It’s hard to believe 2023 is coming to a close. It seems like yesterday that I was scouring my calendars, trying to piece together the last 12 months. Yet, here we are again. I’ve already got my obligatory New Year’s resolution at the ready…lose weight (which would require going back on that high-protein diet, but hey that’s January’s problem, pass the carbs please), save money (wait til you reach the excerpt about 2023’s spending spree), travel more (we have one trip already planned to Pasadena in the Spring for the Cruel World fest, but dang it, what about Italy and London, and is there any other place in the states I desperately want to visit…not really), and write not one, but two novels (in my defense, as I’m writing this, I’ve already started that journey, dusting off a novel I’ve been working on for *gulp* 24 years!).
2023 was a busy year, with travel, home renovations, and such. In years past, I’d share what happened in my life by month, but this year, I thought I’d try by topic, so first up:
Where I Went
In January, I headed up north to Milwaukee for a team-building event (duck bowling!) where we also celebrated a long-time employee’s retirement. Milwaukee has a piece of my heart because one, it’s like 90 minutes away and easy for a quick getaway, two, I love watching the Milwaukee Art Museum’s roof open and close, and three, we’ve seen a few great concerts there.
In April, I headed south to Springfield to visit our branch office for the first time, and once again, celebrate someone’s retirement.
We took my nephew to New York in May to see a Broadway show and do the touristy stuff. Manhattan is one of my favorite places on earth. Like Vegas, there’s always something to see and do, and the food is great. My watch told me we walked at least ten miles each day. We saw Book of Mormon (our second time and still just as funny), we shopped (a lot), and had one of the best steaks of my life at Gallagher’s.
I went back to Milwaukee for a Brewer’s game with coworkers in July, and then in August, I headed East to Lansing, Michigan, for a Lugnuts game with our Eastern Region employees.
I was back in Michigan for a conference in September, this time driving all the way to Detroit. That was probably the second-longest drive I’ve ever taken (Nashville was the longest several years ago), and I took roughly three breaks on the way. At the conference, I accepted top workplace awards for my company and got to network with other people who do what I do (employee experience).
October sent our travel into overdrive, despite missing a work trip to Denver because the hubby and I were both sick. But, we made it to Nashville that month (flying instead of driving is a boss move). I attended a conference and we took a few days to go to open houses (just for funsies). I love the country aspect of Tennessee but I have to say this about downtown Nashville — it’s just not my jam anymore. It’s loud, filled with bachelorette parties and drunk people. I must be getting old because the further we got from civilization, the happier it made me. We did enjoy going to the Ryman to see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. What a place! The sound was spectacular and the audience was so respectful. I have been known to complain about crowds at shows in the last years, because people are so rude, talking during performances. People! We came here to listen to music, not your whiny voice.
Two weeks later, we headed to Vegas with my nephew (his second trip to Sin City with us). It was early in November, and just before the Formula One race. We went to two malls a day because the kid likes to shop. We rented ATVs and rode around the Mojave, and that was pretty terrifying (I'd never driven one before and was sure I’d wipe out, but I lived). The highlight of that week was going back to Meow Wolf, seeing Chris Angel for the first time, seeing The Beatles Love show (our second time), and above everything, having the most amazing experience at U2. The new Sphere is a sight to see, and we can’t wait to go back to see other acts perform in that glorious venue. I wouldn’t say I’m the biggest U2 fan, but it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended. I have a newfound respect for them, and my word, the visuals were breathtaking.
Finally, in early December, we rounded out our trips with Phoenix and Michigan for holiday parties.
Concerts I Saw
Besides the two mentioned above, I only went to a handful of concerts in 2023. The first was in August (I went a whole seven months into the year without a show!), when I saw Matchbox 20 with a friend of mine. I also went to see Pink at Wrigley Field with my sis the following week. The hubby and I saw Filter, Ministry (they rocked), Alice Cooper (still an impressive performer), and Rob Zombie in September. We sprung for VIP tickets to that show, but surprisingly, they were super cheap. Black Angels also played that month at the Chop House and although it was a late show (Lolla after-show), I was so glad I stayed up for it. I finished out the month seeing Macklemore with my sis and brother-in-law, then the next night (!) saw Run the Jewels with the hubby, nephew, and his girlfriend at Salt Shed. Bar none, it’s one of my new favorite places to see a show.
Debt I Managed to Accrue
2023 was also a year you would’ve thought we’d won the lottery with all the spending. We didn’t. We made some upgrades around the house with new carpeting in our living room and guest rooms, then hardwood in our upstairs hall, master bedroom, and closet. If that wasn’t enough, we just had some of our windows replaced. Buy one, get one is not the deal we anticipated it to be but we needed them badly. Oh yeah, there were also those two cars I also decided I needed. The first one was in March. My 2016 Cherokee was getting up there in mileage and having some issues that were getting expensive. I traded in the family truckster for an MX-5. I went from a four-door SUV to a two-seater, and I absolutely love it. I loved it so much, I got myself a speeding ticket in September. When the cop asked me what I was planning on driving in the winter, I ran out and bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I could fit the Miata inside the dang thing, it’s so big. So yeah, I’m not retiring anytime soon (unless we actually do win the lottery).
The Event of the Summer
By far, the biggest and most anticipated event of the year was standing up at my friend’s wedding in June. It was an amazing evening, and I’m so honored to have been by his side as they read their vows and we all danced the night away. If you know me, I hate dresses, but since I was standing up on the groom’s side, he told me I was welcome to wear whatever I wanted, so I chose the suit option like the best man’s. I felt myself and thought I looked pretty sharp for dressing like a dude, LOL. The event was outdoors with the reception under a pavilion. By the end of the night, I still slipped back into comfier shoes. It was a magical evening.
All The Other Stuff
There were several other random things from this year - I escorted my littlest nephew to his school dance, took the oldest nephew to Wizard World where we met Giancarlo Esposito (Gus from Breaking Bad), went with the family to Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm (our annual tradition), had hand surgery to repair carpel tunnel in my left hand, and went to my 35th high school reunion. I made a playlist for the event on Spotify, with music from our years at York High School. Oh, and I lost around 30 pounds! I’ll be getting back on the diet in January to try for 30 more.
Lastly, What I Read
These are the books I’ve read this year (with ratings!). Let me preface this by saying that I’m usually stingy with 5 stars, but this year’s selection did it for me. You get a 5-star review! You get a 5-star review!
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley - 4 stars
I’m a huge fan of The Guest List, and I enjoyed this book just as much. She writes unlike anyone I’ve ever read.
House of Sky & Breath (Crescent City #2) by Sarah J. Maas - 5 stars
I make it no secret that I never was one to read the fantasy genre until last year when one of my book club buds at work mentioned Maas’s work. While I’ve read her Court series, the Crescent City series is my favorite. Never have I pined for a sequel so much (truth be told, it took me a year to get around to reading it). I reread the first book (House of Earth & Blood) to gear up for HOSAB, and I don’t read books more than once…ever. Until Fourth Wing, which I’ll mention in a few. HOSAB made me question myself. Maybe I am a fantasy reader after all.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix - 5 stars
I first discovered Hendrix when I picked up The Final Girl’s Support Group a few years ago (also a 5-star read). Hendrix hits all my 80s pop culture buttons and then some. I used to read horror all the time as a teen, and thanks to him, I’m getting back into it. One thing I would not suggest is watching the movie. I finished the last words of the book and turned it on, not expecting it to be any good. But my goodness, it went right past not good, straight to who thought this was worth putting out in the world? The book, however, is solid.
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand - 5 stars
Why don’t I read more of Hilderbrand’s novels? That’s what I ask myself every time I finish one of her books. I did not expect to love this book as much as I did - really? a ghost as a character? - but it was great! I just picked up a few more of her books this week, and I love the Nantucket scenery so much, I think I need to go there.
Against the Sky by Kat Martin - 4 stars
Then Martin made me want to go to the mountains. I was due for an easy, breezy romance and this book didn’t disappoint. Despite a trope that I hate (one night stand leads to a surprise baby, yuck), I did enjoy this one.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins - 4 stars
I gave this book 4 stars because of how well it was written. The plot was interesting but it was so depressing.
Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts - 5 stars
I’m not much of a Nora reader, but I loved this one. The female lead becomes an arson investigator and someone is secretly stalking her and setting her world on fire? Yes, please. I thought I had the villain figured out but nope. I picked up The Obsession this week after hearing one of my BookTubers mention it.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama - 4 stars
I listened to this one on the way to and from Springfield for a work trip. I could listen to her for days, but I have to admit the content was mostly common sense.
How to Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix - 5 stars
I was on a Hendrix roll this year. I didn’t expect to like this one as much, I mean evil puppets? Don’t be fooled, it was creepy and fun.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - 5 stars
One of the few books I’ve reread (ever) - the first time was when I was a teen! I bought the special anniversary edition and read it in one day. Followed it up with the movie (of course!). I highly suggest having your teens read it, just tell them do it for Johnnie (couldn’t resist).
God, No! Signs You May Already Be An Athiest and Other Magical Tales by Penn Jillette - 3 stars
Huge fan of Penn & Teller, a huge fan of Penn’s book where he went on the potato diet and dropped a ton of weight (I made it one day on that stupid diet), and a huge fan of questioning the whole religion thing, but…I really wanted more from this book. It was a lot of gross stories and very few thoughts on atheist beliefs. Meh, I think I enjoyed Bill Maher’s documentary way more.
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren - 3 stars
While I immensely enjoyed Christina Lauren’s, The Unhoneymooners, this one was just ok. Fun fact, did you know the author is made up of two women?
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover - 4 stars
I have liked (It Ends With Us) and loved (Verity) Hoover’s books, and I know going into them that her idea of a happy ever after isn’t what you’d call traditional, but this book left me feeling a little icky.
The Love of My Other Life by C.J. Connolly - 5 stars
I had the pleasure of meeting the author over the summer at a work event and we started talking about writing (she’s an author on the side, as am I). This book was lovely, telling the tale of a woman who wakes up in an alternate reality (like the multiverse!). I can’t wait to read her next one.
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager - 5 stars
I am obsessed with Riley Sager, so much so that I have been putting off reading two of his books because I don’t want to live in a world where I don’t have any new books to read by him. THIS BOOK (all his books) IS WORTH ITS CREEPINESS. Have I made my point?
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - 5 bloody freaking stars!!!!
I loved this book so much that I reread it twice in the same year! Once in July and again just before the sequel came out in the last few months. Dragons…that’s all I’m gonna say other than this book is worth the hype.
Spare by Prince Harry - 4 stars
I enjoyed hearing about the parts of Harry’s life that I didn’t know, and I was surprised he didn’t get to his current situation until the very end of the book. I was shocked to learn what royal life is really like - I certainly wouldn’t want it.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Reid Jenkins - 4 stars
I loved Jenkins’ Daisy Jones & The Six novel, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo just as much. Malibu Rising is one of my favorites as well. MIAL just didn't live up to those, and it was my second book with a multiverse theme. It was just ok.
Salem’s Lot by Stephen King - 3 stars
I was an avid King reader in high school, and I love his movies (the Salem’s Lot miniseries is dated, I mean it was the 70s. Still, David Soul was a hottie). I could not get into this book as much as I wanted. It spends an extraordinary amount of time leading up to the oh hey vampires moment.
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand - 4 stars
Nothing like killing off the main character in the first chapter. Don’t worry, not a spoiler. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I mean, really? Ghosts again? But it’s the stories about the main character’s family that are so intriguing…as usual with Hilderbrand.
Keep Moving & Other Truths by Dick Van Dyke - 4 stars
I adore Van Dyke. I watched his show as a kid (in reruns), I loved Mary Poppins, and I think he is just a super good human. Nothing he suggests in his book is anything most of us don’t already know, but I truly enjoyed listening to him talk about his life (as I drove to and from Detroit).
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes by Suzanne Collins - 3 stars
I was a huge Hunger Games fan when it came to the books and the movies. I recently rewatched the movies to prepare for the new one. I liked the premise of the book and was looking forward to learning more about Snow’s history, but the relationship between the two main characters shifts a little too quickly. The movie was meh too.
Dragon Dojo Brotherhood by Olivia Ash (books 1, 2, and 3) - all 4 stars
I bought the 8-book series after my book club bud mentioned them. Gimme all the dragons.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - struggling to finish this one
I’m stuck on page 321 out of freaking 884. I just want to finish it so I can move on to something else but I can’t seem to find the motivation. I hope to finish it before the year ends so I can read The Loop Files by Rick Kaempfer. Fingers crossed.
I seriously had to go back and look at how many 5-star books I listed…did I really rate that many? Yes, yes I did.
The year moved pretty fast, and I’m already looking at 2024 for more adventures.
Until 2024, XOXO
Kelly
