Ahh, the notorious goals (or more colloquially known as resolutions). I will cover the usual three main areas of focus: Technical Skills, Reading Challenge, and Wellness. I’m hoping for a little more diligence on my part to really focus on all of these goals. I did pretty well last year but there were a couple of bumps along the way. So let’s set those 2024 goals, shall we?

A new year means let’s review December’s movie selections. There are a few in there that shouldn’t be a big surprise. There are several I always watch every year (and that list keeps growing). Let’s forego the loquacious preamble and just get into the list:
- White Christmas
- Scrooged
- Star Wars Holiday Special
- Santa Claus the Movie
- 8 Bit Christmas
- A Christmas Story Christmas
- A Christmas Story
- Bad Santa
- Holiday Inn
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Spirited
The reading challenge goal was 12 books and I missed it by about 150 pages. If I hadn’t decided to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve I might have finished the last few pages. Oh well, it’s close enough for me to let it go. Be that as it may, here are the eleven books I did manage to finish for the 2023 Goodreads reading challenge (** indicates a book I’ve read before).

- Storm Front** by Jim Butcher
- Winter** by Marissa Meyer
- Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas
- Eragon** by Christopher Paolini
- Crown of Midnight by Sarah Maas
- Eldest** by Christopher Paolini
- Heir of Fire by Sarah Maas
- Brisingr** by Christopher Paolini
- Queen of Shadows by Sarah Maas
- Inheritance** by Christopher Paolini
- Tower of Dawn by Sarah Maas

I cannot believe it’s already 2024. The years seem to fly by faster and faster the older you get. I know those are words old people always say but it’s the truth no matter how much you try to ignore it. Every year has it’s ups-and-downs and 2023 was no different. I’ll cover the usual stuff so let’s get into the 2023 Year in Review.
The year started pretty rough. January seemed to drag on; the last 10 days seemed especially long. Two people I cared about passed away. They were not in my family, thankfully, but they felt like extended family. I still mourn them and I’m still praying for their families, especially during the recent holidays.
Merry Christmas to one and all. I hope my Jewish friends had an excellent Hanukkah! If you celebrate something different, I hope it is equally as merry and excellent! I hope all of your festivities are safe, enjoyable, and drama-free. While I believe Christmas is more about giving than receiving, I hope you get that Nintendo and/or that Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle you’ve always wanted.

The passing of Matthew Perry had me thinking about Robin Williams. As funny as Matthew Perry was, he’s a dim candle compared to the bright light that was Robin Williams. Therefore, for November’s random theme, I chose Robin Williams movies.

There are so many films to choose from and I only own 30 of them. He is far more versatile than most people think but I chose to stick with his comedies. He is best known for his comedy. So here are my 2023 selections for Random Theme Month.