What I loved in 2023

Dec 26, 2023

Friday morning walks: I HATE exercise. But I realize it’s a necessary evil, which is why I make myself go to the gym. Monday through Thursday, I work out at the gym for about an hour. When it’s over I’m overjoyed and sore. On Fridays, I like to give myself a little “reward.” Instead of hitting the gym, I hit the pavement. Pop in the earbuds and I’m in my own world for forty minutes. It’s a small thing, but I look forward to it (except when it’s too cold, then I’ll hit the treadmill instead).
A roof over my head: Now more than a year removed from a layoff, I’m so incredibly thankful I can still live on my own. Freelancing has its challenges, but it’s getting better.

Sunday morning breakfast: During the workweek, I opt for a quick breakfast (yogurt, scrambled eggs, or toast). On Sundays, I put in a little more effort. French toast casserole. Pancakes. Maybe a frittata. Something that’s a little fancier while I watch cooking shows on the Food Network. I guess I’m trying to match what I see on TV.

The occasional fancy dinner: After a long day, sometimes all I look forward to is sitting on the couch and eating dinner. I go a little fancier than my usual roasted fish or pasta dish if I can.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang: A thieving writer steals her dead friend’s novel and passes it off as her own. That’s the simple explanation of this book. It’s really about the publishing industry – the good and the bad (but mostly the bad).
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont: Advice on life and writing. It’s worth a read if you need a little inspiration.
Reading journals: I like to keep track of my reading. I’m also a sloooow reader, so I use my journal to jot down notes.
The occasional trip to Trader Joe’s: Yes, I’m one of those people who loves to stock up on seasonal items. I’m still hoarding a pint of lemon ice cream I bought in June or July. Not sure what I’m saving it for.

Listening to music and daydreaming: A little bit of music and daydreaming can take me out of this crazy world, even if just for a little while.
An ASMR video and a book before bed: ASMR videos are relaxing. I usually have one on as background noise while I’m reading a book before bed. I tend to get better sleep when I do this, so I’m not going to mess with a good thing. Some channels I recommend: Chili b ASMR, Gentle Whispering ASMR, and Semide ASMR.

What I look forward to in 2024

Trying to be okay with not being where I thought I would be in my forties. I thought I would be married by now. I thought I would own property by now. I thought I would have some fancy career by now. None of that has happened, and it’s okay. There are just some days when I wonder “What if?” Sometimes when I scroll through social media, I see people I went to school with, and I get a little envious seeing they are living the life I thought I would have. In those moments, I think it could be worse, and remember to be grateful for what I do have.
Taking a solo trip! I’ve never gone on a trip by myself. I always go on vacation with my family. Just once I want to take a solo trip, and my first destination is Las Vegas. In a year or less, I hope to say I’ve gone on that trip (and maybe more).
Revamping my space: I like where I live, but there are some things I want to update/refresh.
Trying to read more: Looks like I’m going to tap out at 13-15 books read for 2023. For me, that’s a pretty low total. There were years when I could read 75+ books per year, but I was much younger and had less financial anxiety. I think 35-40 books are doable for 2024. Fingers crossed.

Saturday (special post): Let’s Raise a Glass to the End of 2023