24 Things To Do in 2024: Part I

24 in 2024

Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin and her sister (whose name I can’t remember right now) propose this challenge every year. Come up with a to-do list of 24 things to accomplish in 2024. On this list are big things, little things, stupid things, and things I want to do. I know I’ll never get to all of them, but if I’m ever bored at some point this year, there is surely something on this list I can try to cross out.

Also, because I feel the need to expand upon each of these items, I’m making this a two-part post. Here are the first 14 items on my list. Tune in tomorrow for the rest!

1. Find and join a trivia team.

   Here are my qualifications for joining your trivia team. I grew up on Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. Now, I listen to many podcasts and can do the NYT crossword puzzle in under an hour. I love to read and have an affinity for uncommon knowledge and fun facts. On cruises or at resorts, you can find me at the daily trivia contest while others are by the pool. So how about it? If you have room for me on your trivia team, let’s make it happen!

2. Plan a trip to Europe and book it.

   In my life, I haven’t traveled much overseas, so I have some catching up to do. I had hoped to go on my first European vacation in 2021. Well, we all know what happened that year. But now that there is a better understanding of COVID-19 and more people are getting vaccinated, I’d like to plan a trip and then go on it in the Fall of 2024 or Spring of 2025.

3. Go down the shore three times this summer.

   Travel is going to be a common theme on my 2024 list. We live two hours from the Jersey shore, and yet we don’t go there that often. Mainly because we don’t have a place to stay, and it can get expensive. However, day trips are not out of the question, so I’d like to prioritize going at least three times this summer, sit on the beach, buy some fudge, stroll on the boardwalk, and play skee-ball.

4. More day trips/date nights with Scott.

   As empty nesters, we don’t have to worry about homework, school nights, activities, games, meets, and recitals. This means we can go out to dinner on a Tuesday night or catch a movie during the week. Or we can take a day and find dog-friendly places to enjoy. We live in a great part of the country and the possibilities are endless.

5. Plan my own writing and reading retreat.

   I don’t have to go away for this, but I want to carve out a weekend where I eat, sleep, read, and write and that’s it. It shouldn’t be hard, but I’m always distracted by real life, last-minute invitations, and, of course, laundry. But if I tell people ahead of time and make a plan, this will be something easy to check off the list.

6. Write for (at least) 24 minutes every day.

   Whether it is my blog, book, or freelancing gigs, I will make time to write for 24 minutes a day. You would be surprised how much writing I don’t do because I’m scheduling social media posts, selecting and cropping photos, and creating content beyond the copy. I will also track it so I know what I accomplished and feel more productive.

7. Meet with a genetic counselor.

   Part of the book I’m working on is about Parkinson’s Disease, which can have genetic and environmental causes. With this condition on both sides of my family, I’d like to know if it is worth getting tested for the genes. I know there is no cure, so what would I do with that information? This is all part of my writing journey, and my book won’t be complete without at least having the conversation.

8. Get more active on LinkedIn.
   

   My LinkedIn network is so generous with their time and advice as I continue to find a new job. While I don’t get a lot of engagement on my posts right now, I plan to fix that in the future. I want to dive into this platform and reap the benefits while giving back.

9. Two networking events and three coffees a month.
   

   I love meeting new people, finding something in common, and building a working relationship from there. There will be opportunities for me to help them at some point, which will give me great joy. When those chances come up, I’ll be ready to happily oblige.

10. Figure out my next career move.
    

    Full-time. Part-Time. Consulting. Freelancing. Rule the world. Who knows?!

11. Find a fitness routine or a personal trainer and stick with it.

    Walking around my neighborhood is about all I do to exercise. I know I need a better cardio workout. I know I need strength training. I know I’m not getting any younger, and the work I put in to my body and health now will help me as I age. This year, I have to make it a priority.

12. Read 50 books this year.

    Last year, I read 33 books but I had hoped to read more. This year, I want to reach this magic number. I’m not sure how I’ll do it, but I’m determined. However, I have one caveat. I don’t want to rush through my reading to get to that number and not enjoy myself along the way. The whole idea of reading to me is to immerse myself in new worlds, wonderful characters, and great stories. If I find myself rushing, I will purposely slow myself down. Otherwise, why am I doing this?

13. No Book Buy July

    I’ll be the first to admit that I have too many books on my shelf and Kindle. I’m starting to worry that I’m more of a book collector than a reader. That may be why the goal above is important to me. Maybe I need to prove it to myself. Anyway, I didn’t buy any books last July, and it was pretty great. I rearranged my physical books and, organized the downloads and made a plan. One that I plan to stick to this year by reading books I own.

14. Go on an indie bookstore crawl.

    Okay, now ignore everything I just wrote about not buying more books because I REALLY WANT TO DO THIS. There are so many independent bookstores I have yet to explore. Each store has its own specialty, charm, and staff of readers. I can’t promise I won’t buy books to support their wonderful businesses (and my own personal gain). I can promise that I won’t schedule this adventure in July.

XO,

Elisa