*Me, at the end of 2023, with a new pixie cut, growing out my gray hair, and learning to be the best version of myself.*

I just finished writing my business year-in-review which took me weeks to compile data and do reflection, but I gotta say, this post is much harder to write! Choosing favorites is hard! But, I know some look forward to this post each year (hi Scott!), so here we go!

My 10 top books for 2023

As of today (December 29th), I’ve read 73 books this year, and I’m finishing up number 74 today - I hope! I track all my reading on Goodreads (see my profile here) - here are a few fun stats they gave me:

I read 25,804 pages so far.
The shortest book I read was 154 pages - How To Keep House While Drowning. I did not enjoy that book, by the way.
The longest book I read was 671 pages - The Winners by Fredrik Backman - one of three in the series.
I re-read only one book - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I listened on audio during my runs, and yes, maybe cried a few times at the waves of nostalgia.

So, for my top 10 books, I typically choose from the books that I rated five stars and that stuck with me throughout the year. They gave me a reading experience - not just a story but a range of emotions and deep feelings. These are not ranked because it’s hard enough to narrow this list down to ten.

The Minders by John Marrs - great sci-read that incorporated themes and plots from a few of his past books (and my other favorites).
You could make this place beautiful by Maggie Smith - a personal memoir. I listened to this on audio and cried 87 times. As I said in my review, I'm sorry she had a story like this to tell, and I’m so glad she told it.
Drowning by TJ Newman - a fast-paced, oh my God, are they going to survive, kind of read. I read this on vacation and could not put it down.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - there’s a reason she won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Moving, funny, heartbreaking, and so so good. If I had to pick a number one for the year, this would probably be it.
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister - A quote from the blurb gives the best summary: “Together, their stories reveal how books can affect us in the most beautiful and unexpected of ways—and how we are all more closely connected to one another than we might think.” It’s a lovely piece of literary fiction that weaves together the characters in the cleverest of ways.
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin - I listened to this one on audio at the height of my half-marathon training. I remember where I was in the street when I stopped, put my hand to my heart, and cried. It was a reading experience, and I loved it.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman - A recommendation from a friend, and I read all three in the series. In many ways, the town is very similar to my hometown. These were long books, but worth it. Storytelling at its best.
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton - This was a gem! I was hooked after about five pages and ended up reading this in about three sittings. The characters pulled me in, but I stayed for the atmosphere. I love a good climate/dystopian novel.
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis - Give me all the books with dual timelines set in NYC in the early 1900s! I loved everything about this book - the setting, the characters, the mystery element, the wrestling with identity and self-worth.
Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier - A college admissions scandal with terrible people, confused teens, and fun twists. It’s a light fiction read, but super entertaining.

Favorite podcasts of 2023

Fun and Funny Stuff

Strike Force Five - the best listen of the year. A hilarious, short podcast series with all the best late-night hosts. Episode five made me spit out my drink and nearly pee my pants. The most I laughed in 2023.
Just Jack and Will - a lovely new one this year. A re-watch experience of Will & Grace - I’m loving it.
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend will always make me laugh.
SmartLess - generally a favorite though it depends on the guest and Will Arnett is really starting to annoy me.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd - I’m still an Armcherrie at heart, but my listening of this one definitely decreased this year.

Interesting Listens

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling - fascinating and insightful
Making Sense with Sam Harris - worth the paid subscription!
Heavyweight with Jonathan Goldstein
This American Life - always on the list!
Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell
The Coldest Case in Laramie - I’m not a big crime junkie, but this was good

Reading Related

What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel
From the Front Porch
The Book Case with Charlie and Kate Gibson
Read with Jenna

Health and Fitness Related

Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Foodtrainers (now in a hiatus, boo!)
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
The Peter Attia Drive

Personal growth and big wins

I ran a half marathon in 2023 at the age of 44, having never been a runner. Can I end the wins there? Seriously, this milestone/achievement occupied my brain from March through August. It was my biggest personal achievement in a while, as it took physical and mental challenges to a whole other level. I started with running three miles (with bad form and lots of pain) and ended with running 13.1 miles in one of the toughest races in our area. I continue to run five to seven miles a week, and I plan to run at least one half marathon for 2024.

I went to therapy. A lot. I’ve been in and out of therapy for many years, but this year was definitely an “in” kind of year. I’m grateful to our local practices that make it affordable and accessible.

I spent way less time on social media (always the goal) and more time reading, walking, and being present. It’s always a work in progress, but I feel myself getting better at this every year.

I stopped coloring my hair. Is this a win? For me, it’s a reminder that I’m embracing where I am - age, health, phase of life, etc. A friend and I recently discussed how this is a hard age - everything feels like it’s in transition. Hair color included, I guess.

I made my health a priority. I chose exercise over sleeping in, over and over again. I ran in the rain. I trained when I was sore and when I didn’t want to. I learned to meditate (still learning). I had hard conversations and spoke hard truths. I ended a relationship. I made new friends. I looked my kids in the eyes every chance I got and soaked up snippets of connections whenever I could. I grieved endings (lots of them).

I had my highest high and lowest low within ten days of each other. If that doesn’t tell you that life is a wild ride, I don’t know what does.

TV shows and movies I loved

I did not keep good records of what I watched this year, so I’m sure I’ll miss something here. But from memory, here are some of my favorites:

The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime) - so sad this one is now over
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV) - better than the book (and I never say that)
All The Light We Cannot See (Netflix)
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
Painkiller (Netflix)
Murderville (Netflix)
Candy (Hulu)
The Last Thing He Told Me (Apple TV)
Stutz (Netflix)
Young Sheldon (Max) - still working our way through this one!
Just Like That (Max)
Barbie - of course!

Goals for 2024

I’m still mulling this one over, but I’ve set a few goals so far.

Buy that pair of leggings I love in every color. (Why do I keep putting this off?)
Increase my VO2 Max to at least 40 - nerdy, maybe, but I love a good stat and seeing progress.
Run at least one half-marathon (maybe more) at a faster pace than 2023
Explore a new city or state

That’s a wrap on this one! Cheers to 2024 - may you be healthy, happy, and live at peace.

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