2024 Wrap-Up

1. What did you do in 2024 that you’d never done before?

I fed a llama * I went on several new-to-us hikes in the local area with SMS * We had several fun weekend trips, including a few as double-date trips * I went to Prague for a work meeting and maximized the travel opportunity * Opera in Vienna * Sadder than ever about national level and international politics * Had some pretty incredible code generated through an AI program *

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

I thought I had resolutions written down somewhere, but I cannot find them. I did read 52 (53!) books this year, which has been a loose goal for the last several years.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! My sister-in-law and my sister for nephew #5 and niece #2, respectively!

4. What countries did you visit?

Switzerland, Czechia, Austria

5. What would you like to have in 2025 that you lacked in 2024?

I would like a slightly larger friend group/sense of community here in Northern CA. I have some stellar friends and feel grateful for that, but I would like to build upon it.

6. What dates from 2024 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

This year, there were a lot of special mini-trips/short visits with family and long-time friends. This really brings a lot of joy.

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

I really planned a great trip in conjunction with my work trip to Czechia. I’ve impressed two native Austrians with how much I fit into 36 Hours in Vienna.

8. What was your biggest failure?

I did not pick the winning Megaball.

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No. Muscle twinges here and there, but this has been helped by my nearly daily (like, ~99% of days) yoga that I’ve been doing since July. Even still, my lower back will sometimes have a mild tweak.

10. What was the best thing you bought?

I bought some pretty good wine this year.

11. Where did most of your money go?

Savings, vacations, rent and if you listen to SMS, wine.

12. What did you get really excited about?

All of our local hikes and mini-trips.

13. What song will always remind you of 2024?

Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan (even though that was a 2020 single for her)

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

Maybe a little more live music because as I look back on the concerts I went to, I went to a few spectacular ones (Brothers Osbourne, Chris Stapleton). Maybe it’s time for a festival in the next year or two…I’m thinking JazzFest.

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 three years]

16. How did you spend Christmas?

SMS and I had a mellow day and a delicious Christmas Dinner- rack of lamb!

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. I did watch a few hilarious SNL skits (always on the Sunday recap)- Bowen Yang as Moo Deng and the two Domingo song skits.

18. What were your favorite books of the year?

*North Woods by Mason, The Fury by Michaelides, Table for Two by Towles, I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself by McNichol, *Brooklyn by Toibín, *Long Island by Toibín, and Horse by Brooks

19. What was your favorite music from this year?

II MOST WANTED and LEVII’S JEANS on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter are such sexy songs! It’s a really good album and I loved her Christmas Half Time Show. Although thinking more about this question, if there is one female artist who is 2024…it’s Chappell Roan. I also liked a few songs (Apple, 360, 365, Sympathy is a Knife with Ariana Grande) by Charlie XCX, although I was behind the trend and had more of a brat Fall than a brat Summer.

20. What were your favorite films of the year?

We really are not big movie people. I’m my father’s daughter in many ways, but I did not get his cinephile gene.  The one movie we saw was Inside Out 2. It was fine.

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

44. I took the day off work. I took myself to an onsen followed by lunch.  SMS and I went out to a delicious local restaurant for dessert. It was a quiet one, but very nice.

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

Immeasurably? More local friendships since I found so much happiness in my visits with far-away friends.

23. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2024?

Shopping my own closet, downsizing on the sweaters but not fully buying into the cropped tops concept- it makes people look like literal squares.

24. What kept you sane?

SMS, family, friends, exercise.

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2024.

If SMS tells me an animal fact that seems false, I should believe him. This is how I know a Pizzly exists.