2023 in Review

  

2023 in Review

My worst year ever for blogging. I may not remember a darn thing from 2023...

1. What did you do in 2023 that you'd never done before?  Got new E-bikes and did a little (very little) biking. Actually did a single track mountain bike trail and pretty much hated that.  Frank wishes I would be more open to new experiences and he's not wrong.


2. What would you like to have in 2024 that you lacked in 2023?  A little more self control (though I did better this year than in many past years), happy knees, more time with girl friends.


3. What dates from 2023 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?  Dante  Roman Hill was born to Ryan and Kristal on May 5, 2023. I got to attend the birth which was exhausting and exhilarating and heartwarming and a bit scary too. haha So many emotions!  I gave it very little thought when I had my children...I knew I planned to have them and so I did. Now that I'm on the outside, I find the whole thing terrifying.
4. What was your biggest achievement this year? I decided to be proactive about my health and got a bunch of testing done...all of which came back terrible! I was mad at even finding out but it did spur me to make some changes. One of the best ones is that I joined a local club where I lift weights with a trainer. It is expensive so not sure how long I can keep it up but it is helping me a lot.   My other big achievement is that I finally convinced (whined enough that he caved) Frank to get moving on the remodel of the kitchen and family room!
5. What was your biggest failure? You mean learning opportunity?  Fell off the wagon for scripture study/inklings/church. Getting a headache whenever I go to church makes it really hard to feel motivated I will admit.  But I'm turning over a new leaf, again!
6. Did you suffer illness or injury?  My knees were bothering me a lot so I started physical therapy. The weight lifting seems to be helping a lot also.  I got foot surgery on my right foot the day before Thanksgiving. I have been putting it off for years but the doctor said I had enough damage that I shouldn't put it off anymore. As of this moment I am still in the surgical shoe but get it off next week and then start physical therapy. A little nervous.
7. What was the best thing you bought?  A designer to help me finally figure out a plan for the new fireplace. 
8. Where did most of your money go? Helping kids, saving for remodel of fireplace.
9. What did you get really, really, really excited about? New grand baby! Austin came to visit...twice! Finally doing the remodel on the house. Having the Michigan family here for Christmas this year!
10. What song will always remind you of 2023? None. I can't even think of a song right now. I should probably listen to more music.
11. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Fatter or Thinner? Richer or Poorer? About the same, a bit thinner (thanks weight lifting!), richer at the moment but about to be poorer when I pay for the remodel stuff.


12. What do you wish you'd done more of? Visiting Michigan, visiting girl friends, being happy for no reason


13. What do you wish you'd done less of? Working...how else can I do all that traveling I say I want to do!  But also, I like being able to help kids and also save for stuff I want to do/have


14. What was your favorite TV program? We do watch a show almost every night. Slow Horses was a favorite. Also Severence though that might have been last year, not sure.


15. What was the best book you read? We found a new author that we like and I'm working my way though his books. His name is Michael J Sullivan and the first group of books was the Riyria Chronicles. So good.


16. What did you want and get? Not done yet, but remodel is being planned and will happen! Foot surgery though I wasn't excited, I'll be glad if my foot is now pain free. I made a point of visiting Logan a fair amount so that William will know me. I always enjoy the day up there.


17. What did you want and not get? a million dollars. just kidding.


18. What was your favorite film of the year? I still love Spirited and watched it twice this year. Would have been more but I try not to annoy my family too much. I'm sure I saw other movies and I'm usually pretty easy to entertain but I can't remember anything right now.


19. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 56. Here is what I did.  It happened way back in January so I've always forgotten by the time I do this thing.


20. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2023?  I'm continuing to try to buy clothes that are more authentically me but I fall back into the comfort zone of flannel shirts and t-shirts especially on my day off. I enjoy comfort too much to be truly fashionable. Obsessed with my kizik shoes.
21. What kept you sane? naps, Marco Polo with Candice, Pickleball, walks


22. Which celebrity did you fancy the most? I don't care about celebrities. 


23. What political issue stirred you the most? too many terrible things going on. I have trouble even staying informed without it affecting my mental health.


24. Who is the best new person you met? Dante Roman of course! He's mostly a stoic little thing except he really lights up for his mama and daddy. Until recently he was just fine with us babysitting occasionally but has entered the stranger danger phase and now pretty much hates us. I'll have to win him back of course.


25. Who did you miss? girl friends, Michigan family (only got myself out there once this year!)


26. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2023. I feel remarkably better when I don't eat sugar or lots of carbs. Hard to stay on the wagon but much improved from past years! I still love YNAB and enjoy budgeting and feeling on top of things money-wise.

I think I'm supposed to include pictures but my computer is having issues doing that right now. I'll try to add some later!