Goodbye 2023, hello 2024
- fivestarsbarb
- Dec 31, 2023
- 3 min read
That’s me on New Year’s Eve partying like it’s… Well, it was 1999. You’re welcome. Moving on…
Spoiler: Any year with sufficient food, shelter, creature comforts and healthcare is a five-star year. Here’s to appreciating what we have, reflecting on the past and finding excitement in the future.
Reflections on 2023
I closed on my Menlo Park condo on my birthday. My rental apartment was only two blocks away but moving is always horrendous. So many carloads! I’ll always remember the birthday cake and pastries Raquel and Dad had delivered.
Personal travel took me to Colorado four times in 2023, plus Missoula, Yosemite and the usual holiday trip to Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Work took me to New York three times (I think?); London, Paris, Venice; and a quick trip to Toronto.
My favorite moments were spent with friends and family, and mostly involved food. Home-cooked meals with the Cabibbos; end-of-week dinners with Elizabeth at Parkside Grille; Lolo Peak Brewery in Missoula to send off Tamara and Cameron; and of course Edina Grill and Charlie’s on Prior with Susan. Plus Carrie’s awesome butternut squash at Christmas and Raquel’s special quiche. ♥
I walked and ran 2,445 miles in (avg. 6.7 miles per day), beating last year’s total by 220 miles (10%). This is not so impressive considering I had abdominal surgery in 2022. I gained 3.3 pounds and 2.9% body fat, which is fine and probably healthy.
I started this journal in March, to help me remember, appreciate and share the good things in life. It’s probably the best thing I did for myself in 2023. Or maybe the spa days were the best thing…
Resolutions for 2024
See every full moon. My early morning trail runs have made me more in-tune with the path and phases of the moon than ever in my life. I recently learned that each full moon has a name. I’ve timed my April Yosemite trip to see the full moon over Half Dome. (Tip: Track moon phases with Google Calendar.) I’d like to learn more about the night sky in general, and visit at least a couple of dark sky places. 2024 is a big year for astronomical events including the ATLAS comet in October (OMG!) and the total solar eclipse in April (meh).
Unplug on the weekend. This year at work will be even more intense than the last few super-intense years. I work very long days during the week. I need a Friday evening routine to wind down and unplug so I can spend the weekend taking care of my life and well-being.
Take a real vacation. I honestly can’t remember the last time I took an actual vacation (more than a long weekend) or traveled internationally for fun. Susan and I are cooking up plans for Paris in the spring.
Get tattooed. I have a great idea. I’m freshly amused every time I think about it.
Look after my body. I don’t mean the easy, feel-good stuff like running and massages. I mean all the dreaded deferred maintenance.
Look after my finances. I’m not as attentive to financial planning as you probably think I am.
Make an advance directive. I haven’t procrastinated because I’m spooked by end-of-life planning; just lazy.
Be more kind, patient and generous. Eat less sugar, drink more water. Perennial goals.
Happy New Year!
