Here we are at the end of another year. And, as always, I find myself looking back over the past year. What was good about it? What did I learn this year? What do I want to carry with me into the new year and what things do I want to release and leave behind with 2024?
I started attending a monthly book club at the local library this year and I have enjoyed it very much. This is definitely something I will continue into 2025. I've read some books that I never would have given a second look which I ended up enjoying very much! And it has been nice to get out of the house to talk books and meet some new people.
2024 was a year of medical appointments, tests, and procedures. At the beginning of the year I started having some stomach problems. Mostly consistent, painful heartburn that was not getting much relief from over the counter treatments. After being on prescription medication and having an endoscopy things have improved, but I still have to be careful about what I eat and take my medication.
One morning in July, I felt a pop in my knee and I couldn't put weight or walk on it for a while. Until I felt another, smaller pop. After that I could walk on it, but it was still painful. A trip to Urgent Care, xrays, an appointment with a sports medicine doctor and an MRI later - I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon. October brought knee surgery to have "floating bodies" removed from the knee and clean up some cartilage damage. The rest of that month and much of November was spent recovering and getting back to my normal activities.
We didn't do much traveling this year. Not as much as last year by any means. But we did spend some time at Folly Beach just outside of Charleston, SC - including a weekend with our kids and grandkids. The Man of the House and I also visited the Outer Banks twice this year. Traveling is something I want to see more of in 2025.
I had some wonderful visitors this year. My cousin in Canada surprised me with a visit during the summer. And my baby sister came to visit a couple of times which is always one of my favorite things. I could definitely use some more of that in 2025
The election. Well, what can I say? I really don't want to get into it. The one thing I will tell you is that it has encouraged me to think about what issues are most important to me and looking into ways I can volunteer or get involved to support them.
One of the biggest memories from 2024 will probably be Hurricane Helene. She tore through our area of North Carolina, causing devastating floods and mud slides. Power, internet and cell service was knocked out and remained spotty for weeks. Our power was out for most of two weeks, and other people had to wait even longer. We are on a well, so once our power returned we had water. But people on the local water system didn't have drinkable water for almost two months! The area is still trying to recover, and will be for a long time.
I have some exciting new things planned for the blog in the coming year. I hope you'll stick around for that. And definitely leave a comment or send me a message if there's something you'd like to see more of here in 2025.
I hope that your 2024 was filled with more highs than lows. More joy than sorrow. And more abundance than lack. And I wish great things for you in 2025.
