2014 Wrap Up

Everyone's experience is unique. I realize that 2014 was a difficult year for many people. Tragedy dominated the headlines on many occasions, and people work through their private struggles as well. I empathize with anyone who has had a difficult year. I don't want my remarks to be taken as an indication of a general trend. I had a good year while some others didn't. I am sensitive to each person's challenges, because I realize that fortunes can change at any time.

2014 has for me been a wonderful year. First among my many blessings is my family, who have been kind and supportive to me year after year. I was able to spend a number of weekends throughout the year with my Mom and Dad, sisters, nieces and nephews. As always, I'm most proud of my son and his continuing success.

I'm also blessed with a core of longtime friends. Our monthly dinners are filled with laughs and lively conversation. I'm always looking forward to the next one.

2014 was also one of the most productive years of my life. 

I spent a lot of time in the office. That might not seem like a positive, depending on your perspective, but I enjoyed my projects and responsibilities and the opportunities that they provided. For instance, it was the first time that I had the chance to develop code on three database platforms in the same year (Oracle, Sybase, Teradata) all while working on complex computational models. That pushed my brain into some new cognitive territory.

In addition, I appreciated very much the opportunity to work with a large team of bright and highly capable colleagues, each of whom is also a supportive, thoughtful, and interesting person. There's no substitute for a fulfilling work life. Vacations and alcohol can't mask the damage of enduring a miserable career. I have been very fortunate in this regard.

I enjoyed significant productivity in my creative life, as well. Experiments with new photographic techniques yielded encouraging results, and I look forward to applying these techniques on future projects. 

I completed a number of musical compositions, and others are in the works. I hope to set up a new website in 2015 as an avenue for sharing this new music. 

I did quite a bit or writing this year. (Maybe that's a bit of an understatement.) When I tallied up the total number of posts on my various blogs, I was a bit shocked. It's a wonder that I didn't have to replace my computer keyboard along the way. (I did finally replace my old iPad where much of this writing occurred, so I guess that counts.) 

I also wrote my first mystery story this past fall (Powder Blue Lies). I think it turned out well, and it has received some very generous commentary from the readers.

Along the way, I found time to run consistently throughout the year, spend two weeks in Greece, and teach ninety dance classes. I was able to spend some time polishing up my dance technique, as well. All of these activities, dance, travel, and exercise, bring me a tremendous sense of satisfaction. 

So, yes, I guess it's fair to say that I accomplished quite a bit. I'm happy with the results. I enjoy the photos. I enjoy listening to the new music, and I think that the mystery story turned out very well. But I'm also proud of the effort. I couldn't have worked much harder. I came about as close to doing my theoretical best as I can imagine.

But there's much more to do - more projects, more creations, more skills to develop, more places to visit. I am looking forward to 2015 with eager anticipation. 

Happy New Year! May you enjoy each new day and take advantage of all the possibilities that life presents.

Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. South 

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