“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe
Since 2019, the website has taken a “back-seat,” but I was still creating things here and there. Earlier in 2025, I decided it was time to start uploading my work in the 6 years that have passed… only to find out that my procrastinating in updating the website caught up with me and the various plug-ins my website uses had fallen out of usability. A couple months later (and a lot of help from “my website guy”), JCHUGO.com is back!
A lot has occurred since 2019, probably most notable was COVID in 2020 (and the years following). 2020 was the year I was supposed to go hike the Inca Trail in Peru. Pretty terrifying if you think about how everything shut down and the things we took for “granted” (school, travel, work, etc.) all had to be re-imagined. Made it to Peru (in 2023) but having to keep postponing the trip felt like a very bad “loop/maze” we couldn’t find our way “out.” As much turmoil was happening outside in the world, I was able to use the time at home to paint some scenes from previous travel. Anything to distract myself from the reality of the pandemic (and not knowing if there was an actual “end point”). Most of the paintings in 2020 were directly inspired by the South of Spain….. Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
In addition to painting, I’ve also started doing a lot of crafting (recently) in the hopes of giving my eyes some much needed “screen breaks.” I also find that doing something with my hands, creating collages, repurposing old things with new life, even just organizing definitely has helped me cope with the reality of my day to day.
2020 was also when I was consuming a lot of content. Mostly for entertainment while staying at home, I worked my way through the AFI top 100 Movies, many (many) tv shows, older movies, and revisiting favorite shows with re-watches – all while scanning photos and film negatives for digital archiving. Still have a ways to go on the photos, but at least I got a good chuck of scanning accomplished.
2021 I moved into a new home. Lots of house projects (again working with my hands) kept me busy. Starting a vegetable garden, rain-barrel system, and a new-found interest in birds (through a smart bird feeder).
2022 mostly was focused on work and staying home doing projects. Started traveling to Chicago with my mom again to spend time with my sister and family. It is just easier for my mom to go up to see them (vs the other way around) while the kids are young.
2023 I made it to Peru and completed the Inca Trail. The two weeks+ was a substantial amount of time away from work and just what I needed. My phone died after the first day of hiking and there wasn’t any service (very much) while on our 4 day trek. It was incredibly beneficial to “unplug” and really take in the world around the trail. Coming up through the sun gate and entering Machu Picchu was a one-in-a-lifetime experience and I’m so glad we finally got to accomplish it.
No big international trips in 2024 (aside from some visits to Chicago) but there was more meeting up with people in person and doing things we would normally do pre-pandemic. My mom’s side of the family had a large family reunion in the Spring.. 80+ of us (and that wasn’t everyone) attended. It was really nice to see and hug everyone in person after so much time of not. 2024 was also when I figured out I had cataracts in both eyes… I was able to have surgery on my left eye (to remove the lens) and be able to use my vision.
2025 has been hard to describe. The website “refresh” has been a good distraction, but trying not to let the constant barrage of news chaos consume my thoughts day to day. Still trying to hold on to what I hold near and dear….
