2024 wrapped (zeke's version)
not to be g*y, but there is simply no way i could end the year without talking about it in an annoying, self-serving way via newsletter. BIG THINGS inside this one so be sure to give it a read....
Think of this as a final reflection on 2024 anno domini. My last chance to remember some things forget some others, and to tell you the highlights, the lowlights, and anything else that suits my fancy.
Not to be cliché and absolutely stupid and dumb, but WHAT A YEAR! Here is a quick timeline of some things I remember:
Overall, I think I would rate this year a solid 6 out of 10. Better than horribly terrible, but worse than great. Not shame for any of the things I did this year.
I am glad it is ending though. Excited for what’s to come in the New Year. Also extremely concerned about what’s to come in the New Year!!! Isn’t that fun??!
I had a terrifying idea while I was getting my thoughts together for this newsletter that maybe I should start journaling (pen & paper vibes). Quickly chased that out of my brain because I don’t wanna be one of those folks that take up journaling📓 at the start of a new year. Also, I can just do that here on my laptop instead.
It’s on the list above, but I wanted to hit on the fact that I got into hand embroidery this year and it has been one of my favorite new things! And, get this, I am actually pretty damn good at it! I’m addicted to it and can’t stop and will for sure be sharing more of that journey as it happens. Here’s three of my faves from this year:
2024 was one of my slowest reading years </3 hate that! My goal was to read 24 books. I made it only through 9, totaling 3,037 pages. Most books were alright. The first two I read were ROUGH. No bueno. Not my vibe. Young Mungo was a good read; it was a tough read the same way A Little Life was….ooof…
Some reading highlights for me: finally reading Practical Magic. Very different than the film in such a great way! Highly recommend! If I had to give first-place trophie to a book this year, it would absolutely be In Memorium. Wow. Talk about longing. Some similar themes to Luca Guadagnino’s film Queer.
Also, without any comment, sharing my spotify wrapped:
Something that helped keep me alive this year was going to the movies [and watching movies at home]. I used Letterboxd to rank everything that I watched this year. Click the link, or the pic below, to see where everything fell for me. Here are a few in a lil square as a sneak peek.
Some ongoing things as we wrap up this year…
Currently watching: I am making my way through BBC’s 2008 series Merlin. I started years ago but only watched a few episodes and would watch it whenever I would remember that it existed (which was not often). I had barely made it through season 1, and then this year I decided to make it my “watch when I am bored or need something to watch” show. I think I’m somewhere in season 3 now and I am loving it. If I am being honest, I'm watching it so that I can read the Merlin/Arthur smut without any spoilers. Very dumb.
Currently reading: Three Junes by Julia Glass. Not terribly far into it, but it was given to me by a dear, dear friend and it finally has hooked me into it. Looking forward to what it has in store.
Currently listening to: SOS Deluxe: Lana. I mean, come ON. Obviously SOS was a fkn BANGER album, but this deluxe version has some insanely good new additions. Such a fun and chill vibe addition to the album. Slower feels, sexier moods. All-in-all, on repeat for me into the New Year!
What I want to see more of in 2025:
I want there to be more hams served at parties. I am not picky as to what style. Those giant spiral sliced hams, the fancy jamón that you just shave little pieces off and eat in a wine cellar, pieces of ham on a cheese board. Just feels like my 2024 rating could have been improved with more ham! I am predicting HAM will be a BIG part of the 2025 narrative.
My baby brother and his wife are having a baby in Q1 of the new year. Looking forward to that. The second one of my brothers to have a kid. Another boy (thank god). I do not think any of us would know what to do with a girl.
One final thing
Coming Soon in January 11th, 2025:
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
If you haven’t already, please consider donating to Chicago Artist Guide and help us meet our End of Year Goal! Theater artists face many barriers - physical and economic - in the pursuit of their passion. And, while the Chicago theater is very communal, it tends to be insular and closed. Chicago Artist Guide intends to change this.
Thanks for being a part of my 2024!