2024 Recap
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This year started rough for me. The reason is that I got sick at the beginning of 2024 — swine influenza on one side and COVID on the other. On January 2nd, I found out I had swine influenza.
Even though I mentioned this in the first sentence, I made the career change I discussed in my 2023 Recap. This was one of the good things about 2024 for me.
My Father Had Surgery
After February, we started frequent hospital visits because of my father’s thyroid issues. This process felt uncomfortably long for me.
Eventually, my father had thyroid surgery, and his thyroid was removed. The pre-surgery process, the surgery itself, and the post-surgery recovery period exhausted me. For months, we went back and forth to the hospital — endless tests, getting results, and doctor check-ups. At some point, I realized how utterly drained I was.
If I remember correctly, it was around June when we were told during a post-surgery check-up that everything was fine. That made me happy. But just think about it — a process that started in February lasted until June. It wore me out.
In this case, General Surgery Specialist Aygün Aliyeva performed my father’s surgery. I can’t thank her enough. Looking back now, I realize it was a very well-done operation.
My Mother Had Surgery
After that, although I can’t remember the exact date, it was either July or August when my mom had eye surgery. She had a condition that could have left her almost blind — her cataract was very advanced.
I’m writing this based on what her doctor said, though I knew this condition had been there for 10–15 years. Thankfully, this surgery also went well. Still, it took about a month of back-and-forth hospital visits.
This was my second surgery adventure in 2024. :)
My Father Had Surgery Again
Just when I started to think I was feeling relieved, my father’s hemorrhoid problem came up. Unfortunately, this was another long-standing issue that had worsened over the years because my father neither paid attention to it himself nor listened to us or the doctors.
This process drained me so much. My father’s first surgery and my mother’s surgery hadn’t been this exhausting. Because of the blood loss my father experienced before the surgery, we were going to the hospital almost every other night. I spent the hours I should’ve been sleeping at the hospital, and then I worked during the day. I know I didn’t get proper sleep for about two weeks.
While trying to manage my work successfully, I also went through a psychologically challenging time. But I managed to get through it, thanks to the people around me. Just having them there was enough for me.
It’s been about 1.5 months since his surgery, and he suffered for the first month. Seeing him comfortable now makes me happy. I hope I don’t face another surgery during the rest of 2024.
By the way, during these surgeries and the preparation processes, my migraines became so intense that the doctor had to inject me in my forehead and the back of my head. I couldn’t even lower my head because the moment I did, I’d experience an extreme headache.
As a result, I was asked to get an MRI. Thankfully, everything came out fine with me. :)
Not Everything Was Bad!
Even though I couldn’t take a vacation this year due to these reasons, some good things happened too. For example, I moved to a nicer house. Of course, that was thanks to my manager(H. Yusuf Yavuz) 😛
I also met a very skilled, knowledgeable, and great conversationalist CTO in 2024. Having the chance to learn from him has been a real privilege for me.(Gürkan Sel)
We launched many new projects, and these projects taught me a lot. Although the increase in my responsibilities sometimes tired me out, I learned how to handle it.
What is a source of stress for many became a game of time management for me.
Even though I can’t fully explain the details of these processes that contributed so much to my career, I’m happy with the work we accomplished in such a short time.
Also, one of the good things about 2024 was working at the same place as a friend like Mustafa Dikyar — someone whose advice I didn’t always follow but who still treated me with understanding.
I almost forgot! After swearing I’d never wear shirts or ties and making such bold statements, I’ve actually started enjoying it now. Really!
Even if I tie my tie crooked, I don’t care. Feels like it’ll fix itself at some point :)
For this, I owe endless thanks to Oğuz kumcular and his amazing wife, my buddy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have much of a clue about dressing up :)
Also, my birthday was celebrated for the first time in years. Normally, I’m not the kind of person for such things, but the fact that my friends did this made me incredibly happy ❤ (Getting emotional here).
This year, my cat pulled off some funny mischief that made us all laugh. That’s another reason I’m happy :)
At a moment when we were really worried because we thought it had gone outside and gotten lost, it suddenly appeared in a box on top of the kitchen cabinet :)
After many years, I went to Balıkesir. I went with my manager(H. Yusuf Yavuz), and it was truly a great experience for me. It’s such a beautiful place to live.
Other than that, I’d love to mention the amazing people at work here, but I can’t because I’m not sure if they have accounts or not.
By the way, I’m trying to improve my English level. I’ve made some progress through TV shows and writing like this, but since I don’t have any speaking practice, my speaking skills are non-existent.
Maybe I can work on this weakness in 2025.
What Are My Expectations for 2025?
First of all, I don’t want any more surgeries or health problems. Please!
After that, I want health, happiness, and peace once again — for the whole world. I wish for a year where everyone talks about good things, has fun, and is free from wars and deaths.
These are just wishes, though. You know, Santa Claus isn’t real either. So, it’s not going to happen…
Best Regards!