Well, Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you’ve all had a beautiful holiday season and that you rang in the new year in your favorite way.

Honestly, 2023 flew by so fast, it seems. So much happened, mostly good, a couple not so good. I thought I’d like to share the highlights of tha past year and then share the things I’m looking forward to in 2024.

1. We bought our first house! I know I’ve shared this before, but it seriously was the biggest highlight of my year. It’s a new construction and the entire process was stress- free and easy. Nothing like some of the nightmares I’ve heard about from family and friends in the past. To be fair, we did not have a house to sell first before buying this one. I think that adds stress and more work. As this will be the last house we will ever buy, I don’t anticipate ever having to go through that again.
2. Furnishing this house with new things has been fun and exciting. I’m loving every minute.
3. We screened in our back patio. It made the summer and fall so enjoyable, sitting out there with coffee in the morning and beverage of choice in the evening. We recently purchased a table top fireplace, which made sitting outside in the fall quite special.
4. We bought a new car for me! It’s new-used but still nice and as I don’t drive much these days, it’s perfect for me. The best part is that it will be paid off in three years. Winning!
5. My Dad turned 90 and my niece got married. Two great events made even more special because I got to be with family again. My family lives in northern Illinois so any time we can get together is special.
6. My husband and I went on a mini vacation, just the two of us. This is something that never happens. He’s a truck driver and is gone most of the time and in the past, we just haven’t had the funds to do something like that. But he was home and had some vacation time to burn and we had the funds so we went to Franklin, TN for a long weekend. It was the best time and desperately needed. Our kids are grown adults and now is the time for us to be able to do things like that, hopefully more often.

We’ve had a couple minor setbacks too. Nothing that is to crippling, but annoying nonetheless. I lost my job unexpectedly, which I’ve written about already so I won’t go over it again. I still haven’t found another one but I have hope. I keep busy making jewelry, which is a new talent I’ve discovered and would like to cultivate.

Which brings me to the things I’m looking forward to in 2024.

1. As I said, I’ve discovered that I have a knack for making earrings and some bracelets. I find that I enjoy this immensely. I look forward to getting to work every day. I’m thinking about opening an Etsy shop, but right now, I’m only thinking about it. I’m a little intimidated by that.
2. I am hoping to find another job although it doesn’t look like it will be working from home like I’ve been used to. However, I’m not discouraged because it still may happen. And if it doesn’t, I know that God will provide a job that I will enjoy as much as my last job, which I absolutley loved. He knows that, though.
3. I’m looking forward to my youngest daughter finally getting her life going. She is slightly special needs and it’s been a long journey for her to complete her HISET (same as GED) exams. She is so close now, though. Then the doors should open to her for emplyment. They have been closed to her up to now. I’m excited to see where life takes her in 2024.
4. I’m looking forward to new opportunities to bless people in need. I have been blessed and I want to be a blessing to those less fortunate that me.
5. I would like to adopt another young dog. Specifically, a Yorkie. I have a Yorkie/Dachshund mix right now and she’s adorable and irreplaceable, but she’s rather on the large side, 24 pounds, but she wants to be a lap dog. I don’t necessarily want a puppy, I don’t have the energy it would take to keep a puppy entertained the way they should be. They need lots of exercise. So, I’m keeping my eyes open and my ears to the ground for a young one who needs me.
6. I’m still not finished purchasing furniture and decorating items for this house. I”m looking forward to more shopping! We have plans for the backyard as well. It needs a drainage system installed and new sod. It will be fun!

So far, those are my lists. I think I’ll leave it there. 2023 was amazing for me and I hope it was for you as well. I hope and pray that this new year will bring only highs for you, and that your dreams come true. Beware though, it will speed up the year and before you know it, we’ll be looking at 2025!

Happy, sparkly New Year loves!