Bucky's 2024 Year in Review

 I find it hard to believe that 2024 is over. It was another challenging year for me. There were a few highlights, but it's a year that I'd mostly like to forget. In 2025, I'm going to build on the lessons and successes that I had that year.

I spent most of last year looking for a new job, after losing my previous job in November 2023. The job market is brutal, and I sent thousands of applications. I had several good interviews, only to be rejected or ghosted by those companies. I finally landed a new role with a local non-profit in July. I had to turn down an offer from another company shortly before I started this position. I'm still learning, but I'm glad to be at a place where I know that what I do matters.

I went to a couple of ball games at Target Field in May, a win over the Boston Red Sox and a disappointing loss to the New York Yankees. Now I've seen every American League team play in person. If I get to any more MLB games this year, it will be against National League opponents.

In May, I also went to my 44th Sevendust family reunion, this time at the Myth in Maplewood, MN as part of the Machine Killer tour. My uncle lives near the venue, so I spent some time chatting with him and admiring the local wildlife before making my way to the meet and greet. I got to chat with lead singer Lajon Witherspoon and drummer Morgan Rose for a bit before heading in for pre-show soundcheck. 

A few weeks later, I made my way to the Turf Club in St. Paul to see my friends in Cold during their co-headlining tour with the band Orgy. One of the reasons why I attend Cold shows in MN is that Sierra Swan, who sang on a couple of Cold tunes on their older albums, usually shows up to perform those songs with the band on stage. She did again this time. I also had a nice chat with her before the show, and got a hug and brief chat with frontman Scooter Ward before I headed home. 

I still participated in my usual Friends of the Library events and took in a few local concerts and sporting events in St. Cloud and St. Joseph, respectively. This included an author event at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in St. Cloud by my favorite MN author, William Kent Krueger. He was kind enough to chat and sign my copy of his latest Cork O' Connor novel afterward.

A few weeks after I started my new job in August, my dad was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his throat. He went through multiple radiation sessions, and also spent a week in the local hospital with pneumonia shortly after Thanksgiving. It was one reason why I chose to stay close to home, and why 2024 was one of the rare years where I never left my home state. Thankfully, the growth has shrunk and he has continued to feel better. 

I know that 2024 was difficult for many of us. I'm hoping that things improve in 2025 for everyone. I sincerely wish you all the best. Until next time, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to everyone.