2024: The Year in Review

 

It's hard to believe it, but here we are at the beginning of a new year. This past year was my best year since 2019, and honestly, it is my best year to date—which is exactly what I said last year. I hope that means I'm on an upward trend and that 2025 will blow this year out of the water. We shall see.

 Let's get into it, shall we?

1. I tried and failed a No-Buy Year but successfully completed a few No-Buy months.

2. In June, I completed my first, only, and last foray into homeschooling when I graduated my daughter from high school. I also successfully helped her get into college and have watched her blossom from a teenager who didn't see the point in living to a beautiful, intelligent, motivated, kind, and funny young woman. 

3. I deepened my knowledge and love of wine and charcuterie. I even found something that serves well as a mobile charcuterie board, so I can take it with me.

4. I went to Kansas City in April to attend the annual Kegs & Eggs at the KCRF grounds.

5. I took some really stellar day trips this year where: 

a. I explored Whiterock Conservancy & the Templeton distillery with my Dad, stepmom, and daughter.

 b. My bestie Rebecca and I took a day to explore down the I-29 corridor where we saw four states from the top of my beloved Iowa Mountains. 

c. My son and I went to Vala's and took an Autumn drive to celebrate his birthday and hit up some old favorites. 

d. My folks, my son, and I explored Kettelston Hogback WMA, Spirit Lake, and Lake Okoboji the day after Thanksgiving.

6. I also went on a few overnight/weekend trips where: 

a. Rebecca and I explored Nebraska using the Wander Nebraska Passport where we visited a Lewis & Clark VC neither of us had been to, explored a tiny town full of shops, a carnival, and life, spent the night in Beatrice, and visited Homestead National Monument before heading home. 

b. I took my daughter to Kansas City over Labor Day weekend as a birthday/graduation gift. We spent the afternoon at City Market which we loved and were impressed by. We ate hot pot for the first time. Last but not least, we went to the Kansas City Renaissance Faire where we met up with my friend Audrey.

7. And of course, we can't forget about my return to Europe with a 9-day trip to the United Kingdom. My first post about the trip is already up here, but I will definitely be posting more as time goes on. It was a lifelong dream to visit England and see Stonehenge as well as the Roman Baths. The day I got to visit them both was on par with my day at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. There's nothing like world travel to really change your life. 

8. I started tracking my expenses annually this year, wrapping up 2024 a week ago. It's nice to see where and how I spent money and if there are areas I can improve upon and make adjustments.

9. I moved up into my fourth position at the university where I work, finally landing in my perfect role. I not only got back to my favorite job ever, but I finally make the money to match. This will be my final role until I retire....I think. I hate to say anything's final, but that's how I'm currently feeling. Only time will tell!

10. I've slowly worked my way back into better health. To that end, I've lost some weight and am more active. I won't get into all the details now as I'm saving all that for a separate post.

2024 was a great year and I have higher hopes for 2025. The biggest thing I've taken away from the past year is that I finally have the life I dreamed of for decades. It took a lot of hard work and determination, but I persevered and claimed it. That made the year even better than it already was. 

Which leads me to my final thoughts. I am, and always will be, incredibly grateful for my life. I am fortunate in so many ways and I never take that for granted. I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given, the wonderful friends & family I have, a job that I love, a home that I love, a nice, dependable vehicle, the ability to travel far and wide, how I never need for anything, and, of course, for my ability to manage my money in a way that makes so many great things possible.

2025 can only be better and I have many plans & goals on the fire to make it all happen.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, a joyous New Year's Eve, that you have something to be thankful for, and that the new year holds the gift of promise.

I'll be back soon with fresh, new posts.

Much love,

H.A.