clontzville.com

I seem to have a recurring problem committing to this blog, but I’m really working to make more of a habit of it in 2024. I’ve had it up in some form since 1998, so it would be a shame to just let it completely die on the vine.

Looking back

At work, I completed my second year at Microsoft and took on some new responsibilities as the sponsor of my team’s AI group. I continued supporting our Industry Solutions content and we expanded into a couple of new Industry Cloud products, and I helped support our writer in the launch of Power Virtual Agents 2.0 and, later in the year, its transition into Microsoft Copilot Studio and the launch of Microsoft Copilot for Service. I was able to attend the Power Platform conference in Las Vegas in October, and late in the year I took on Power Platform developer documentation as a new responsibility.

Personally, I turned 50 this year, which was, fortunately, without serious drama. I traveled a reasonable amount, going to Portland and Jersey City to see The Hold Steady. I also had the opportunity to see the band during my time in Vegas along with Gaslight Anthem, Catbite, Carly Rae Jepsen (don’t ask), Drive-By Truckers at The Eastern, Mike Cooley at Eddie’s Attic and U2 at The Sphere. Overall a great year in music, especially after a couple of pandemic years where no one saw anyone. Met some cool people at the shows and continued to stay in touch with some of them.

Running-wise, this year wasn’t the best. I put up 1,675 miles, which is about 350 miles less than last year. I struggled somewhat this year with motivation and put on a few pounds, which made long runs feel more like a slog. I ran the Atlanta Marathon (3:56) in February and the Chickamauga Marathon (4:02) in November, followed by the Thanksgiving Half Marathon (1:46) to end the year. Neither of my marathon times were where I wanted them, and I’m planning to do better in the coming year.

Coming up

So what to do about 2024? Here’s what I intend to do:

• Write every day, whether it’s here on this blog, a journal, a script for a video, an edit on my novel manuscript or drafting my next one. I’m happier when I write, and I need to rebuild that habit.
• See my counselor at least once a month. I enjoy talking to him, and haven’t been as consistent as I’d like.
• Say “yes” to concerts. I really enjoyed the live music I saw this year and need to do that more.
• Get a running coach for my fall marathon in Las Vegas.
• No alcohol in January or February so I can trim down for the Atlanta Marathon in Feb. Maybe cut it out altogether except for special occasions.
• Focus more on organizing at work. Work smarter and learn more.
• Play my guitar every day that I am able to. Learn to play with others.
• Read something every day.
• Stay in better touch with family and friends — reach out to folks and say hello more frequently. Date night at least once a month. Spend quality time with the kids. Focus on people.

That’ll do for now. Happy New Year!