Happy New Year

January 2, 2024

2023 was a pretty good year, in general.  I had a LOT of personal growth happening, and realized that many phases I had jumped into needed to be enjoyed and then weeded out.  It's all a result of a lifestyle change I made in 2021, and the philosophies and character growth that came along with it. 

Within a few months of the change, I embraced all of my old hobbies - right down to lapidary stuff.  Now, I am donating the equipment I acquired to other enthusiasts as I am done with it now; I just had to circle back and experience it again, since I deprived myself of a lot of stuff for a long time, unknowingly.

I do find myself surrounded by a lot of musical instruments and musical tools which are staying.  Music was always a part of my life and will continue to be.  I'm starting an improv class in the middle of this month.  This is one art form I've never tried; I had drama class in 10th or 11th grade, but never did anything with it.

I can see challenges ahead in 2024 - the first one is getting my weight back down.  I got on the scale expecting to see a gain of 50 pounds and it was more like 35.  Okay, this is much better than I thought; theoretically I am already down 15.  Seriously, I need to be more active so I can maintain my general health, cardio, etc.  I don't like this 60 thing; it scares me.  50 didn't bother me; 60 does.

On that note, I'm off today and back to work tomorrow.  I plan to clean my home office today - shouldn't take too long - to get it ready to embrace this year.  On a side note, I didn't do a "Christmas letter" this year.  My feelings about it, right now, say "don't do that, it's a 'look at me' kind of boastful thing."  I'd rather read others' Christmas letters to see how they did.

Onward...upward...