You will probably live a longer, healthier life by keeping busy. I retired to 160 acres in the back country and it is a full time job. I love it and in my seventies can do many things the average fifty year old can't. My former boss is in the process of starting up another company which is to be going this January. He went skiing on the weekend. He turned eighty four in December! Believe me keeping busy will keep you healthy. Wishing you all the best in the New Year.
Just bought a pair of your leggings! Thanks for being an inspiration. I too fought to get schools open in Fairfax County, Va (right across the river from DC). Here’s to a great 2025!
I think your time on an undisclosed beach is doing you well, at least providing enough of a break to write several updates on Sey Everything!
I was thinking about my New Year's resolutions/objectives since your challenge of a few days ago, then the observations on "comfort" and "challenge avoidance." And now this reflection on longer looks back and where we are versus where we thought we would be. They all seem related to me, and since you asked for our resolutions...... lol
Up until a few days ago, I was looking forward to ending 2024 and regarded the year as another awful year. Which seems to have been a consistent trend for this decade. But when I really take a step back, maybe just maybe 2024 was the turn around year for better times.
I was blindsided in March with the loss of my job. Now, I am 67 so was starting to think about pulling the plug on full time work, but to not have a choice and not being particularly happy with how it was done, this had me back on my heels. I was bitter, angry, sad, hurt, etc, and it was a blow I was not prepared for. So that "hit" after a parade of hits for the decade (death of ex wife, death of Mother in Law, death of father, death of brother (and best friend), death of mother, death of both pets) just seemed another dark cloud over my life.
I spent way too much time being hurt and bitter and this caused me to overlook some great stuff that did happen in 2024. My wife and I made major progress on my escape from California plan which will happen in 2025. Woohooo! My daughter got her first "big girl" job, full time, with benefits, crappy pay, and seems to be thriving. My wife continues to do amazing good work with her part time pay full-time work job as an advocate for senior citizens. I have realized that the choices made in my professional career has put me in a position that I don't have to work anymore, I have enough money to lead a good life and finally do some things I have either wanted to do or need to do but "didn't have the time." So all this leads to the context for my resolutions for 2024.
First off, be grateful for my blessed family and life. Let go of baggage that serves no purpose.
Rediscover some passions. I have done some decent photography off and on since College. So get back to this artistic outlet, and maybe try to sell some of my better stuff.
Become a very good welder. I have needed to join some metal together for projects over the last 50 years, and while I was occasionally successful I was never happy with the outcome. The last month I needed to build some brackets, and decided to take an online course, and my welding is much much better. Still way below average, but much better. And it is satisfying when I look at something I built. Maybe woodworking next? LOL!
Reconnect with "missing" friends. For obvious reasons. Add to my enjoyment. And spend time with the friends I have to keep these connections.
Work on recovering physical flexibility. This is multi-faceted, I spent the second half of 2024 doing much more cycling and hit a low weight mark that I have not hit since High School. But "just" cycling does not help my limited old guy flexibility so that is something to focus on. This resolution is actually to diversify my exercise and activities. Who knows, maybe try golf? Another LOL.
Finally, be brave and outspoken when warranted. It is going to be an interesting year politically and it is important to hold people responsible. My voice isn't as loud and your Jen, but it is a voice.
Oh yeah, since I spend June in Colorado, sponsor a Pizza Party for the hard working XX-XY team this summer!
Well you are inspiring, and I am annoyed at myself for leaving out one of my biggest commitments for 2025 and that is volunteer MORE! To get steps in, go to an animal shelter or rescue and walk dogs. Use my experience to help organizations that need marketing help or guidance. One in particular needs focus and I think I can help and this organization is focused on hands up for disadvantaged communities. Looks like 2025 could be my best and more rewarding year ever!
You will probably live a longer, healthier life by keeping busy. I retired to 160 acres in the back country and it is a full time job. I love it and in my seventies can do many things the average fifty year old can't. My former boss is in the process of starting up another company which is to be going this January. He went skiing on the weekend. He turned eighty four in December! Believe me keeping busy will keep you healthy. Wishing you all the best in the New Year.
And you as well!
Just bought a pair of your leggings! Thanks for being an inspiration. I too fought to get schools open in Fairfax County, Va (right across the river from DC). Here’s to a great 2025!
Covid open schools moms are my OG faves.
I think your time on an undisclosed beach is doing you well, at least providing enough of a break to write several updates on Sey Everything!
I was thinking about my New Year's resolutions/objectives since your challenge of a few days ago, then the observations on "comfort" and "challenge avoidance." And now this reflection on longer looks back and where we are versus where we thought we would be. They all seem related to me, and since you asked for our resolutions...... lol
Up until a few days ago, I was looking forward to ending 2024 and regarded the year as another awful year. Which seems to have been a consistent trend for this decade. But when I really take a step back, maybe just maybe 2024 was the turn around year for better times.
I was blindsided in March with the loss of my job. Now, I am 67 so was starting to think about pulling the plug on full time work, but to not have a choice and not being particularly happy with how it was done, this had me back on my heels. I was bitter, angry, sad, hurt, etc, and it was a blow I was not prepared for. So that "hit" after a parade of hits for the decade (death of ex wife, death of Mother in Law, death of father, death of brother (and best friend), death of mother, death of both pets) just seemed another dark cloud over my life.
I spent way too much time being hurt and bitter and this caused me to overlook some great stuff that did happen in 2024. My wife and I made major progress on my escape from California plan which will happen in 2025. Woohooo! My daughter got her first "big girl" job, full time, with benefits, crappy pay, and seems to be thriving. My wife continues to do amazing good work with her part time pay full-time work job as an advocate for senior citizens. I have realized that the choices made in my professional career has put me in a position that I don't have to work anymore, I have enough money to lead a good life and finally do some things I have either wanted to do or need to do but "didn't have the time." So all this leads to the context for my resolutions for 2024.
First off, be grateful for my blessed family and life. Let go of baggage that serves no purpose.
Rediscover some passions. I have done some decent photography off and on since College. So get back to this artistic outlet, and maybe try to sell some of my better stuff.
Become a very good welder. I have needed to join some metal together for projects over the last 50 years, and while I was occasionally successful I was never happy with the outcome. The last month I needed to build some brackets, and decided to take an online course, and my welding is much much better. Still way below average, but much better. And it is satisfying when I look at something I built. Maybe woodworking next? LOL!
Reconnect with "missing" friends. For obvious reasons. Add to my enjoyment. And spend time with the friends I have to keep these connections.
Work on recovering physical flexibility. This is multi-faceted, I spent the second half of 2024 doing much more cycling and hit a low weight mark that I have not hit since High School. But "just" cycling does not help my limited old guy flexibility so that is something to focus on. This resolution is actually to diversify my exercise and activities. Who knows, maybe try golf? Another LOL.
Finally, be brave and outspoken when warranted. It is going to be an interesting year politically and it is important to hold people responsible. My voice isn't as loud and your Jen, but it is a voice.
Oh yeah, since I spend June in Colorado, sponsor a Pizza Party for the hard working XX-XY team this summer!
Happy New Year to all!
I love all of this and am so sorry to hear of all the death and hardship you’ve endured recently. I like your commitments! Inspiring.
Well you are inspiring, and I am annoyed at myself for leaving out one of my biggest commitments for 2025 and that is volunteer MORE! To get steps in, go to an animal shelter or rescue and walk dogs. Use my experience to help organizations that need marketing help or guidance. One in particular needs focus and I think I can help and this organization is focused on hands up for disadvantaged communities. Looks like 2025 could be my best and more rewarding year ever!
Happy New Year it’ll be a great one!
Here's a look way, way back, on my parents' marriage and my father's work in Pentagon, 1940s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIKuCQVaKqQ
Happy New Year! You are an inspiration 💕