How did 2024 go? Tell us the good stuff.

Laurie

The fact that 2024 is ending in 18 days has not really sunk in with me. As I'm doing zero point zero holiday related anything, and I'm working right up to next Friday, and only taking part of the following week off, it hasn't been festive.
But, it's getting to that time of year to reflect, so thought I'd start a thread.
It's been a tough and dark year, but let's focus on the good. What have been the best, most surprising, most delightful parts of 2024?

For me -
- connecting with some relatives of my Dad who I had never known, and loving one of them, like, a lot. Like I've known her all my life. DNA is interesting!
- observing my sons continue to navigate their 20's in very interesting ways as they evolve into full adults. Older one will leave his 20's in March!
- having a job since Feb that feels like "the old days" after 6 very tumultuous work years. I think I'd completely given up on it, and it's been a big surprise. I keep saying this is my last one, if it lasts another week or a few more years.
- bringing 2 kittens into our family to join Ralphie, and having a veritable pile of orange cats to love and laugh at every day.

Can't wait to hear from everyone!

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2 weeks ago

Off Topic

25 replies

Latest reply was from kerry

avicennia

Veteran

Had the good fortune to attend the International Women’s Day March in Mexico City on March 8th with my tween daughter. The theme was women against violence against women. It was 99% women. An incredibly powerful and empowering event.

1 week ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

That's great that we are focusing on the good stuff. Here is my list of the good stuff:

1. I decided to take my health into account and went semi-plant-based. I lost 10lbs. and have maintained since May. Now with the holidays, I've been a little lax but my New Year's resolution is to lost another 10 lbs.

2. I'm taking art classes at a non-profit and have meet some amazing people. I've always dabbled in art and sketching but have never formally been taught.

3. We went to a fabulous trip to Porto, Portugal. While I loved Porto and it is a beautiful historic city, as a city girl I felt it was a bit too small for me. I prefer Lisbon over Porto.

4. I'm figuring out what my fashion style is. It's been fun to start wearing fu clothes this winter.

1 week ago

Bijou

Veteran

2024 is disappearing too quickly for me. The good stuff is
1. Got another West Highland White terrier, a 3 year old retired breeder who is gorgeous and so much fun.
2. Did some snow skiing and enjoyed it.
3. Got my 3rd Dan karate black belt in November.
4. Bought an electric guitar and am trying to learn to play my favourite songs so I can jam with DH who plays bass guitar.

I have had a few health issues, so nice to focus on the positives!

1 week ago

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks for this thread, Laurie. 2024 has been quite a year in many ways. My top three positives in random order:
- I’m grateful that my physical and mental health is better than ever. I have my issues, but I also have…
- …a great support system. Friends and professionals were on the spot when I needed them (yup, quite a few times in 2024)
- my teenage boys and the one in his early 20s are beautiful human beings with warm hearts
- I love moving my body, especially when climbing/bouldering. I run (slowly) quite consistently and I’ve learnt to sort of appreciate it

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1 week ago

Irina

Veteran

Year 2024 is not the best year for me. But there were some fun things, too.

- for the first time we travel twice a year abroad. To Mexico and Portugal. Enjoyed both
- took an early retirement in October. Might still find a part time job later but hope that my full time employment is over.

- resumed doing yoga and taking a fitness class, too
- found two pairs of designer glasses. I’ve been looking for it for ages! Most are too expensive and too large for my small face. Put in prescription lenses and enjoying both of them.

1 week ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I showed 26 paintings at my senior rec center in April, and had a painting accepted into the county arts center annual show in March, which I’ve now hung over our sofa. I continue to paint with my plein air and rec center groups, and the people are becoming great friends. The best.

Two trips to see our daughter and family in Colorado, one solo and one with DH. A couple of weekend jaunts to see other friends and relatives.

I joined the Y and finally feel I’m almost recovered from falling during a run in May.

1 week ago

Suntiger

Active Member

Awww kitties

Despite having chronic fatigue for half the year (sorted now), I got a lot done.
Had to stop swimming for the time being, but started with snorkel so I'm not limited to back stroke and learned to flip turn.

I've cut back dairy to 1 serving per day, and found vegan cheese and ice cream I like. I also found NA beers I like and stopped alcohol (just 1 "real beer" since summer solstice). My goal this year is to minimize sweets/crackers/chips.

I did some big home repairs and decluttering. Porch got rescreened, new front steps, new flooring by door, wall repairs and painting. Plus, I finally had my car antenna removed to make space for paddleboard.
DH finally had his formal PhD grad ceremony, and has been an adjuct professor for the last year.
Aside from that just working part time and taking care of parents, FILs dog, and the clowder

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1 week ago

cat2

Veteran

Thanks for starting this thread, it’s a good idea to try to focus on the good stuff more often.
1. With another year on the Mediterranean diet and the encouragement of my Apple Watch to get in more steps, I got my cholesterol back down.
2. We’ve been able to spend more time with our empty nest friends and relatives.
3. The neighbor’s partially outdoor cat has adopted us as her back up humans.

1 week ago

JAileen

Veteran

I mentioned this in an earlier thread: we had a big bash for my mother’s 100th birthday this summer. We had over 100 people celebrate with us.

I started lap swimming again. The city opened a new aquatic center five minutes from our house. I swam through my 20s but stopped when our son was born. I’ve noticed my stamina has really improved.

A church project I helped start last year - a monthly meal for 100 people - has garnered real support among the congregation. We put together cups of homemade soup, sandwiches, water, etc., and hand them out to our neighbors, many of whom live in tents along the railroad tracks. Several members of the congregation have told me this is the most important thing we do.

1 week ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wonderful to hear about the great things that have happened to Fabbers, and that Fabbers are doing for others! It's imperative to focus on the positive. Now more than ever.

Love that animals are included in this sharing, and at the forefront of our happiness in many cases. Sam and Jo are by far the best form of daily "good stuff" for us. I'll have to add my wardrobe that I love too

Greg and I celebrated 28 years of marriage yesterday. Together for 37 years. Grateful that our remodel is looking absolutely sensational so far, and is exceeding expectations.

1 week ago

Minaminu

Veteran

What a lovely thought and fab to hear so many good stories! Here're my highlights

* Reconnected with some family member following some family reunions
* Fostered 10 gorgeous cats / kittens this year
* Completely renovated our bedroom, repainted several rooms and resolved some long standing home repairs with a very small budget
* Bounced back from a sudden role change that can now take my career to the next level
* Maintained a constant pilates and yoga routine
* Checked in daily my mum and maintained a calm approach, even when she had her best tantrums

1 week ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What beautiful lists and stories -- and what a great idea, Laurie. It's lovely to see some names and faces we don't often see! Harmonica, you look amazing on that wall! And wow, the projects many of you have undertaken! Bijou, your third Dan, wow! You are amazing. JAileen -- that is inspiring. Truly. And Minaminu, I laughed out loud at your last comment. Way to go, keeping your temper!

Love all the animal pics and stories!

Some of my highlights:

Mr. Suz and I had a wonderful holiday last spring in celebration of a significant birthday (his). I did most of the planning and he loved it all.

We also had a big multi-part reunion with all his kids and spouses and some of their kids in the summer and again, I planned most of it, and it all went well (despite the fact that I came down with Covid!) and he enjoyed it so much.

Mr. Suz and I celebrated 25 years of marriage and 33 years together.

I found a way to contribute meaningfully to the Indigenous community here.

Max, our ancient Siamese, is still with us despite some health challenges!

I finished revisions on my kids' book, as planned.

I am almost fully recovered from my bike injury last summer.

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1 week ago

nuancedream

Veteran

Love this post! Mr. ND and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Good things come to those that wait!

Mr. ND and I completed phase 1 of the Great Yard Makeover by planting several Japanese maple trees in our front yard and more bushes and trees in our backyard. Plus, we did a lot of the heavy work of digging and planting ourselves!

I'm learning how to swim! Not being able to swim, despite being the daughter of a champion swimmer and married to a former US Army swim team member
and Jersey shore lifeguard, has been a source of embarrassment for years. It's never too late to learn a new life skill!

We painted our house exterior and porch and both look great!

We have a new neighborhood cat, Cleo,who visits almost daily for treats and attention.

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1 week ago

Runcarla

Veteran

2024 will not go down as my favourite year, however, focussing on the good is preferable to dwelling on the not-so-good.

The year was bookended by some great travel experiences. In March I visited my brother (and wonderful SIL) at their new home in Florida and then the end of November/early December, DH and I took a bucket list riverboat cruise up the Rhine with a theme of Christmas markets - and had a blast! In between these trips, we enjoyed a fabulous spring/summer/fall at home. One beautiful day rolled into the next with so much great weather. I felt compelled to be outside as much as possible to take advantage - and what a year in the flower garden! The roses in particular were phenomenal.

Like others who have posted here, I’ve been swimming - and it’s been wonderful for my physical and mental health. DH and I have continued with Tai Chi, and were bumped up to the intermediate group in September!

A small accomplishment, but another game changer - I figured out how to download audiobooks from my library. Mundane chores took on a silver lining, when I got to ‘listen’ to a book I wanted to ‘read’!

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1 week ago

Style Fan

Veteran

Although 2024 has not been a great year for me, I am grateful for my wonderful friends and family. Garthie encourages me to go for long walks every morning, no matter the weather. He is always a ray of sunshine. Everyone we meet on our walks says hello to Garth, who has such a joyful look about him.

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1 week ago

Irina

Veteran

Style Fan, Garth is an absolute doll! Wish I could meet him, too!

1 week ago

MsMary

Veteran

I think the highlight of my year was a trip to Antarctica in February/March. Truly amazing if not, perhaps, an opportunity to be very fashionable (as you can see by the photo).

I retired at the end of 2023 and 2024 saw me really leaning into my new lifestyle as a lady of liesure, which it turns out I was born for! LOL We took two major trips and several smaller ones, plus I'm keeping busy with some volunteer commitments that bring me joy. And my sweet husband and I celebrated eight years of married bliss (third time's the charm) so I couldn't be happier on that front, as well.

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1 week ago

Staysfit

Veteran

While my foot injury took its toll on my ability to maintain my usual exercise routine, I still had a great year.

Weekly knitting group meet ups helped me cope with the stress of my work week. We get together for other social events in our community and truly enjoy each other’s company and support each other through the ups and downs of our lives. A few social highlights included a road trip out of state to a nice yarn shop, a local fiber festival, the local Greek festival, and two musicals at the local stage.

A new poodle puppy, Brava, has brought much joy and furry softness to our lives. 7 month old Brava attends a training school where she is learning Rally, Nose-work, Agility foundations and tricks. She is smart and picks things up easily and quickly. So fun!

DH and I celebrated 36 years of marriage, 38 years together. We took a vacation to Montreal, went to visit DD30, and then DS26 and then my parents who fortunately are still alive and well (85 and 88). My brother, mom, one of my nieces and my first cousins attended an amazing Hasidic Jewish wedding this summer where we had a unique cultural experience and had loads of fun seeing the sites in New York City together.

My dear first cousin helped me figure out why my sourdough was flat like a frisbee and my loaves have been turning out nicely each week when I bake.

I love my job/profession, the people I work with and consider myself very lucky in this regard.

Finally, we made some minor landscaping revisions which resulted in pretty floral blooms starting in early spring and continuing without gaps, until the snow started a few weeks ago. Extra bonus that the electric deer fence I purchased this summer worked in my flower beds to protect the hydrangeas. We finally had a multitude of pretty hydrangea blooms after 17 years of them being deer fodder.

6 days ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, what a lovely thread! I loved reading all the happy news.

2024 has been tough in some ways. Some personal and family issues, and definitely some larger concerns for the world in general. I’m going into the new year with some anxiety but am working to focus on positive things. I don’t want to stick my head in the sand, but there is a healthy level of engagement and balance I will be seeking.

Some highlights of 2024:

- After what could have been a disastrous house fire that was quickly located and put out by the fire department, my home office space and the guest room got a long-anticipated renovation. It jumped ahead of our bathroom reno (being planned now for 2025) but I’m thrilled with the results.

- Celebrating 21 years of marriage! We are so fortunate to have each other and are planning the next phase of our lives together, as we will both be in our 60s next year.

- Sustaining my 2-3x/week Pilates practice has helped my strength, posture, and flexibility. Plus it’s been a wonderful social experience. I’ve even joined a book club hosted by some of my Pilates friends.

- I had a solo show of my photography this year and sold more prints than any artist had in that gallery space before. That felt good!

- I sold my family’s beach house, which had been part of our lives for nearly 50 years. I lived in that house for almost a decade, and put a lot of love and time into it over the years. Got married in the back yard. It became a rental property that started to cause more stress than I was willing to carry, so I sold it. Bittersweet but I am truly relieved and grateful.

- I took an amazing workshop in Maine on alternative printing methods and learned a lot, plus met wonderful artists who I now consider friends.

- Trips! Quick trips last winter with family and friends to Cayman Islands, and Key West (to see Willie Nelson). A big trip in the spring with my husband and the doggies and the Aistream in the spring, out west to NM and TX to visit Big Bend and witness the eclipse, while also meeting up with some dear friends. In June, a solo photo and hiking excursion to Vancouver Island (with bonus meetups with Suz and Angie along the way!). In July, San Antonio/Austin for my MIL’s 80th bday party. And in August, a road trip to Maine. Visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton with my sister and niece in October. And then just a few weeks later, I took a solo trip for hiking and photography and a long-awaited goal hike of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, followed by an impromptu getaway with my husband to San Francisco. And just last week I had a few days in NYC with my husband for some shows and shopping. Wow! Writing it out made me realize how much travel I did this year, and I’m so grateful to be manifesting that in my life, as I always wanted to be able to do this.

1 Cayman
2 cleaning out the beach house for sale
3 Willie in Key West
4 my new office
5 White Sands
6 at my solo show reception
7 another winning season for my Os (but alas no pennant this year)
8 Vancouver Island
9 Maine
10 Workshop - printing on wood
11 Yellowstone
12 At Angels Landing

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6 days ago

RachelNZ

Active Member

Love this!

My huge positive for the year was getting married in March. We did things a little differently but in a way that very much felt like us. Our ceremony was originally meant to be in my parents garden but it rained so we just got married in their dining area. It was only us and our parents so worked out fine. That was followed by a family BBQ which allowed all our extended families to meet - everyone had a great time! The next day we had a reception with friends and family and have been told we had one of the best dance floors in a long time - we lucked out on an amazing band!

And a positive to end the year has been making the decision to resign from a role that has become too stressful and frustrating (was always a bit stressful and frustrating). Very hard as I have loved the people I’ve worked with across the wider organisation but as I’ve commented to people - I have to remember that my career (and life really) is a marathon not a sprint and I’ve been sprinting for 3 years! I finish up in early Jan and looking forward to a bit of time off, maybe a short term contract and then we are off for a couple months of travelling through Canada and the US. Will definitely post a thread next year asking for some suggestions of where to stay/visit from the wonderful people on here.

This year was also the first time I started commenting here, got a bit overwhelmed at work to be very consistent but hopefully I can contribute more next year.

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6 days ago

Laurie

Veteran

So many, many wonderful things in our collective lives! I wrote a response yesterday but lost it someplace....I'd gotten really busy at work the last few weeks so only started reading everyone's lovely responses last evening.
Themes of strong and lasting relationships - romantic and friendships, pets bringing comfort, amazing travels, volunteering, exercise, activities to connect and calm stress...this is our community, and I love it. That we all look our very best while doing these things? This is why we're here.

Of course on the very top of the good stuff list is Angie, YLF, and the positive energy that we receive here every day. Very grateful.

6 days ago

Dee

Veteran

It's been a challenging year at times, but we did do some fun traveling this year.

In February, we finally made it back out to Whistler B.C. to do some skiing again and then down to Seattle to visit with my dear friend from high-school and her husband.

In September. we had a marvelous 2 week trip to England that included our sons coming with us this time. Had such a wonderful time visiting all the sights of London and then we went out to the countryside to visit Windsor Castle, Bath, the Cotswalds and Stonehenge. Weather totally cooperated too, as it was sunny and warm most days.

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6 days ago

slim cat

Veteran

Lovely thread- enjoyed reading all the great positive stories!
My year was not easy and the biggest positive thing was getting a new kitty from a shelter. The original idea of mid aged and calm cat went out of the window when I met adorable youngster and quickly adopted her. Tigra is the joy , fun and therapy at the same time ( sometimes it’s too much though- but she is very young and energetic ).

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6 days ago

harmonica

Veteran

Thanks everyone! The YLF community is amazing and this thread brings so much joy and hope to my life.

5 days ago

kerry

Veteran

2024 feels like the year of illness and anxiety to me - mono - whaat? - first bout of COVID with parosmia right before all of the holiday eating hahaha - cruel joke!

BUT I can play the bright spots in 2024 game.

Teen daughter has first boyfriend and he’s nice! She’s doing well at school, has a nice group of friends and is at her NL course right now.

Pets we added in 2022 have settled into a nice routine and are more joy and less work at this age!

I have a LOVELY class this year. I have great classes every year but this one is gentle and sweet - just what I need this year - yay me!

I really have to give kudos to my family doctor - healthcare is such a problem so many places - but mine always has same day appts, gets back to me with info quickly and takes the time I need during appts to get questions answered.

DH and I celebrated 25 years this summer. A shared life and history is a gift.

4 days ago

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