Hello out there all you radio fans.
At this time of year it is seemingly the done thing to look back on the year that was and also to have a think about the one coming. To be honest, if you've read this blog more than once or twice then you know almost everything about my year! I understand that not everyone wants or needs to read my self-reflection, feel free to skip to the songs.
2024 had some huge ups and deep downs as well. I've spent a significant amount of the year working hard to get my back sorted out. That was no fun at all but, touch wood, things are looking good. It's a combination of an excellent massage therapist (thanks Ken and Jo for the tip), loads and loads of walking, a bit less cycling, and tons of stretching and rehab work. There's no doubt that there were dark times over 2023 Christmas and New Year when I could hardly walk and was in constant pain.
At this time of year it is seemingly the done thing to look back on the year that was and also to have a think about the one coming. To be honest, if you've read this blog more than once or twice then you know almost everything about my year! I understand that not everyone wants or needs to read my self-reflection, feel free to skip to the songs.
Rollins Band - Low Self Opinion - https://youtu.be/VepuImWmH0o
2024 had some huge ups and deep downs as well. I've spent a significant amount of the year working hard to get my back sorted out. That was no fun at all but, touch wood, things are looking good. It's a combination of an excellent massage therapist (thanks Ken and Jo for the tip), loads and loads of walking, a bit less cycling, and tons of stretching and rehab work. There's no doubt that there were dark times over 2023 Christmas and New Year when I could hardly walk and was in constant pain.
Pantera - I'm Broken - https://youtu.be/2-V8kYT1pvE
The other major thing that sucked was the realisation at work that my brain wasn't going to allow me to operate at a higher level for any length of time. That one hurt a lot. I know I've improved but the limit was most certainly reached. Props to my managers and co-workers for the support when I went back to my old level. It was a good move.
Primal Scream - Movin' On Up - https://youtu.be/UVm3mJPn5tE
Let's look at the good things then, because they are much more important. I have some awesome friends, got to see some good live music, did some dog sitting, my ability to read novels continues to slowly improve, work was generally pretty positive, I went on an epic holiday and my kids are happy and healthy. Yep, that'll do me.
Queen - The Show Must Go On - https://youtu.be/t99KH0TR-J4
I'm coming to you from Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains. I'm here for a few days soaking up the mountain air and relative serenity. To be fair, it's only busy here down at the small shopping centre! I've done some hard, hard cycling and some decent walks as well. Today I plodded along for 21km which is my longest walk in a very long time. At least since I started keeping track back in about 2009!
The Ventures - Walk Don't Run - https://youtu.be/c2JhbC6NFJc
Farcebook let me know of another milestone today. The MacBook that the World Wide Woozle is produced on turned 10 years old today. I remember when Alison and the kids got it for me. It's still my first Mac and I still think it rocks!
Queensrÿche - I Dream In Infrared - https://youtu.be/JJowBTSh90E
My friend Suzy asked me about my goals for 2025 and I had to do some serious thinking. In 2024 I wanted to write in a journal every day and with only a few days to go that will become a reality. Sure, I've missed a day or two but I always went back and filled them in. It's been a good exercise in self-reflection even though I'm not always the best at being totally honest on paper; even with myself. A work in progress I guess.
Billie Joe Armstrong - Gimme Some Truth - https://youtu.be/wB28KkGUg2o
My massage therapist told me that I need to work on my lats as another facet of making my back as strong as possible. So I guess that's going to need to be a 2025 goal. It might mean some time in the gym and up until now I've really hated gyms. But, there is a gym about a 3 minute walk from my house so I suppose I should go and talk to them. I know I'd much rather do almost anything else to achieve this goal but I'm not sure I can get there without a little push.
Skunk Anansie - Twisted (Everyday Hurts) - https://youtu.be/Zqe4NbLW7Ww
Another goal, that I don't really like, is around food. It's been a very up and down year for me with regards to eating properly and consistency is needed even if my stupid brain tries to derail that thought on a regular basis. And if I eat a little more I have to control the urge that has me out the door for another exercise session. Again, a work in progress.
Polish Club - Apples and Bananas - https://youtu.be/cDWWZKcl6FI
Reading more is my other 2025 goal. I've been gradually improving at this and now I think I just need to reduce the distractions and get on with it. I've definitely got loads of unread books just waiting for some love! TV and social media are my enemies here. The cathode ray nipple and the doom scrolling are getting the flick. I'm realistic though, they're not bad things in small amounts.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy - Television, The Drug Of The Nation - https://youtu.be/hD9pJzZ1XGI
And while it often feels easier for me to withdraw and seriously limit my connection with the outside world I do realise that the hermit life isn't all good for me. I'm doing my best.
Don't give up folks. Thanks for reading this and a big thanks to those who have engaged with the blog and also supported me through 2024.
I love youse all,
The Woozle
"Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not beaten yet
Don't give up
I know you can make it good"
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not beaten yet
Don't give up
I know you can make it good"
Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, Don't Give Up, 1986.
Hi Rob. I liked the way you talked about your brain. Yes it’s easy to think it’s “us” but it’s just a part of us, and it looks like your work sees that too.
ReplyDeleteLast year I had a relationship with someone who had previoslybbeen a very highly paid personell type. After it i tried explaining to her how our brains were our undoing ( she is highly organised and I have ADHD- ie an agent of chaos) but she didn’t know what I was talking about .