Good Riddance to 2023

Cheers to that.

Hi there.

Here I am. Here you are. Here we are at the end of this year.

As I’m writing this from my parents’ couch in Washington State, it’s about 7pm and I’m already tired. Although, I suppose that makes sense since I said I was going to Rip Van Winkle-it until the end of the year and Rip Van Winkle-ing is mostly napping. Overall, I’ve been pretty successful at my Rip Van Winkle-ing in the last few weeks. The beard is coming in nicely, thank you for asking.  

The good news is my parents’ giant orange cat Rutherford is asleep next to me, Great British Bake-Off is on in the background, and a nice charcuterie plate is coming to fruition. There might be Wii Bowling in our future. My parents and I might even make it to midnight. 

No, I’m not officially back with the newsletter until next week but I wanted to end this year by sending out a note of thanks. If you’ve been reading along, you know this year has not been particularly kind to me. It has also not been particularly kind to so many people I’ve talked to. I know a new year doesn’t necessarily change circumstances but, you know, I’m exceedingly happy to say “good riddance” to 2023. 

Instead of screaming that “good riddance” into the ether, I’ll say it at normal volume so as not to ruin my voice to also say thank you to all of you. Thank you for being here for another year, meandering through the bumpy road with me, for sending thoughts and encouragement. Thank you, just, for reading. Plain and simple. 

When this note lands in your inbox, it will officially be 2024 everywhere. Trust me, I googled it. By the end of January 1st, this round of Mercury Retrograde will be over. And, here at my parents’ house, it will be both Christmas and the New Year. (Illness in the family delayed celebrations a little bit.)

In whatever way you bid adieu to this year and welcome in the new year

cheers to that.