What are you looking forward to in 2025? To start off the new year on a positive note, I asked you for one thing that you are anticipating over the next 12 months, whether mundane, silly or serious.
Some of you were just glad last year was ending.
“2024 had so many extreme highs and lows. Each day seemed to come with shock, awe, confusion, excitement, enthusiasm and then finally extreme disappointment,” sums up Elizabeth Adame of Riverside.
“So, I guess that the one thing I hope for is a bit of peace,” Elizabeth continues. “Don’t know if I’ll get it, but that’s what I crave. Much love and best wishes to you for a very happy holiday and a wonderful new year!”
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Art Murphy of Moreno Valley has been losing weight, or trying to lose weight, in recent years. In 2024, he admits, he gained 5 pounds — oops. But he swears that this year he’s going to take off 20 to 30 pounds rather than put it on.
My advice: cut out carbs. Like a camera, bread adds 5 pounds, and probably more.
“As an educator,” says Will Plunkett of Alta Loma, “I have been hoping the cell phone ban, or even specifically enforced limits, in schools will actually happen. The amount of learning and teaching would be limitless.”
To infinity and beyond!
Speaking of educators, Ion Puschila of Upland is going to close out his career as a Garey High history teacher in Pomona in 2025 and move to the Bluegrass State.
“I look forward to retirement, and reading your articles from Kentucky,” Ion says.
Perhaps the distance will improve them.
“I’m thankful for my husband being cancer free. For those still battling, I hope that they too one day would be cancer free,” shares Lorna Jenkins of Riverside.
Lynn Petroff of Temecula requests “good health for all, both physically and mentally” and that we all “recognize and care for others whose work benefits you, although you never know who they are.”
We’re veering away from what you’re looking forward to and into thankfulness or good vibes. But it’s a holiday. I’m not going to look any gift comments in the mouth.
That includes sarcastic ones.
“In response to your column,” writes Tim Hite of La Verne, “here is what I am looking forward to in 2025: mass deportations, annexing Greenland, making Canada our 51st state and taking back the Panama Canal. ‘Looking forward to’ is not necessarily a positive thing.”
“My hope for 2025, besides the usual good health and good cheer, is that early in the year I will enjoy the reporting of the salacious details of the Trump/Musk divorce,” chortles Arthur Weinstein of Claremont.
That bromance will probably not end well, except for fans of schadenfreude.
Says Susan Radder of Chino: “I’m looking forward to being happy in 2025. Buddha said that ‘Mind is the source of happiness or unhappiness.’ Therefore, every day and all day long if needed, I’m going to remind my mind to: Love. Laugh. Lighten up.”
Janet Cerswell of Alta Loma has travel plans.
First, San Francisco, where she and hubby Norm will celebrate their 27th anniversary. Later, Cleveland, to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the “Christmas Story” house. In fall, they’ll be in New England, “enjoying the leaf peeping.”
Says JoAnne McKaughan of Upland: “My wish this coming year is to walk normally with my new right knee. And travel again.”
With two good knees, JoAnne, nothing will stop you.
Christina Miller of Riverside did some exploring close to home. Her plan for 2024 was to visit every public library within 10 miles of her house, and she did it.
Expanding her horizons, the ever-curious octogenarian writes that she will visit “all public libraries within a 20-mile radius in 2025.”
She adds: “After reading your Christmas column I’m adding the L.A. Central Library as a special addition to my wish list,” and says she will get there via Metrolink.
Jack Caselles of Claremont took up ceramics after retiring from teaching in 2000.
“You might think that I would be pretty good at it by now, but that is not for me to judge,” Jack allows. “All I know is that I feel that I can always improve. In that respect I am going to take an intermediate ceramic class at AMOCA in Pomona.”
That’s the American Museum of Ceramic Art, which last September marked 20 years of existence and is well worth a visit.
Al Delay of Riverside is looking forward to attending concerts.
“It would make my year,” Al reveals, “if I could be at a tribute band concert for the beautiful music of the retired Swedish band ABBA.”
To quote an ABBA song title, Al is saying: “I have a dream.”
Patrick Leonard of Claremont writes: “I am not kidding when I say I am looking forward to your column in the new year. Now, do I win a prize or something?”
Sorry, no. (I hope Patrick is still looking forward to my columns.)
Bob Watson of Upland wasn’t looking ahead any farther than today — and for good reason.
On Jan. 1, his mother, Janet Watson of Rancho Cucamonga, turns 100.
“She was the first baby born in Rockford, Illinois in 1925,” says Bob. “She’s a great mom, and family are coming from near and far to help her usher in her second century.”
Happy birthday to a New Year’s baby. I say that as a former Illinoisan who is likewise a California transplant.
And what am I looking forward to, you might ask? Another ballpark or two, locations to be determined, and a vacation in one of my favorite cities, Portland, Oregon. I go there every three years. 2025 is my year.
And, in the best possible way, I hope 2025 is your year too.
David Allen writes Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, year in, year out. Email dallen@scng.com, phone 909-483-9339, like davidallencolumnist on Facebook and follow @davidallen909 on X.