I haven’t written a diary entry quite a while. I’m not really sure why, but I can guess. A couple things happened, especially related to comedy that made me want to stop writing altogether. Also, sometimes I wonder why I even keep writing. Who am I doing this for? I didn’t even write one blog for the entire year of 2024!

>>>>PHOTOS: Nothing like a guest spot at an amazing winery

But I’ve decided to continue and even try to write more this year. As a teacher of writing, I need to write. Whether that writing is creating jokes, crafting news stories or bitching in a diary entry, writing is cathartic and I just have to do it more. I was recently reminded that my little diaries and blogs can be super funny and a jumping-off point to other things.

Am I making a New Year’s resolution? Hell, no. I do not make resolutions, but I do hope to write more this year. I try to do that every year. In this diary, since I haven’t written one in so long, I’m just going to give you a few highlights from the later half of 2024.

I lost my sweet 17-year-old baby Audrey in July. This was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life. I held her in my arms in my living room while a wonderful doctor from Lap of Love administered the drugs. Audrey was sick, couldn’t walk and was constantly getting infections. I will never forget her.
We welcomed a new little dachshund puppy to our home named Penny in August. It just seemed that Sadie was so sad once Audrey was gone, that we felt another puppy might help. That is still yet to be determined, but Penny has been a lovely addition to our family.
When it comes to comedy, I performed in some new places and it was great. The Barn on Blain show in June really boosted my confidence and then the show I did in Las Vegas really ended the year on a high note for me. A blog totally focused on the craziness of Las Vegas is forthcoming. I hope!
I was supposed to see Weezer, but I didn’t look up the rules for bags. I just took my normal purse and was not allowed in the venue. By the time we got an Uber to get back to the hotel and back to downtown Columbus, it didn’t make sense to go back. Lesson learned!
My volleyball game is on point now! I have been playing on Saturdays at Sinclair. I began subbing for another team at Kettering Recreation Center, and I’ll be returning to that competitive team. My stamina is back and my muscles are ready. My serve is on point and I am hitting the ball like I did 20 years ago. Well, maybe not quite that good. However, my nickname is Torpedo Arm.

There’s a short update on what is going on with me. I’m sure there are a multitude of things I forgot. I am 43 now, and I don’t remember a whole lot of things. I tell my husband that my brain pushes out the unnecessary bullshit for more necessary bullshit.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year.

Jan 7 56: New year, but same old (older) Jess

Mar 1 55: You can be your own comedy community