As the years roll by, I find that my annual life updates have taken on a different tone. In my younger days, each year was a whirlwind of change, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Now, it’s more like a gentle, upward climb—a steady progression where each year is better than the last, but the overall rhythm remains familiar. It’s almost eerie how, as I reread last year’s post, I feel so much the same, even though I’m penning this one from the same city of London, by sheer coincidence.
Life, in all its complexity, is truly a marvel. On most days, I catch myself thinking, “I can’t believe how good my life is.” It’s a sentiment that still surprises me, even after all these years. I didn’t write my usual gratitude post this year. I worried I’d sound like a broken record, droning on and on about the blessings in my life. But make no mistake, I’m incredibly thankful for the people who surround me, the places I’ve been fortunate enough to explore, and the simple pleasures that make each day worth living. And I’m especially grateful for my health, which allows me to fully embrace every moment.
I carry a twinge of guilt for not blogging as much as I used to. I can only imagine what my readers think—that I’ve lost interest, that I no longer care. But the truth is, nearly every day, I feel a pang of remorse for my lack of writing. I’ve spent countless hours pondering why I’ve strayed from the keyboard, and I’ve even considered writing a post about it. But then I realize, what could be more disappointing than a blog post explaining why there haven’t been more blog posts?
Looking back on my twenty – year blogging journey, I can see how much has changed. When I first started, putting yourself out there on the internet was a novel and daring thing to do. There was an allure to sharing my thoughts and experiences with the world, especially when those thoughts were controversial or unconventional. I was confident in my ideas and eager for others to follow along. There’s something much more captivating about the invitation, “Hey, I’m figuring this stuff out, come along!” rather than simply showing off a seemingly perfect life. Maybe, in some future chapter of my life, I’ll find my way back to more frequent writing.
Now, let’s take a look at the highlights of my 2024:
Trips with My Wife
Most of my travels have been solo or with others, but this year, my wife’s schedule opened up, and we had the opportunity to create some unforgettable memories together. Our trip to Yellowstone was nothing short of magical, despite the lackluster food options within the park. My wife had a simple wish: to see a baby buffalo, or a herd of 30 or 40. Little did we know, we’d end up seeing hundreds, and the experience was pure joy. We also explored the beautiful province of Yunnan in China and took a trip to Hawaii. Her previous visits to Hawaii had been marred by rain and a near – disaster while scuba diving, so this third trip was a chance to turn her perception of the island around.
Island Progress
Our first visit to the island this year was a grueling but rewarding experience. The work left me in pain, but the sense of accomplishment was unparalleled. The second trip was like a victory parade, where we put the finishing touches on our projects and reaped the fruits of our labor. I loved collaborating with my friend Brian on challenging tasks, and it was great to have Ben, Mai, and Todd join in on the fun during the second trip. And with the addition of internet, thanks to our amazing neighbors, I’m counting down the days until I can return and continue building.
Finishing Projects
I finally crossed some long – overdue projects off my list! The sauna and steam room are almost complete, just needing some work on the changing area ceiling. And my tea label system is fully functional—definitely a blog – worthy achievement. Alongside these, I took on other exciting projects, from rebuilding a massive 150″ electric projector screen to learning how to use a table saw (a tool that had terrified me for years), and even rebuilding my virtual pinball machine and desk.
Japan Trip with My Dad
Taking my dad to Japan was an experience I’ll cherish forever. As his first trip to Asia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would he enjoy the food? Could he handle all the walking? But the trip exceeded all expectations. He loved every moment, wanted to explore even more than I did, and was eager to try all the local cuisine. It was a special opportunity to share one of my favorite places with him.
A New Approach to Spending
Reading Die With Zero was a game – changer for me. For most of my life, my frugality has been a key to my success. I lived on a meager income for years, yet still managed to build a fulfilling life and even buy an island. But this book made me realize that there’s more to life than hoarding money. I splurged on a $6500 pinball machine and a $2200 projector, both things I didn’t strictly need but had always wanted. I also offered financial help to a family member. While I still have a long way to go in overcoming my aversion to spending, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.
Cruises Galore
I went on numerous cruises, mostly with my friend Michael. On one memorable occasion, we were upgraded to a luxurious suite for no apparent reason. It was a Norwegian Fjord cruise, and being able to work on the couch while gazing out at the stunning fjords was a dream come true. I’ve become obsessed with Virgin cruises, going on five of them in 2024. And it was wonderful to have my Kazakh friends, who had shown me around Central Asia, join me on one of the cruises.
CruiseSheet
I made significant progress with CruiseSheet, focusing more on the business side and reducing the stress associated with it. I’ve decided to keep it as a lifestyle business, allowing me to tinker and create the site I envision, rather than chasing maximum profit. This shift in mindset has made working on it much more enjoyable.
At the end of the day, what truly matters to me is the quality time I spend with the people I love. It may seem like a simple goal compared to the lofty ambitions of some, but for me, these moments are what make life rich and meaningful. As I scrolled through the photos of 2024, each one was a portal to a happy memory, a reminder of the wonderful times I’ve shared with friends and family.
Looking ahead to 2025, I don’t have any earth – shattering goals. There are a few home projects I’d like to tackle, some improvements for CruiseSheet, and more quality time to be had with loved ones. I do have a couple of wild ideas brewing, but I’m still in the research phase. I’ve also been toying with the idea of starting a YouTube channel or a podcast, but I’m not sure if it’s the right path for me or what unique format I could bring to the table.
As I say “doviđenja” (goodbye) to 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the year that was and excitement for the possibilities that 2025 holds. And I look forward to hearing from you—share your own 2024 recaps, goals, and topics you’d like me to write about in the coming year.
