It’s that time of year when we look back at the past twelve months and think about what we’d like to achieve in the future. It’s no coincidence that so many people do this—it’s simply enjoyable to recall everything you’ve been through. The successes, the failures, the annoyances, the joyful moments, the financial ups and downs, the mistakes, and the lessons learned.

I could list all the reasons why this year felt heavier than usual, but I’ll stop, because I don’t want this piece to turn into a grim news summary. Let’s just say: this year was a challenge.

Back to the Start of 2024

Let’s try to remember what happened at the very beginning of the year. One of the highlights for me was seeing Professor Brian Cox live in Sofia. His lecture about planets, stars, and the cosmos was captivating. My friends and I joked about the fact that the event was organized by “The Comedy Club Sofia,” imagining his reaction to that booking. But jokes aside, it was a fantastic experience.

Concerts and Music

Music has always been a huge part of my life. The handful of events I attend each year recharge my mental batteries and keep me happy and energized.

Unfortunately, I had to skip the first concert of the year I had tickets for (Cradle of Filth) due to a raging headache—my first time ever missing a show I’d paid for. Then I also missed Ville Valo’s (HIM’s vocalist) concert because I couldn’t get tickets. I’m still a bit annoyed about that, considering how influential HIM’s music and vocals have been, despite the old teenage jokes questioning one’s “manhood” if they liked HIM.

Shortly after that came “The Dire Straits Experience”—original members plus some additional musicians playing the band’s hits. Sure, it’s not the same without Mark Knopfler, but the performance was top-notch.

In April, I got to see As I Lay Dying—despite their controversial vocalist and the events that have made many fans lose faith, I’m glad I caught them live when I did.

May brought better weather and the start of outdoor concerts: Corey Taylor on a solo tour with two opening bands. Siamese really impressed me. As for Corey, what can I say? He’s an incredible vocalist and a natural showman. Now I can proudly say I’ve seen him with Slipknot, Stone Sour (twice), and solo. Every time he comes, I’ll be there.

A Summer Break and Wine

June gave me a break from concerts, and it’s also time for the Balkan Wine Festival—over 50 wineries, each offering tastings. We found our limit around 12 samples before we got sleepy, but we discovered some wonderful “gems.”

July brought a three-day metal festival in Plovdiv. Sweltering heat of over 35°C, but a ton of favorite bands: Loathe, Skindred, Spiritbox, Korn, Ghostkid, Frail Body, Imminence, Bring Me The Horizon, Baroness, Massive Wagons, PAIN, Combichrist, Suicidal Tendencies, Amon Amarth. Festival life is the best life, especially with so many favorite bands in one place.

August, September, and October passed without any concerts. We needed a rest, and in August my fiancée and I took a wonderful seaside vacation on the Bulgarian coast.

November brought STOMP! I was surprised that so many friends had never heard of them. They’ve been active for decades, putting on unique rhythmic performances. We almost missed the show due to a virus, but managed to go. Two hours of pure rhythm and energy—an incredible experience.

December ended with Faun and their opening duo Pettersson & Fredriksson (Sotali), who immediately won me over. I grabbed their vinyl and then enjoyed Faun’s magical performance—dancing, storytelling, singing, and pure positive vibes. The perfect way to close the concert year.

Comparisons and Friends

Looking back, it seems like quite a few events, but some of my friends saw over 120 bands this year! If they wrote a recap like this, they’d run out of time before finishing. Yes, I realize I’ve talked a lot about concerts, but if you’re still reading, that means you’re enjoying it, so hush!

Personal Acquisitions and Hobbies

This year I seriously upgraded my PC: processor, motherboard, graphics card—basically everything. For someone who spends both work and leisure time in front of a computer, this makes sense. At 34, I’m proud to say I have a high-end PC, and I hope the parts last at least five years without issues.

On a personal level, I returned to writing after years of “rest.” Blog posts like this one are part of that revival. Paying for a domain and a WordPress plan is also a great motivator to put your money to good use. I’ve also started, slowly but surely, learning to draw—something I’ve always wanted to do but never had encouragement for.

I’ve mentioned before that I assemble and paint model kits—another hobby I’ve wanted to try for years. Now I have a few sets waiting for my attention. I’m proud I’m finding time and energy for these activities.

I’ve also improved at managing my daily energy—cooking, gaming, reading, cleaning—all after work. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy, but I’m satisfied with the progress.

More Topics for Another Time

There’s more I could write about: wine preferences, my growing vinyl collection, the new recipes I’ve learned. But let’s save those for separate posts.

Looking Forward to 2025

What do I hope for next year? Many concerts are already announced—Eluveitie, Infected Rain, Ad Infinitum, The HU, the PlayStation Concert, Gojira, Godsmack, P.O.D., Drowning Pool, Till Lindemann—and I’m ready.

I hope that by this time next year, I can say I’ve finished two full short stories, written at least 50 blog posts, done two video game reviews, taken 20 photos I’m proud of, enjoyed a nice week-long summer vacation on the Bulgarian coast, and maybe even taken a short trip abroad. (By the way, whenever I say “we,” I mean my fiancée and me—peas in a pod, that’s how we like it.)

I’d love to improve my drawing skills—maybe I can manage a decent portrait by next December. We’ll see.

I also want to save money even better. I usually track all expenses in Excel, but when I really want something, it’s hard to resist. Next year I want to be able to say, “I did it. I was more disciplined.” No more “we’ll see,” just “I did it!”

And of course, video games—I have a large backlog and I’d like to get through at least part of it next year.

Final Thoughts

I’m not sure if this article was very informative, but I hope you enjoyed it. I’m satisfied—I revisited many of my favorite moments, events, and experiences from the past year. If the world calms down a bit in 2025, and the financial situation improves, that would make things even better.

As I’ve said before, the most important thing is to focus on your own happiness, personal growth, and avoid unnecessary drama. Do things that help you grow and feel fulfilled.

If you’ve read this far, thank you so much, it means the world to me.

Stay safe out there.
Commodore Bo, out