We are just a few days away from the new year. Before I can make realistic plans for 2025, I must make an assessment of the good, the bad, and the new of 2024.
2024 started out with me turning the big Seven Zero. My mind made a failing attempt to convince my body that I was only 30 years old. My body won the argument by refusing to do things my mind wanted me to do. The first noticeable thing was not being able to attend as many workshops for writers as I wanted. Then there was passing out while floating the Boise River. That resulted in my daughter forbidding me from skydiving.
Outside of my physical body, I came to other revelations. The first is my favorite TV show. NCIS was not filmed in Maryland, but in Southern California. Most recent revelation was Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice is only 27% cranberry juice. The rest is water and apple juice.
I did accomplish a few things in the past year. Most notably was getting “Shuttered Reality” published. I was able to attend and support two charities. Help Us Help Vets who supply furniture and needed goods for vets, and the Pinto Benett toy drive in conjunction with Fire House #9.
I did get out and attend a couple movies and local stage productions. They have enriched my life. You can read about them in previous blog posts.
In 2024, I began attending what appears to be a dive bar. It doubles as a gathering place for us old folks. I have written a few blogs post about the 44 Club on State Street in Boise. Undoubtedly there will be more.
There are several things I am thankful for happening in 2024. The chance to visit my daughter in Denver. I could not be any prouder of the life she is carving out for herself. Meeting new group of people who inspire me to write, finish and write new stories. As a result, I have an ongoing morning challenge on the phone app Words with Friends.
I must thank all those beta readers, critique group members, and editors who put up with my crazy spellings and word choices. You will read more of their hard work in the coming year.
In my planning for 2025, I will be stepping back and using the S.M.A.R.T method for making my plans (Simple, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound).
