23 in 23 List Recap

This essay initially appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 11/20/23.

For the past couple year (2020, 2021, 2022), I’ve loved making these annual bucket lists as they prompt me to think about the things (ranging from big to small) I want to do in the year ahead – and – having it all down on paper makes me much more likely to complete them. I’ve already started to keep a list of things to put on my 24 in 2024 list.

Last year I only completed 13/22 things, but I think I’ll have better luck this year… let’s see!

23 in 2023 List: Recap

1. Send New Year’s cards! 
2. Get my eyes checked 
3. Read 40 books 2023 has been a GREAT year of reading! I’ve read 45 books so far, and my favorites include: Tom Lake, Book Lovers, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, Marriage Portrait (audio version), and Free Time.
4. Try Corepower Yoga LOVE IT (specifically the Yoga Sculpt class) and now have a membership!
5. Get espresso cups to use with my Nespresso 
6. Visit EUROPE for the first time!! Went to Ireland in September!
7. Limit the amount of time I spend mindlessly on my phone I think I’ve done this! I love my current routine of putting my phone away Friday nights
8. Add something new to the newsletter Photo of the week!
9. Visit my company’s NYC office Yes! Got to go in September and November – so wonderful to meet colleagues in person 
10. Save for Christmas shopping in advance 
11. Go on a trip with Matt! Charleston!
12. Run my first half marathon (!!) Feels great to check this one off.
13. Call family members at least once a week 
14. Invest in buying a new iPad or personal computer 
15. Visit San Antonio to meet my friend’s baby Met the baby but didn’t make it to San Antonio – would love to next year!
16. Start wearing a mouth guard at night YES! Can finally check this off thanks to using Remi.
17. Hit a personal savings goal Proud of myself for this one too.
18. Make a list of 100 dreams 
19. Find a good card game for two players  Monopoly Deal
20. Go to the Northwestern-Penn State game with my parents! 
21. Track the clothes I wear to figure out cost-per-wear This lasted one month, ha!
22. Participate in the packing of brown bag lunches with Old St. Pat’s at least once I don’t think they did this outreach this year – so sad! There is something similar related to giving holiday presents that I’m excited to do before end of year. 
23. Try doing a weekly “Schultz hour” Tried it (an hour with no distractions – just to think) and will it’s not a regular part of my routine, I think I’ve incorporated elements of it into my routine.

17/23 – not bad! Looking forward to sharing my 24 in 24 list soon.