Another year has almost concluded, and I still remain thankful and happy more than anything else. Am I anxious and sad sometimes? Of course, but I can easily admit that the prevailing and persisting feeling is happiness.
P.S. – Peep the 2024 list here
- I absolutely CRUSHED my reading goal. No, the year’s not over yet, but I hit my goal of 45 books in August. I’m currently at 59 and can definitely squeeze in a few more.
- I can say I’m still happy with my job. Last year I wrote that I was grateful to have a new job. I also noted the irony of having said that the previous year when that job had turned out to be a dumpster myfire. That’s why it’s a relief to be at this job for more than a year and still enjoy it. How nice to have an employer who’s not a criminal! The only downside is that it’s 100% in-office and I probably thrive most in a hybrid environment. That said, there are plenty of perks: I love that the commute means 35 minutes each way of reading time (this is definitely how I demolished my reading goal, see above); it’s so nice to have the Union Square green market at my fingertips; and it’s nice to have a reason to buy clothes.
- I scored some great deals. I found more than one designer item that was new-with-tags for an insane price. I’ve been trying to slowly convert to a more timeless, investment piece-filled closet, and I’m liking how it’s coming together.
- H Mart is becoming a go-to. I’ve started leaning in hard to H Mart and, sometimes, Hashi Market. Not all locations are created equal, and I’m learning where to go for my favorite treats. I walk away with something tasty after every single visit – and it’s often really reasonably priced for the quality.
- The new pool opened. The pool/rink at the top of Central Park (i.e., walking distance from our apartment) opened this summer and is a truly amazing neighborhood amenity.
- My body made it through a race. I signed up for a 5-mile race very last minute. Though I barely trained, I completed it in a not too shameful time. I’m proud I can still keep myself in shape and make my body do hard things. I’m also so thankful that, as a local, I can “easily” access Peloton live studio classes. Yes, I still drink that kool aid.
- Affordable omakase is a thing. There has been a rash of affordable omakase spots opening around NYC in the last couple years and I am HERE for it. My favorite is probably Sushi W, but I’ve been impressed by many. It can be the most luxurious experience, and I love that it’s not completely gatekept.
- Finn can scoot. Finn is so much more mobile now. We only take the stroller when we want to go grocery shopping and need the undercarriage, which means for every other adventure, we can just go. He doesn’t need to be picked up and his scooter makes him faster (and is easy to bring on the subway/bus). Combine that with the fact that we use a SafeRider vest and no longer need to lug a car seat? It’s like a whole new world opened up.
- We live in the same world where Jon M. Chu exists. And he continues to make movies for me to obsess over.
- I’m writing a novel. I hadn’t imagined I would ever get inspired enough to write fiction, but here I am. I started in April and have written more than 26,000 words, well on my way to my goal of 80,000. It’s hard, and I am terrified of the query process, but I’m happy to have found support in a writers group and am proud of myself for going for it.
- My neighbors are cool. I have some neighbors I legitimately like hanging out with. It’s nice to be able to say “hey wanna have a glass of wine in your apartment” and not even have to put on real shoes.
Peaches to Apples 