2024 was another year of learning for me and new discoveries. The only difference is, I did not have to navigate this year all by myself. I closed off 2023 with a new love, and began 2024 with love, with each and every month trying to improve on such love. So far, it's been going quite well. I am truly blessed to have found my love after all these years.
In summary, 2024 was mostly smooth sailing. There were many good times, shocking and sad times, and moments of development.
There were less car cruises this year, but lots of parking lot meets. I made sure to attend as many as I could to socialize with the usual groups, to take in new scenery and so forth. One thing that I'm constantly reminded of is how short life really is.
One of the very first Porsche friends that I met back in late 2018 had unfortunately passed away in October. It came as a huge shock to everyone as this was very unexpected. The family made very difficult decisions at the end of life, and donated his organs to save others' lives, because that was also the kind of person he was - one who was caring, loving and selfless. He sacrificed his life so he could save others. Wilfred, you will always be a hero in our eyes.
From that moment on, we did a couple of memorial cruises for him, as well as a cars and coffee event dedicated to his life. It's heartbreaking to know that we won't see him again on this Earth, but we all know that he fought a great battle and that he will always be the fun loving guy we all got to know. Thank you for bringing all of us together.
This fall, I also had the honour of attending the EDTNA 2024 national conference held in Athens, Greece. I was one of two presenters (the second being my PCM), and representing the only Canadians. Woohoo! It was definitely a surreal experience as this was my very first european nephrology conference. As always, the networking events were always very insightful. In between the conference, I got to check out the beautiful city of Athens with my man. And this leads me to this...
Ladies, if your man doesn't walk you from the hotel to the conference (and carry a pair of nice shoes for you to change into when you get to the conference), you need a new man. I've never been this pampered before, but it was the sweetest and unexpected move. He took care of things while I was away at the conference and made sure to pick me up once the conference was done so I didn't have to walk back to the hotel by myself. He was also my tour guide, as he researched all the local areas and then took me once I had free time. I felt so safe, so loved and pampered. This was the best workation I've had, and wished I could've stayed longer to explore Athens with him. When you are with the right person, everything feels so right.
There were also 3 weddings to attend this year for friends (and more to come!). All the weddings were so beautiful with the amazing bridal parties. Cheers to all for a wonderful married life!
Towards the end of the year, we had to deal with a family emergency, in which I stepped away from work indefinitely until things stabilized. Again, this reminded me how fragile life really is, and to embrace those around you. Don't forget to say I love you to your loved ones.
Which leads me to .. life is so short.
Take chances. Tell that person you like them. Who cares about embarrassment. The worst case is things might get awkward, but YOU can control how you act around others. YOU can control how you say things. How YOU act around others. You want to get to know that person a bit better? Ask them out. Who cares if you're a girl waiting to get asked out by a guy. Just ask the guy. There's no harm. I was one of those girls before who would wait until a guy asked me out. I never had the courage to say anything without it being awkward. But guess what. I finally grew a vag and told him my feelings. What I got in return is a future husband.
Believe in yourself. Take chances. No regrets.
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