Personal & Bookish Reflections on 2024
Hello, 2025! Goodbye, 2024! As the new year begins, I thought I’d take some time to reflect on 2024 on a personal level, share some highlights, and discuss my bookish habits of last year.
2024 was a year full of ups and downs for a multitude of reasons, especially with the most recent election year. Though I’m feeling a bit of uncertainty heading into the new year, I’m going to focus on the positive. I have new goals I want to achieve, continue on some personal projects I’ve started, connect more with people in my life, and most importantly self-care. I feel that with self-care I’ve gotten better at setting boundaries for myself and also making the time to carve out space to do things that benefit me and help my overall anxiety. One of those goals this past year was to sign up for a dance class, which pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best of ways. It brought me so much joy and I hope to add another new skill set in 2025.
As far as the blog goes, I honestly didn’t think this little corner of the internet I’ve created has lasted this long. Since 2013, I’ve decided to jump into the bookish community, and what a fun whirlwind it has been. I won’t deny there were a couple of times I wanted to stop writing, but I’m glad I’ve overcome those obstacles and still stick to a writing schedule that fits into my busy life. This blog wouldn’t still be here without those of you who read my posts. I’ve enjoyed making new friends, being able to explore new authors, and connect with others in this community. Thank you all so much so all your support!
Lastly, I’m not changing too much as far as my bookish goals for 2025. I still set my goal of reading 150 books and want to continue to read more of what I own. The only challenges I plan to do are 25 in 2025 and the Clean Your Bookshelves Challenge on top of my book club reads. You can also now find me over at YA Books Central reviewing middle-grade and YA titles.
2024 Reading Challenge
2024 Highlights
K-Pop Concerts
For the first time, so many K-Pop groups came to tour in Michigan (they always go to Chicago). I was so fortunate to see some favorite artists and new groups as well. Each concert brought a special performance. The concerts I attended were Young Posse, A.C.E., VIVIZ, and Epik High.
More Music Concerts, Broadway & A Podcast
I also attended many other concerts including Corinne Baile Rae who has been one of my favorite singers since high school, I also went to see Mr. Ballen’s podcast live with my friend who got me hooked on his YouTube videos. Mean Girls the musical was a treat to see and I had discounted tickets too. It was fun to see how the film was adapted into a musical.
Chicago Planner Conference 2024
Did you know there is a conference dedicated to people who love stationery?! I finally got in (the ticket rush is no joke) to CPC with my mom and we had a blast the whole weekend. It was fun to be surrounded by people who love stationery as much as I do, learn new planning techniques, and be inspired.
Travels!
I traveled to the west side of Michigan twice this year. First to Grapids Rapids (third picture) where I visited the Meijer Gardens for the first time. My favorite part being the Japanese garden which was so relaxing and beautiful. I also visited Sagatuck (first photo) which had all the Hallmark movie Autumn vibes with family. It was nice weekend mini-getaway. And lastly when friends meet IRL with Yali (second picture) who I met through being penpals and took a trip to Cincinnati to hang out and explore the city!
Exploring New Bookstores
On my trip to Chicago for CPC I got to mark off so many bookstores on my bucket list. I visited Roscoe Books, The Last Chapter Book Shop (Romance only store), Sandmeyer’s Bookstore (in Printer’s Row). The third from the last photo is Novel which is a brand new sandwich and bookshop here in Rochester, Michigan.
Spending Time With Friends, Family, and Meeting An Author
I got to meet Sarah Anderson of Sarah’s Scribbles at a local bookstore. She was so kind and took a photo with me after signing her book. I also went to the Michigan State Fair for the first time in years with my family and had so much fun hanging out on the midway. I took a photo with the largest pumpkin winner which is very Midwestern of me. I spend a lot of time with friends including Becca, pictured here where we both went to a BTS themed Painting With a Twist meetup with a local K-Pop fans group.
What are your reflections on 2024? Have you set any goals for 2025? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Look at all those bookstores!! And…pumpkins!! LOL What a great way to summarise your year. Your dance class still impresses me! Do you still remember your routine? 🙂 I just finished figuring my book stat’s for 2024 yesterday, so I’m only beginning to think seriously about reading in the year ahead. Through the second half of 2024, I kept a list of the books I wanted to read (but knew they wouldn’t fit into the rest of that year) so that they would be top of mind for 2025…but some of those are less interesting to me now already (hehe, I am such a moody reader)! One thing I know I want to do is read more of Rebecca Roanhorse’s books: I really enjoyed Black Sun and there are a few more of her books in the library here.