Happy New Year!

Can we still say happy new year in the last days of January? Since I haven’t been here yet this year, I’d like to think so.

I ended the year in the best way: An LBI tiny wave sunset surf session with the greatest of friends. It was the perfect cap on a year that has, for me, been a transformative year in learning to surf and actually “getting it.” I’m starting to understand the power of winter wetsuits, and I swear, it’s really not that cold (until you get out of the water)! This picture was followed by a warm shower and many NYE snacks and cocktails.

The following week offered a much needed slowdown from working in the startup world. But you know I can’t stay put for too long. I decided to road trip down to North Carolina to visit my uncle with a stop in Harrisburg to see my sister on the way. We indulged in a cookie skillet for her belated birthday celebration.

And the next stay stopped in Frederick, MD for some of the best Detroit-style pizza I’ve ever had. Can you tell I haven’t made any diet-related new year’s resolutions?

My uncle has been recovering from a mid-year stroke and I was happy to see he’s doing well and taking care of himself. Besides him being in a wheelchair, it was a pretty normal visit. We played cards, cooked healthy meals, and watched a movie directed by Madonna. Being with family (and mostly off my laptop) was a nice way to reconnect and ease into the year.

My adventure partner was a bit skeptical about the long drives:

And so the sun set on 2023. I’m excited and ready to see what the next one has in store…