2023 Wrap-Up

1. What did you do in 2023 that you’d never done before?

I gave lectures in two CME courses, which was a lot of fun especially since one was in Hawaii and my travel & lodging were paid! I traveled to new countries on our Fall vacation. I had a several fun, short travel weekends where I did new things- the coolest was a trip to see Camelot with Mom and Dad in NYC. Dogsat the world’s cutest dog. And I went to the Apple spaceship doughnut building for a holiday party!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I kept many resolutions, but not all. In an attempt to organize (resolution), I seem to have tossed the notebook I wrote my 2023 resolutions in. Ooops.  And yes, I will definitely make goals for next year. There are some new habits I’d like to form and large-ish projects to complete.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! One of my closest friends from college. I do think we’re starting to get to the end of college friends having babies though- at least the ladies, haha.

4. What countries did you visit?

Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland

5. What would you like to have in 2024 that you lacked in 2023?

I improved my morning routine, although it depends on the day and how early I start. This year, I would like to focus on an evening routine/not having a ton of wasted scroll and screen time.

6. What dates from 2023 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Why do I always have to look back at my calendar? I really enjoyed my birthday weekend at Pt Reyes, I went to my 25^th high school reunion, a special Broadway weekend with my parents in July.

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

I feel like I have really done a good job at settling into my job at UCSF. Now that Year 1 (the adjustment) is down, I’d like to focus on finding my niche within the university in addition to my clinical practice.

8. What was your biggest failure?

I failed to hide the body well enough.

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I have started to get back to running and increased my mileage a little too aggressively. No terrible injuries but my calf muscles were/are not happy.

10. What was the best thing you bought?

Vacation tickets! Our Europe trip was awesome.

I also bought chunky loafers that traveled in time from my closet in 1994.

11. Where did most of your money go?

Savings, vacations, rent. I’m starting to think this question should go away.  It’s a little silly. I mean, I feel the answer is boring unless I answer hookers and blow. (Repeat answer)

12. What did you get really excited about?

Hookers and blow.  Hahaha. (Repeat answer from 2022 because jokes get funnier the more you tell them)

13. What song will always remind you of 2023?

LSD by Lucius

14. What’s one thing you wish you had done more of?

Exercise more consistently…but it leads to an automatic resolution for 2024!

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Phone-scrolling. I’m going to establish more of an evening routine that involves no phone! [Verbatim from last two years]

Oh! And commuting! Going into the city is a bit of a slog, but now I’m down to 2xweek since my clinic is exclusively on the peninsula now.

16. How did you spend Christmas?

SMS and I had a mellow day and a nice afternoon hike. We saw his family earlier in the month and we’re seeing mine the first week in January.

17. What was your favorite TV program?

I have a lot of recommendations to act on, but this was not a heavy TV/streaming year.

18. What were your favorite books of the year?

I ended the year on a high note: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and The Search. Other 5 stars from my list are Hello Beautiful, Our Missing Hearts, The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois, Demon Copperfield, Still Born, The Vaster Wilds, and Wellness.

19. What was your favorite music from this year?

Mainly music from the artists we saw in concert- Lucius was a particular highlight.

20. What were your favorite films of the year?

I watched a few comedy stand-ups and Barbie!

21. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

43. SMS and I had a weekend trip to Pt Reyes with an overnight stay, which was awesome.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

SMS and I wanted to buy a house but for many reasons, it’s completely insane in the Bay Area. But we are lucky to be in a really nice apartment, White Lotus Apartment Bougieville.

23. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2023?

Scrubs, joggers, and some updating to the highly ugly current fashions.

24. What kept you sane?

SMS, family, friends, exercise. What does not keep me sane is having a parakeet since it makes me talk to it.

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2023.

Appreciate the health and time you have.