A Review of My 24 for 2024 List

I usually do a mid-year recap to check my progress, but I guess I did not this year. I also stopped using my planner at some point during the year, which means I did not consult my list very often.

I think that for 2025, I will write my list down on a single piece of paper, pin it up next to my desk, and keep it in my Notes app for easy access when I'm not at my computer.

Alright, let's look at what my goals were and whether I achieved them. I have a vague sense of what was on the list, I'm a little bit nervous...

1. Read 24 books

Nailed it! There's a bunch of kids' books and home decor ones, but that still counts. Here is my 2024 reading list if you're curious. The book pictured above might have been my favorite this year and All Fours is a close second.

2. Celebrate the seasons

This might have been my favorite activity this year, I celebrated the solstices, equinoxes, and a few more notable dates in between. My friend Hannah and I have been meeting for every full moon for a river dip since the end of summer and it fills me with so much joy.

3. Snowboard at Bachelor

What started as a fun day on the slopes and bumping into friends at the lodge ended with a dead alternator and a tow truck. Very thankful for helpful friends and hand warmers.

4. Spend 24 days without technology

Let's be honest, I did not break up with my phone for 24 full days, but I was more mindful of using it less if "No tech" was on my calendar.

5. Run 10K

Bwahahahaha! What was I thinking?! I'm definitely far from running a 10K. I don't even think I want to do it. But I do run more regularly, even with a buddy sometimes. 5K is the max currently, and it's OK to run slow AF.

6. Grow flowers

This wasn't exactly a success, I should have started the seeds indoors, earlier. I did save my seeds tough, so I'm ready for next spring!

7. Write a poem

Nope!

8. Organize our garage

This is still a work in progress. Octave recently started ceramics so there's a little reconfiguration happening at the moment. But the systems we put in place earlier in the year seem effective.

9. Learn ASL

I should have formulated this as a defined goal. Like learn the alphabet, or take a class. Well, I did both!

10. Book a retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs

This was planned for my birthday in April, but a health scare dramatically changed my plans. I rebooked for the fall and ended up spending Thanksgiving there. I love it and can't wait to go back!

11. Make more pairs of shoes

I have all the supplies to make the punch needle espadrilles I mentioned in that goal, but I have yet to start the project. I did resole a pair of Birkenstocks, does that count?

12. Buy a car

I thought it was wishful thinking, but it did happen and I cannot believe it! Life in a small mountain town is now less isolating, but I try to be mindful of useless car trips (yay carpooling!)

13. Imagine a new business

Again, not a concrete goal, but I'm deep into it right now. This blog just went through a major upgrade, stay tuned for more news!

14. Take more pictures, print a few

My latest roll, shot with this lightweight film camera (pictured above), is on its way to the lab, and I recently got myself this instant print camera. It's so much fun!

15. Create a portfolio

I kinda forgot about this goal, will I roll it over to my 2025 list?

16. Apply for artist residencies

This goes along with the previous goal...

17. Publish a zine

I'm almost there, pinky promise!

18. Celebrate milestone events

Octave and I did travel to California to celebrate the first of two major events, the second one didn't really happen because of the aforementioned health scare, and that's OK!

19. Go to Mexico with girlfriends

I did go to Mexico, but with Octave. It was everything I wished it would be, and so much more. I can't wait to go back with a (girl)friend next year!

20. Translate a feminist book

You know how I always say that I'm glad my work isn't my passion? Well, why would I try to mix them? I see where I came from (applying my expertise to a cause dear to my heart), but I don't see myself spending my free time doing what I do for a living. Let's find other ways to support the cause...

21. Travel somewhere new with Octave

Mexico, Breitenbush. Check!

22. Save and plan for future house projects

I thought we would be way closer to being in a position to put down more permanent roots in the US. So instead, I focused more on saving rather than "housing".

23. Weave a basket

Oh, I wish this had panned out, but I was too late signing up for a very popular workshop in town! I drown my sorrow following Alex Rooted on Instagram and cross my fingers for an upcoming workshop.

24. Go on a multiple-day hike

This did not happen, but it's for a very good reason, so that's OK!

So how did I do? About 16 out of 24, but who's counting? For next year, I'll have to remember to choose concrete goals and keep them on hand so I don't forget about them.

I'm so excited for 2025, I might still work on 2024 goals, but I don't think I'll include them on my 2025 list. I want fresh personal challenges for the new year!

What about you? How well did you do? Will you carry over goals for next year? What are you proud of? What are you excited about?