2024 Year in Review

I remember ditching Cracker Barrel on NYD and opting for tacos & margaritas instead. I remember a conscious decision to not set any big goals on January 1st but to instead focus on how I wanted to feel in this new year.  Things like being authentic, getting better at pickleball, prioritizing peace, and only saying yes to things that really light me up. In following my human design, my motto for the year was to do more of the things I love. I hope I always remember the anticipation that I felt at the start of 2024.

I remember traveling to Charleston, SC for hockey. I really enjoyed that city. The shopping, food, and architecture were lovely. I also got to reconnect with Corrie and catch up with her in real life.

I remember taking a bunch of girls downtown for Skylar’s 17th birthday. We had beds setup everywhere. I remember them wanting to go to Waffle House in the middle of the night and, because I reserve my no’s for when they really matter, I happily let them go.

I remember when we were snowed in for a week and Skylar with cabin fever who talked me into letting her walk 2 miles in the snow to her friend’s house. I also remember watching the Eagles play and lose during that same snowstorm.

I remember some very intense JV Hockey playoff games and the night that Skylar had a whole fan club in the stands cheering her on.

I remember lots of Wednesday mornings at Charlie Daniels playing Intermediate Pickleball. It helped me get better. I also got shamed into buying a new paddle, but that also helped. Going to the community center in the AM, meant I switched my Just Love routine to the afternoon. I remember discovering the new Cedar Creek greenway behind Charlie Daniels. I spent a lot of time walking that trail last year. It was so serene and peaceful to hear the creek running as I walked and it reminded me of home.

I remember finally getting to go to Zoolumination in February because it had been too wet and cold. I loved realizing that they change it up every year and that made me want to come back again. It’s so relaxing and peaceful to me.

I remember walking the pier in Jacksonville, FL after a hockey tourney and seeing a gigantic pelican just hanging out on the railing. That was also the weekend that I watched the Super Bowl in the airport with Michellers.

I remember our final hockey season. Michellers wasn’t able to come this trip so it was me, 2 hockey kids, and my niece Avery headed to Jacksonville. I think this will forever be my favorite hockey trip. We had so much fun. It started with shenanigans on the plane. The girls ended up getting “rolled” by the flight attendant and met the pilot. The girls played hockey and Avery helped me with my team momager responsibilities. We had a lot of downtime this trip, which meant lots of time for coffee, shopping, and that one late night trip to the beach. I remember pulling back into the hotel but the girls saying they really wanted to see the beach. So, we rolled the windows down, cranked the playlist and drove. It was all fun and games until someone had to pee and then we almost non-accidentally crashed a wedding. I put all the girls in one room and I had a room to myself, which was also lovely! The girls also swear I tried to kill us on the way back to the airport. Instead, I helped them have a core memory and a funny story to tell in the future.

I remember the month it felt like everything was going wrong. Both of our cars needed repairs, I lost a couple clients, and Skylar lost her job too. It was a time of flux but I trusted that everything was going to work out even better, and it did, especially for Skylar. She got hired right away at my favorite coffee shop and it has been a much better fit for her. I remember being so proud of how well she managed working 25-30 hours, LAX practice/games, college classes, and still making time for her friends. I never had to remind her to do anything including getting her own laundry done. I remember that Skylar was so busy and adulting so well that, some days, I barely saw her. I do remember that she brought home flowers, coffee, and GF treats for me on Mother’s Day.

I remember that car trouble nixed my plans to travel to Arkansas for the Eclipse, but I came up with plan B (more like plan G). We got up early and drove to nowheresville Kentucky to a Nature Preserve. We were able to get a 2 mile hike in and the clouds magically cleared for the Eclipse. The lack of light pollution made this one pretty incredible and I can’t wait to experience another one.

I remember the weekend we mulched the flower beds and Skylar fixed the gate. She’s so smart and I loved doing some home projects together. She makes things fun too!

I remember Skylar developing an interest in aviation. It started when she took at class at MTSU and crashed the flight simulator. LOL. She also had her first real test flight out of the Lebanon airport through the EAA program. Gary let her take the controls and also reported that she was a “natural pilot,” which pretty much sealed her fascination into flying as a career choice. I also remember Mr. Loughney taking an interest in her path and getting her connected with the Sattler Foundation Summer Camp.

I remember the Noah Kahan concert and how funny he was. Around April, I actually started looking forward to going whereas previously I had a tough time listening to his music because of the content. But time can certainly change your perspective on things.

I remember going to play pickleball at Mundy. It was a little intimidating at first but then I began to get to know everyone there, especially over Memorial Day weekend. This became my home court for the rest of the year and I built a lot of relationships with people I now call friends. Court 3 became my go-to spot and it also made me a better player. In summer, Kit started teaching classes and that also really helped my game. I remember a lot of summer days of getting caught in the rain and weekend nights when I was there until the lights turned off.

I remember that pickleball basically became my whole wardrobe aesthetic. I lived in t-shirts and joggers or running shorts. I also started going through shoes like crazy. I figured out how to get Vuori for less than half the price and started racking up quite the collection. Nike became my favorite court shoe and Old Navy shorts/skirts quickly became a fave as well.

I remember going car camping for summer solstice and getting to kayak to the foot of Burgess Falls. Man, what a cool adventure. I car camped with Angie and Terri and Edgar Evins State Park. My camping setup worked really well this time especially with my new cot that I got for Christmas from K-Diddy and Mimi. I even sewed a cute cover for it. I remember how different I felt this year (physically stronger and more peaceful) vs last year (exhausted and achey) even with the heat that week.

I remember Dad and I sneaking into his old jr high school. The building has been condemned but we had a little trip down memory lane as we visited the gym and he told me the story of how he and Tater repainted the letters on the outside of the building with Jan as the accomplice driver. It was rainy and I got EAT UP with mosquitos but it was worth it. We also got to see some cool graffiti.

I remember selling mom’s house which was very bitter sweet, even the negotiation of it. It was the right move even though I got kicked out of the family group chat over it. I remember going through her things and finding a blanket that smelled like her. It was very faint but still there. I vividly remember wondering if that’s the last time I’ll ever smell her.

I remember all the planning that went into our Olympics trip but still being in denial that we were actually going until we got on our flight to Barcelona. And then I promptly freaked out halfway across the ocean. Who did I think I was taking my teenager halfway across the world to the biggest event of the year – by. my. self. ??? I was fine as soon as we landed and navigated our way to our first hotel. We then proceeded to have an absolute blast for the next 10 days. I hope I never forget how beautiful the Sagrada was and I’ll definitely never forget Skylar getting lost in the forest of a monastery. LOL. Such a good story!

I remember our train ride to Paris and being so thankful that our rail line wasn’t affected by the explosions. We were actually going to get to see the OLYMPICS! I remember sobbing as soon as we made our way past security into our first event – Beach Volleyball! Going to the Olympics had been a dream of mine for so long. I still can’t quite believe I made it happen. I remember ending our trip getting to see the USA Women’s Rugby team and Ilona Maher win the Bronze Medal – so cool! It was a lovely 10 days in Europe. We ate so many yummy things and got to experience so much. I remember taking the train by myself and walking to a bakery that specialized in gluten free pastries and they were so delicious.

I remember all of the moving pieces that went into Skylar’s Eagle Project. She did it all on her own with little help from me and it turned out great. Even when we felt like no one would show up, the Skylar magic happened and they did. I also remember how she took charge that day and kept everyone on track with her plan. It was impressive. It was also a million degrees and we were whooped at the end of the day!

I remember Skylar starting her fall classes and how independent she was. I knew the tail end of her Senior year might be emotional but I realized from the jump just how perfectly prepared she was to enter the next phase of life. I remember the Green Day and Smashing Pumpkins Concert. Geodis Park is a very nice venue and the music was great! I remember how nostagic it was and hoping I’ll have many more concerts with my favorite crew even though both Skylar and Avery are headed off to college next year.

I remember Skylar jumping in the pool, full uniform and all, after she officially became and Eagle Scout. For days afterwards she would walk around saying, “I’m an Eagle Scout – I’m an Eagle Scout” trying to convince herself it was really true. She certainly earned it!

I remember how lovely the weather was for the fair this year, as opposed to last year. I had fun walking around and eating with Paula. But that was the only week of reprieve from the 100 degree temps, and I was still playing pickleball in that weather. I remember tearing my calf muscle followed by months of physical therapy. Not only did my physical health take a hit, but my mental health as well. I didn’t realize how much the social aspect meant to me. I missed both being active and seeing my friends.In the meantime, me and the puppies made a lot of laps around the park. I remember how happy I was to get released to go to classes and eventually being fully released to play again.  I remember being so mad that I missed the best weather of the year but found a new place to play indoors on Wednesdays in Lebanon once it turned cold.

I remember when a baby squirrel, who Skylar named Toaster Strudel, suddenly dropped into our lives. We tried and tried to find his mama. He was with us for about 10 days before taking a sudden turn for the worst and ultimately passing away. He sure was cute though and brought joy to a lot of people. I remember burying him underneath the big tree beside the driveway.

I remember going to Atlanta to see the Falcons play. The Mercedes-Benz stadium is quite nice! It was such a fun trip. The front desk folks even gave me flowers. I also remember walking around Olympic Park and getting to stop by Ikea too!

I remember getting Botox for the first time. I was really nervous going in but having Kelly come to my home made it so much better. It wasn’t bad at all. I also loved the result and plan to keep it up!

I remember Aldi Advent Calendar shopping with Paula. My favorite part was saying “don’t judge me, but I got both puzzle calendars” and her saying, “me too!!!!” I have zero regrets about getting both. Those were so fun to work on all month long.

I remember getting to see Skylar perform in the Hadestown production. She was an ASL interpreter alongside Gaines and they did such an amazing job. I remember she got so many flowers that our kitchen table was completely covered.

I remember our first hockey tournament of the season in Indianapolis. Paige and Hailey went with us and we had such a fun weekend. We also ended up at another IKEA and I found the best pet beds ever for the puppies.

I remember going with Skylar for her interviews for the Naval Academy at the Senator’s offices. It was a nerve-wracking experience but she did great and received a nomination from Senator Blackburn. However, she ultimately decided to commit to MTSU for aviation and plans to pursue a professional pilot degree. I also remember her receiving the Horizon Award from the EAA and getting a scholarship to go to aviation camp in Osh Kosh next summer.

I remember one night when Skylar brought home Nerf guns. I played with her and some friends and laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants. The Dune music playing in the background totally set the mood. Gosh, that was so fun! I remember finding bullets in random places for months afterwards and smiling every time.

I remember a VERY quick trip down to Alabama for Thanksgiving. We squeezed in 3 visits and then got back on the road so that Skylar could be at work for Black Friday. Before leaving we executed the “duck” prank that Whitney and I had been planning for months. We hid almost 200 teeny tiny ducks at K-Diddy & Mimi’s. I remember that we thought it was hysterical. Dad did not. Oh well, hope he has fun finding them for the rest of forever.

I remember trying the viral sushi bake and it how it quickly become a regular meal in our rotation.

I remember going to Zoolumination for the 3rd year in a row. It’s become a special tradition for me even though I’ve been with different people every time. I love getting the boozy hot chocolate and walking around to see the new lanterns they have set up. Plus the music is so relaxing. The entire thing is a calming yet fascinating experience.

I remember going with Skylar to Sonia’s Winter Solstice party. I remember burning my big regret from the past year and setting intentions for the new year.

I remember getting quite the deal on a Frazier Fir Christmas Tree at Home Depot and it was so fresh! I really do love having a real tree in the house again. I remember wanting to cherish every moment of Christmas knowing it would be our last one in this house. We served our usual Jewish meal on Christmas Eve and opened presents on Christmas morning with my favorite people. I got Skylar a new game called Azul and it quickly became a favorite.

I remember the Aldi parking lot and many MPs.

I remember ringing in the new year at the Sloans and feeling so safe and secure as I ended one year and began the next.

2024 was weird but beautiful and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I wasn’t at all expecting 2024 to launch me into what’s next but I’m truly excited for 2025 and what’s to come. All this hard physical, mental, and emotional work is about to pay off!