02/01/2026
The sun has set on the second day of the year, leaving me in a contemplative mood. I reflect on the previous year, 365 days just whizzed past. Like a blink of an eye. My mind wanders, traversing the corridors of the past.
I think about the things that I have done. It was a great year for music - witnessed 44 live performances of solo singers and bands. Some of them were the greatest artists in history - Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Iron Maiden, Guns N Roses, Toto, etc. Some of them were on my bucket list - Cyndi Lauper, King Diamond, Savatage, Dream Theatre, W.A.S.P., etc. Will I ever get to see so many performances in a single year again? I doubt it.
Travelled quite a bit. Made several (nearly 20, I think) overseas trips. Been to countries that I have visited before. But also got the opportunity to see two countries for the very first time - Romania and Bulgaria. Learnt more about culture and history, helped me to see things around me in a different light.
Made new friends. Renewed old associations. Maintained the vast majority of my current relationships. I don't think I lost any! My colleagues, friends and acquaintances have been a source of strength and support throughout the year.
Discovered a new church, just around the corner.... made some good friends there and also had the opportunity to engage in some charity work for homeless people. It was a humbling experience to see how people freely gave their time, money and energy to support the local community.
Learnt some new tools and technologies, leaning more towards AI (which I am NOT using to write this little post!). These aids are contributing to my work and refining my output. And I am quite proud of this, given my advancing years...
Work is still keeping me busy. But I feel that it is not stressing me out. Years of experience have created an environment that I am able to manage and manage quite well, if I might dare to state that! I had to take on more responsibilities. Change of boss took place, bringing in a new regime. I believe that I have rolled with the punches and I look forward to a future that looks like it will continue to grow.
Currently working on a project - it's been a dream for 38 years. I seem to be on the cusp of completion. Hopefully, will be able to report success when I review 2026. But only time will tell....
Financial challenges always seem to rear their ugly heads like the mythical Hydra. Will I be the Hercules that brings them down? So far, I have survived.... again, a response that only time can provide....
To sum up, it has been a real adventure of sorts. Just when I think I might trip up and fall flat, I have recovered every time. What does 2026 have in store for me? I know not. But I feel a sense of calm and mild expectations. I could get pushed to the wall, but I feel confident that I can bounce back. I am told that God never pushes one beyond the levels of endurance. If that is not true, I feel that HE will help me see things through. That is what makes me optimistic.
I have rambled on.... but with that sense of reassurance, I would like to wish you all a fantastic, memorable and happy 2026. I want to thank you all for being a part of my life. I raise a glass to the promise of continuing in the same vein. God bless you all.
