01 Jan 2024 End of the year Wrap Up
2024 has been noted as the year “to recalibrate and take stock”. Personally, this past year was not only a year to recalibrate, but it became a year full of moments and experiences centered around “re”……all while staying true to my core foundation.
I’ve retained.
I’ve remained.
I’ve remembered.
I’ve reaffirmed.
2024 was a year that grounded me in what truly matters: family. I’ve reaffirmed the value of family. Whether it be cheering on my nephew during his graduation from kindergarten or spending the month of September enjoying 90s movies with my mother, I’ve cherished and relished in countless family moments. In New Jersey, I celebrated a grand wedding in Bear Brook Valley and in Arizona, I attended my uncle’s retirement party. Indeed, 2024 was a year that reaffirmed that family is everything.
I’ve revived.
I’ve renewed.
I’ve refreshed.
This year, my refresh button was set on autopilot. In March, I was able to refresh with a weekend trip to Laguna Beach for Rocco’s “Gotcha Day”. For Thanksgiving, I revived my love for cabin living by renting a private cabin in Idyllwild. And, my spirit was renewed by visiting a butterfly exhibition and spending time in an immersive enclosure. Additionally, a rejuvenating experience was dancing, with abandon, right in front of The Village People (and some of the world’s most famous faces) at an awards show after-party.
I’ve rejoiced.
I had so many small wins, this year, that caused me to rejoice. These experiences include mastering my ability of toilet repairing, succeeding in a handful of challenges at an Escape Room for my birthday and attending my first DragCon at the LA Convention Center. Speaking of rejoicing, my Easter was a full out celebration, complete with a yummy brunch at the Chevy Chase Country Club.
I’ve reconnected.
Reconnecting with long time friends was one of the richest gifts that 2024 has provided for me. I loved reuniting with long time friends that I haven’t seen in decades: Alex, Nicci, Nadia, Debbie and Christine as well as so many friends from FIDM. (An unexpected surprise was running into my very first drama teacher, Mrs. Palazzollo at my nephew’s Christmas pageant!) These reunions elevated my spirit and continue to inspire me to reconnect.
I’ve reacted with resilience.
I started the year off getting sick. Kate Beckinsale coughed on me and I ended up with the flu. But, I was resilient. (I even warned Sonny Hostin, in June, to wash her hands after she held mine during a summer cold I had). From getting sick to getting scammed to getting assaulted: This year, I survived a business scam from a Glendale Galleria con artist, a mild assault in the Burbank Library and a scratched cornea that resulted in a visit to the ER. Thankfully, all worked out fine and resilience won the day.
I’ve revisited.
I had so much fun revisiting beloved areas of pop culture entertainment. For the second year in a row, I had the privilege to revisit Disneyland. And, I had the great opportunity to revisit the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. This time, I attended as a contributor (with items on loan) for their gallery exhibition. On TV, I revisited 90s nostalgia by binge watching the entire SEX AND THE CITY series. (It’s a show that I’ve never seen). And, my television was also subjected to repeat viewing of the film ALL OF US STRANGERS. The film provided me with performances that were revolutionary. It had my favorite cast of 2024.
I’ve readjusted.
This past year brought about many moments that made me pause and readjust. I had to readjust a family night in October when the fire department was called for a suspected gas leak at my parents home. (Thank God all was fine). I also had to readjust my preconceived notion that Rocco is a Shitzu/Poodle mix when his DNA test came back that he was 39% Chihuahua (I’ve since rejected this result). And, I was able to readjust a friend’s view of a possible online romance by unveiling a catfish.
I’ve reaped.
I’ve reaped rewards through skills and hard work. My skill of speaking Tagalog landed me with an opportunity to work on a noteworthy public service announcement while my hard work of amassing a collection of vintage jewelry allowed me to contribute to a music video shoot. I was also able to reap additional skills from online workshops. From attending a Tony Robbins seminar in the early part of the year to taking part in an iPhone photography academy, during the Summer, I was able to refine my skills in a number of areas.
I’ve received.
2024 was not my favorite year. It was challenging. From some I received a lot of love and care and from others, the opposite. I’ve learned a lot about others. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’m focusing on the positive gifts that I’ve received: An empathetic ear. An unsolicited smile. A text filled with love. A compassionate hug. In analyzing this past year, all of the good that I’ve received has touched me to my core. I only hope that I’ve given much to others as well.
I do enjoy giving. I do enjoy sharing. And, I hope that sharing my anecdotes and stories bring about some insight into what 2024 was for me. I hope that my reflections inspire you to remember and retain. I look forward to reconnect with all of you in 2025. Here’s to always rejoicing. Here’s to always resonating. And, here’s to reviewing all of your “re”s as we close on 2024.
May the new year keep you resilient, bring you much respite and surround you with a whole lot of revelry.