2024 in review

Normally I would have already written this, but the last two days of 2024 were fairly busy at the family businesses, so I didn't have time to do it.

Therefore, I am looking back today, January 1st on 2024. I have my calendar to help me remember everything.

For the past two years, I did a thing where I picked words for the year. For 2024, the first words I saw were: 

• Change
• Power
• Connection 
• Gratitude 

Here is the post for 2024 mantra.

As I reflect on 2024, there were significant changes that happened-- my Dad passed in April, my son graduated in May. As far as the other words.... power-- not sure how that played out; connection-- I am always grateful for the connection of family and friends; gratitude-- I do have much gratitude for people, nature, the Divine.

January

• We celebrated my Dad's 84th birthday. Something told me it was going to be his last one. Unfortunately, I was right.
• My great niece turned 2.
• Our son flew back to NYC for his final semester at SVA (School of Visual Arts)

February

• I started chair yoga on Fridays at the Hixson at the North River Civic Center
• I bought my 3rd motorcycle-- a Honda Rebel 250 (the smallest bike I've owned, but still a bike)
• Emmaus team meetings for an upcoming Women's Walk

March

• We celebrated our 20th Anniversary
• I participated in a Women's Emmaus Walk
• Dad fell and needed some extra help, so I spent more time in Dalton after the Emmaus walk
• Went on a hike and hammock trek at the end of the month at Big Soddy Creek Gulf

April

• I had my first "unit sale" at work because we had been "stiffed" by a tenant. I hope that experience was my first and only one. I learned tons through that entire experience, but it wasn't the most fun.
• Dad passed 
• We took a family trip to FL to see Riley's sister and nieces

May

• Taught a class about labyrinths and praying the labyrinth on World Labyrinth Day
• Our son graduated at Radio City Music Hall so we went to NYC for that and then brought him (and his belongings) home (we drove up there, spending some time in cool places along the way)
• the retired guy had a significant birthday -- three quarters of a century

June

• Annual Conference
• Mission Trip to Costa Rica
• Represented PFLAG Chattanooga at several places

July

• Spent the 4th weekend with friends and enjoyed their pool
• Started working on stained glass ornaments --Christmas gifts-- for the family

August

• Represented PFLAG Chattanooga at the 1st Pride Festival in Athens, TN

September

• the retired guy and I went to Holbox Island in Mexico..... and were able to see a bit before we sheltered in place due to a storm that became a hurricane
• gave a talk at an Emmaus Women's Walk

October

• Went to a Camp reunion in Mentone, AL
• Attended a 4 Day Academy at Camp Sumatanga
• Turned 60

November

• Took Mom to Blairsville, GA
• had my first official spiritual directee since I received my certification
• went on 1st truck tent camping adventure at Chester Frost Park overnight.

December

• Christmas at Mom's
• a quiet New Year's Eve

There was quite a bit of walking and hiking in 2024, but no bicycling. I didn't get a single mile in. Though that is a major drop from the past several years, it's okay. 

2024 exercise statistics (from Runkeeper which didn't always keep accurate accounts nor did I always track my steps)

Walked-- 71.96 miles

Hiked-- 47.64 miles

Total hours-- 60:28

My overall exercise regime was less in 2024 than in 2023, but I did add in chair yoga for a few months. 

I preached about 13 times this past year (some of that was multiple services in the same day at the same church). I did two weddings and one vow renewal. I did one funeral. I served another year with Welcome Home of Chattanooga as volunteer chaplain. I served on the CACPC board.  I continued serving as PFLAG Chattanooga president. I facilitated another year of outdoor worship with Bamboo Encounter.

I met quite a few folks for coffee throughout the year and a few meals here and there. Coffee is a love language. :)

There was quite a bit of business stuff to take care of after Dad's passing. There are probably still things that need to be done. Little by little. Day by day.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Dad. And that's okay. He was and is a significant person in my life. After all, he's one of the reasons I am here. :)

As far as self care goes in my life, in addition to exercise, here are other things I do to stay whole:

• I spend time in the hammock
• I have a Spiritual Director
• Cliff and I spend quiet time on the deck many mornings
• I am in group spiritual supervision
• I am in a clergy group
• I ride the motorcycle for decompression
• I write
• I take photos
• and the stained glass I started as gifts? that has become a self care practice and a spiritual practice as it draws me closer to the One who created me and allows me to decompress

We went to Blairsville more than what is listed, but less than in years past.

I donated O- blood several times through out the year.

There are TONS of photos of Cliff from 2024. Cliff is such a loving companion. 

This review doesn't come close to sharing all I experienced this past year, but it's a "bird's eye view" or at least a bullet point view. 

Peace on the past and looking forward to the future with hope, 

Rev. Deb