Bits and Pieces of 2024
I’m 4/5 through my second Five Year Journal. Each morning I enjoy reading what occurred in my life on that date last year, and the year before that, and on and on. It helps me remember the big stuff and also shows me how routine my days usually are.
As I reviewed 2024, I noticed some recurring patterns. The most common, unfortunately, is chronic insomnia. When I had the occasional six hours sleep happy smiles followed my recorded win. 2024 was the year of health challenges. Though there were many, I felt blessed by the care I received. I’m believing 2025 to include less medical appointments. Each day’s recording included time at my desk, time doing housework, and some form of exercise. Therapeutic Pilates, physical therapy, walking, and bike riding were part of most weeks, just not on the same day.
I had the privilege of being in three different Bible Studies last year. I studied the book of Matthew with a big group of ladies, finishing in late Spring. Over the summer a small group of us did a study of Alisa Childer’s book Another Gospel?. This Fall, our church offered a study of 1 Corinthians, finishing just before Thanksgiving. That same group will begin a new study January 8 on The Fruits of the Spirit.
I took an almost six month hiatus from social media leading up to the general election. I “missed out” on some of the vitriol leading up to November 5. I’m back on. I’m still not sure that’s a good thing. Your thoughts?
A highlight of my year was having another one of my stories published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology. My story “Substituting Courage” is in the summer release Just Say Yes. It doesn’t do much for the bank account. $250. But, I enjoy the satisfaction of something I wrote being out there in print.
My husband, Larry, and I got to enjoy time with his family in Washington in June. His oldest grandson, Connor, graduated high school. It was great being with family from Washington, Montana, and Florida. Larry’s daughter Genny and her husband were the perfect hosts in their lovely home.
I had the privilege of serving on jury duty for three days. I wasn’t picked for the five week trial, but I did make it to the jury box, where I was questioned extensively. In 2009 I served for six weeks on a jury duty. I was glad I did, but I experienced a certain degree of PTSD following the trial. I was much younger then. It’s probably good the defense attorney thanked and excused me this time.
I made at least three trips out to a beautiful preserve Cosumnes River Preserve.
2024 included some good-byes. I imagine yours did too. My first husband, the father of my son, passed in November, following a long illness. It was a very trying time and yet I felt we pulled together as a family because it was so difficult.
Then, in the second week of December, my cousin Greg lost his wife of forty years. That one was unexpected. I’m still trying to grasp how sudden it was.
Larry and I had fun ringing the bell for Salvation Army again this year. We picked the right day and time to stand outside Hobby Lobby. We had great weather and saw a lot of friends.
I have a lot to be thankful for. What I’m most grateful for is how God has been with me through it all. He is so faithful. My heart grieves for those who walk this life without Him.
Hi, Karen. Most years are full of ups and downs. Mine had a lot of downs, which is why I chose not to review it except in my personal journals. But I know there is growth in the hard things. Blessings for the new year!
Karen, happy new year! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better in the months ahead ...