Reflecting on 2024
Seems like 2020 was yesterday, and just like that, it’s 2025. Why I say that? Because as I get older, these years go by way too quickly.
I was sitting at a park recently, and had a lovely chat with an older woman. She stated the same exact thing: ‘as we get older, these days are going by too quickly.’
Let me reflect on 2024. It was quite the roller coaster. From an ER visit in early 2024, to a much-needed surgery in March 2024, to visiting dear friends and family in Chicago in July 2024, to excitement & heartbreak.
Excitement: I kicked ass in 2024. I’ve had many photo shoots, I’ve seen lots of good & naughty boys, & I’ve enjoyed many aspects of NYC. I love creating art, I love making fantasies come true, and I love walking an endless amount of miles around NYC.
Heartbreak: I lost 3 friends who I’ve known for many years. I still cannot believe these wonderful people are gone. They will be dearly missed. My friends who have passed: Denek from Florida, Tom from Chicago (recently relocated to South Carolina), and Joe from Illinois.
In addition, I’ve had some heartbreak in my personal life, which I choose not to discuss. I find ways to heal my heart, and it’s helping. That’s life; we all have ups and downs. Nothing is perfect. Nobody is perfect. It’s all a part of being human; feeling all sorts of emotions, and so forth.
In addition, I’ve been homesick, to the point where… well… I’ll keep that part to myself.
Let’s just say, I ask my friends on a regular basis, ‘how has Chicago been? Are people still moving out of Chicago? Or are people moving back to Chicago?’ I’m only curious to know.
Statistics show that people are leaving.
I recall back in 2023, I had my 1st ever tarot reading by Lydia Lunch. I expressed how I wanted to go back to Chicago. She said, ‘why in the world would you do such a thing? This is the place to be.’
I admit, she has a good point. At the time, my tarot cards were just right. I’m due for another reading with her, to see how my cards will turn out now.
Anyways..
Every new year, I think about my achievements from the previous year, and what I need to work on in the future; as well as what I’d like to accomplish. Then, I re-evaluate my life, thinking about what I’m doing, and what else I’d like to do.
End of December 2024, I had some heartbreak, which has been resolved. The Christmas season has always been difficult, but I made the best of it. From making home cooked meals, to binge watching holiday movies, etc.
I spent New Year’s Eve at home. I wanted to go out, but something told me to stay home. So, I did. And every new year, when it turns 12am, all you can hear in my neighborhood is fireworks.
Jan 2 & 3: I’ve never seen ‘the equalizer’, so I decided to watch the movie (part 1 &2). It’s quite good. Denzel is, of course, a bad-ass in the movies. I like part 1 better, in my opinion. He will be in a play on Broadway in this new year; I’d love to see him in person, acting.
Jan 5th: it’s butt-ass cold outside. Cabin fever. Photo shoot time + time to kick some ass.
Jan 6th: it’s a chilly day; staring straight ahead on the train. Then, a fella gets on the train, turns on his music, and shows off his dance moves. Then, decided to preach Jesus to us passengers on the train.
I got off the train at Rector St. I look up, and here I am, walking around downtown NYC on a chilly day, taking it all in. I love it. The architecture, the peace, the clouds, and looking at all the bundled up individuals going to and fro.
The train ride back home: on the train, so many people just staring at their phones; no smiling, tired eyes, and a sense of peace during the ride.
Walking home: the chill in the air reminded me, ‘this is the beginning of winter; we have a few more months of this.’ Then, I think of Chicago; how it’s 15 degrees colder (usually during the winter months). All winters, I dread the cold, but deal with it.
Sometimes, I wish I lived in Florida. However, there are downsides to Florida, as well. I’ve never lived in Florida. But, I do fantasize about having a home there.
I scroll on X for news, and this has already happened (from Jan 1 til now):
Beginning of 2025:
New Orleans attack
Tesla in Vegas, in front of trump tower blowing up
Jimmy Carter passing away
L.A. fires
And it's not even Jan 10
I have to ask in the beginning of this new year: ‘seriously, what the fuck is going on?’
The New Orleans attack is so tragic. My heart is with the people who were affected by this. Also, My heart is with the people in Los Angeles. You are all in my thoughts. Please be safe out there.