2024 Resolutions

I saw an article that said people who write New Year's Resolutions are 10 times more likely to reach their goals! I would have written resolutions anyway, but I thought that was an encouraging fact.

Here goes! 

1. Get my British driver's license
2. Take a trip to Spain
3. Hike in the Alps (France or Switzerland)
4. Hike in the Scottish Highlands
5. Read three professional development books (eg. Radical Candor)
6. Read three personal development books (eg. Manifest)
7. Do a fitness activity every day (365 streak on Strava)
8. Take a dance class
9. Lose five pounds (maintain at 135 lbs)
10. Run a marathon 

 My 2023 resolutions were:

• Find a new job
• Get through level ten guitar on Yousician
• Read 12 books
• Run a marathon

I actually only completed one of them, finding a new job, but it was certainly the most important! I'm pretty happy with how my year went anyway.

Health and fitness

By April, it was pretty clear I was not on track for running a marathon in May. I spent January and February studying for interviews, and felt too distracted (and cold) to make time for training. However, I have been seeing a personal trainer twice a week since May, and feel great. I also completed a six-month daily yoga streak! I had to break the streak in November because of a surgery, sadly. Most significantly, I lost about 12 pounds over the summer by doing intermittent fasting, and waking up to do a fasted walk every morning (a 2.5 mile loop around Primrose Hill and Regent's Park). I hit <140 in September and have maintained it the last few months.

Hobbies 

After an Easter trip to Lisbon where we met several bi/trilingual people on a walking tour, I felt very motivated to learn another language. Since then I have been studying Spanish. I currently have a 233 day streak on Duolingo, and I started working with a Spanish tutor twice a week back in August!

I have also kept up crochet, though I've been trying to limit how much time I spend crocheting. It seems like it is a bit of a time warp, and I usually crochet in the evening. By limiting how often I "indulge" in crochet, I've found I have a lot more free time, and have been filling it with things like walking, yoga, and playing with Freya. That being said, I did finish some projects I'm proud of, including a Padme doll for my friend, and a sampler blanket for Fallyn (which she took to school for show and tell!).

Self improvement

I did a few professional development workshops at work, about 6 weeks each, including one on giving feedback and another on being a team lead. I also sought out opportunties to work in PHP, and feel a lot more confident in my full-stack abilities, at least at Tumblr. I am hoping to step up at work even more this year to increase my job security. I really like this company and want to stay as long as possible.

Lastly, I spent a lot of time and money on my skin in 2023. With my age and recent weight loss, I noticed some new signs of aging. I did painful, expensive appointments all year, including a mix of micro needling, Sculptra, Sunekos, and fusion and IPL facials. I also invested in some at home skincare products like VO/Obagi moisturizers and an LED eye mask, and have been taking collagen supplements since August. I believe my skin has improved, so I plan to keep up with my new routines in 2024

2023 Crochet Projects

• Vera - Doodle and blanket
• Amber - Cable blanket and green sweater
• Chance - Fibonacci granny blanket
• Katie - Padme
• Aimee - Husky
• Jade - Bunny and blanket
• Mom - Sunflowers bag

Pesto Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

for 1 serving

• 10 asparagus spears
• olive oil, to taste
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 oz skinless salmon fillet(170 g)
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Fold a sheet of parchment paper in half crosswise, then open up.
3. Set the green beans on one half of the parchment. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay the salmon on top of the green beans, then spread the pesto over the salmon. Top with the tomatoes.
5. Fold the other half of the parchment paper over the salmon, then crimp the edges to seal the parchment packet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145˚F (63˚C).

2023 Books

1.  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
2.  The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan (book 8)
3.  Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan (book 9)
4.  Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan (book 10)

In progress

1. Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari

2023 Resolutions

• Find a new job
• Get through level ten guitar on Yousician
• Read 12 books
• Run a marathon

Mocha Slices

 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flower
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
• 1/4 cup shortening

Directions

In a small cup, stir together coffee crystals and water until dissolved. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened.

Add about half the flour and all of the sugar, cocoa powder, egg, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda and salt to the shortening mixture. Add the coffee mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in remaining flour. Shape dough into two 8-inch rolls. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 4 to 24 hours.

Cut dough into 1/8 inch thick slices. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake ina  375 degree oven for 7-9 minutes, or until tops look dry (don't over bake). Remove cookies and cool on a wire rack.

In a heavy saucepan, heat chocolate pieces and 1/4 cup shortening over low heat until just melted, stirring occasionally. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate mixture. Place on waxed paper and let stand until chocolate is set. Makes about 108 cookies.