Out with the Old, In with the New

Every year of my life seems to move by more quickly than the last, so it's hard to believe that it's now 2026. Happy New Year! 

My long-time readers know that my employer gives us a long holiday break, and there are only three days left before I have to return to work and face reality. It's been a good, if not odd, break. I felt a bit off this break. While I've had a lot of fun and time to relax, it was also a bit hectic at times. It was all rounded off when I had my annual holiday party on NYE, and my bff, Keith, and I managed (just barely) to stay awake until midnight. I opened a bottle of champagne, and we toasted while listening to Auld Lang Syne. New Year's Day was spent cleaning up, relaxing & recovering. I have three days left that belong to me, and me alone.

2025 was a great year, without a doubt. I usually do a recap of the year, but not this time. 

Recently, my daughter was sitting out in the living room with me, talking about her resolutions for the new year. While I used to make my own resolutions, it's been quite a few years since I made any. I figure that if there's anything I want to change or things I want to do, I should just do those things at any given time. 

Maybe it was because I felt so off this holiday break, but that conversation got me thinking. I woke up this morning and thought, "You know what? I AM going to make some resolutions. After all, there's something magical about a new year. It's a point in time, a new year, where hope arises anew, and possibilities wait on the horizon.

This year is my travel-abroad year. All of my lodging for that trip has been booked and paid for - using credit card points, obviously - and I'm really excited for another big adventure out of the country. 

Last year, I started taking my health more seriously again, but it's been a slow journey. I have made positive changes, but not as much progress as I had hoped. That's on me, so I'm going to be more consistent and diligent this year.

I'm also going to post a bit more often. Posting is a choice, and I would like to be more active again.

My only other resolution this year is to be even more financially conscious. Personal finances are an ever-evolving thing. I'm always looking at ways to improve how I spend, budget, and manage my money. No matter how good you are at it, there's always room for growth.

I'm going to spend some time out in the woods these next few days, and set myself up for a good first week back at work.

And that's a wrap on 2025. I hope 2026 is your best year yet and that you make the most of the hope & possibilities that it brings.