-certify-electors-unless-audit-is-conducted/" target="_blank">Ted Cruz</a>.<span></span></p><p>Trump supporters descended upon Washington D.C. in the thousands for the "Save America" <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/02/cruz-johnson-9-other-gop-senators-say-they-will-not-vote-certify-electors-unless-audit-is-conducted/" target="_blank">rally at The Ellipse</a> where President Donald Trump told the crowd to march down the road to the nation's Capitol building.</p><p>Protesters across the country gathered in front of their own state Capitol buildings, including hundreds of people who congregated in front of the <a href="https://austonia.com/trump-austin-rally-2021" target="_blank">Texas Capitol chanting, "Stop the steal!"</a><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="3840" data-rm-shortcode-id="e2221e9b6c75025880e8eef05800f302" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTI2OTAwMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzM0Njk0MH0.RKYCHc1xTQW3x98dEe4rFOLal0l1h6LB9h_bmvO7HvU/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="5760" id="2f657" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Signs from the Trump rally at the Texas Capitol on Jan 6.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Christa McWhirter</small></p><p>By mid-afternoon, the U.S. Capitol building was breached for the first time since 1812 by protesters in D.C. in what is being labeled by lawmakers across the country as an insurrection. Four people were killed in the riot—including <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/congress-electoral-college-tally-live-updates/2021/01/08/954842931/what-we-know-about-the-capitol-police-officer-who-died" target="_blank">one Capitol building police officer</a>.</p><p><strong>Day 7</strong></p><p>Austin's Ending Community Homelessness Coalition announced they would <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-homelessness-count-2021" target="_blank">not move forward with the homeless count</a> for this year, following many other cities that have cited COVID-19 concerns.</p><p>Also on Jan. 7, the U.S. recorded for the first time a one-day death count of <a href="https://www.kut.org/covid-19/2021-01-08/u-s-records-more-than-4-000-dead-in-1-day-from-covid-19-a-grim-new-record" target="_blank">4,000 due to COVID-19</a>. In Texas, the first case of the more contagious COVID-19 strain was identified in a <a href="https://austonia.com/harris-county-new-coronavirus-strain" target="_blank">Harris County resident</a>. </p><p><strong></strong>Despite so much chaos at the beginning of 2021, one new Austinite seems to be doing well for himself. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was officially named the <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-elon-musk-richest-person" target="_self">richest man in the world</a>. The South African entrepreneur recently surpassed Jeff Bezos' worth of $187 billion when his worth rose to $188.5 billion.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a82a3a075a3afeb5c95b9745eb140613" id="319ad"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1347204459147902978"><div style="margin:1em 0">@teslaownersSV How strange</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1347204459147902978">1610033547.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Some say it feels like 2020 never ended with all that's happened in just one full week of the new year.<br/></p>
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