As 2024 comes to a close and everyone prepares to watch Ryan Seacrest for 43 hours while he preps us for the ball drop in NYC, I thought I’d do a quick review of 2024. Skipping over the valleys, here are my top 10 mountain top moments of the year!
Triathlons. This one was easy to pick because I’ve loved (almost) everything about the training, racing, community I’ve found with this sport. Even in the race where I had my worst accident (more here), that still was one of my favorite races because I performed well (except for that clumsy accident, of course) and there was a family-and-friends cheering section for me and my brother-in-law. Good times!
Reading. The best book I read all year is “The Housemaid.” It’s a young adult book so I guess the entertainment part of my academic brain is still an immature teenager but by golly, the twists and turns of that book, plus others I’ve read throughout the year kept me on the edge of my seat. I also read a book about Roy Orbison that was very good, too.
Camping. Always a highlight of each year and 2024 was no different. My favorite place to settle in for a few days–or more– is St. Andrews State Park in the panhandle of Florida. Besides that park, I also managed to find campsites near triathlons so it was fun to double up by getting to camp and race in the same place.
Joining A Gym. I haven’t been a member of any gym since Covid but just last week I ended that streak. I’m excited to workout with weights again, all in an effort to be a better triathlete in 2025.
One is Silver. Through various activities in town and out of town, I’ve expanded the group of people I call friends. A lot of them are connections to things I enjoy so we’re already like-minded in that regard whether it’s… for instance… triathlon stuff, church, or dancing. I’ll also add in family here. They’re the reason I returned to Florida and haven’t regretted it for a second.
Dancing. It’s like square dancing but it’s called Contra. If you have a chance to try it, I bet you’ll get a kick out of all the music, laughing, and not to mention it’s a great workout too. I’ve loved going somewhat regularly in 2024.
Vote. Every 4 years we get to vote for who we want to be President of the United States. This was one of those years. In spite of the non-stop political commercials, it was good to be part of the democratic process. Of course, it helps my morale knowing the person I picked got elected but beyond that, I think he’ll return America to a sense of normalcy and we can all flourish because of it.
I Do. I didn’t… but my niece DID get married so that was a fun season of the year. Maybe not for anyone tasked with any of the wedding duties (there’s a whole heck of a lot of stuff that surrounds a 30 minute ceremony, sheesh!) but this niece is the first of the kids in the family to take this step, so everyone was happy, teary, nostalgic, and excited.
Books. My books continue to sell. I won’t be on the New York Times bestseller list but even having a few sold here and a few sold there over the course of the year gives me a sense of accomplishment. The hard work I put in with the whole process of each book continues to bring a return (happiness, and a few dollars) so for that, I’m grateful. Whether it’s friends or family, it makes me happy that people are enjoying the books! Plus, a church here in town purchased some for a particular ministry and it’s that kind of unexpected blessing that has this year ending with a sizzle (and not a fizzle)… also, if you want to order a book here are the direct links…
The Brave Bamboo
Big and Small, God Made Them All
Writing. It’s hard to believe I’ve been writing here every day since January 1st, 2020. Crazy how time flies, right? I’ve loved challenging myself with writing so much but I had no idea I’d continue it in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. I guess I’ll roll on into 2025 doing the same thing… except hoping to be more creative, more transparent, perhaps more personal posts, but at the same time writing about music and TV and movies and commercials and maybe even dating ;).
Thanks for checking out my blog today and I hope you come back often. I post every day at 1pm central!
-Out of the Wilderness
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Out of the Wilderness 
Happy New Year Ben! Glad I stumbled upon you this year. I enjoy reading about our world via your point of view and sense of humor. May this brand new year around the eclipsed sun be overflowing with love, laughter, and wondrous moments with your family and friends.
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That’s very sweet, same to you in 2025!!
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