December 30, 2024
What’s happening…
Goodbye 2024. Hello 2025.
December was a blur. As it often is with the holiday rush mixed in. Although I did miss skiing this year, we opted to stay home instead of going for the trifecta, it was nice to remain and not worry about the logistics of a 3-4 day ski trip.
We got some deep cleaning done (exciting, yes!) at home - the linen closet, my office, various other nooks and crannies. I shredded 2 full shredder bins worth of crap, including some mortgage statements from 2014, health insurance paperwork from 2015 and several years worth of tax documents from the 00s-10s.
Early in the month, S and I traveled to Memphis for her soccer tournament. Even though they lost 2 and drew 1 game it was a lot of fun, I think she enjoyed getting to know her team a bit better.
A and I went to dinner and had a nice chat, while S & Stef had their annual Panda Express/movie night at home.
I took the week between Christmas and New Year’s off, to partake in Winter Break with the rest of the crew.
Reviewing 2024
My goals going in to 2024 were:
Finances
We had a great year financially. Both of us are healthy and working full time, and we are able to save, despite what seems like ever increasing living expenses (mostly by our own choosing). Our net worth increased about 16%, thanks to a strong stock market. Our investment income looks to be up at least 15% as well, which is money we will live on in retirement. At that rate of growth, it would be as much as a part-time job by the time I’m 55. We paid down our debt by about $15k, not counting the new loan we took out on the 3rd car.
Reading
I honestly did a crap job of reading this year. I only finished 4 books. I started about 4 more but didn’t finish. I have probably 12 books sitting in my office in the queue to read, so at this rate it would take me 3 years. Blah. I need to put down the phone and pick up more books.
Books I finished included:
Travel
An awesome year of travel, despite not going skiing over Christmas break like we have the past 2 years. The highlight was our Alaskan Cruise in June, which was so very cool and extra special since we tagged along w/my sister’s family. Soccer trips to South Dakota, Memphis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, and Springfield, MO were highlights as well. We are fortunate to be in position to take these trips with the kids.
Biking
I biked a bit less in 2024 than 2023 (277 miles vs. 317). Pedal the Cause ride was rained out this year. Womp womp. That was 30 miles I didn’t ride, that I had planned on. Plus with surgery in early November that wiped out most of the rideable time in that month. One of my goals for 2025 is to ride more, which I need to be better about planning. I would like to ride the whole Katy Trail this year, which will take some planning as it would be 4-5 days at least.
Home Projects
We always have a few home projects on the to-do list, again I need to be more mindful of getting these done. One major project I finished this year was rebuilding our deck stairs to the new patio we had poured last winter. The old stairs were a rotting mess, so it is nice to have something solid in their place. I still need to finish the hand rail and replace the lattice, but that will be next year. On the other hand, most of our home “to-dos” are wants, not needs, so at least we didn’t have any major unexpected costs this year.
Another minor project which I always wanted was a bidet. I bought a Tushy Classic bidet attachment and installed it a few months ago. I don’t think I can go back to only TP experience!
Health
I had another hernia surgery this November, my 3rd career, which is a little concerning but at least the recovery was better than I remember, despite being 10+ years older.
I did not close my Apple Rings as much as in the past, there were some stretches this year I just didn’t feel like it. I’ve gotten better about it recently, but it’s tough during the winter. I’ve set a looser goal of just doing 3 workouts a week (walks or bike rides count). My physical went fine this year and the blood tests all came back normal range, cholesterol was on the high end however.
Favorites of 2024
What am I looking most forward to?
I’ve planned a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this summer, as a delayed 50th birthday present. If the anticipation and excitement of the planning process is any indication, it will be an amazing trip.