Hoping this year’s missive finds you and yours flourishing, we send our gratitude (and envy) for all who managed to send us more timely holiday wishes than this—thank you! Some news, thoughts, reflections, and hopes (and photos!) below, enough to tax anyone’s attention span. If you feel so moved, please submit a comment below or reply to the email. (Or there’s always “block sender”…) All best wishes.
—Kevin & Ann, Malena & Scott, Owen & Juliette
PS And remember you can always skip to the bottom of this post to view the photo gallery.
Kevin
2023 Notable Developments
Proudest father alive at Malena’s wedding in August, followed by ski trip above the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, Norway. Oh, and surviving initial bout of COVID was a “nice to have.” Perhaps slow to catch on, but still unimpressed by artificial intelligence (see, One Wish for 2024 below).
Currently Working On
In no particular order: (1) trying to help save the American experiment as Volunteer Counsel for the ABA Task Force for American Democracy, (2) trouble-shooting failures of all of the various “smart home” systems I’ve installed to automatically and effortlessly control things, and (3) searching for where I set my reading glasses down. (Occasional conflicts arise.)
Often Heard To Say
“My point, and I do have one…”
Recommendations
—Podcast: Amending History (with Jill Lepore), Stay Tuned with Preet (Bahara). Actual history from an actual historian… wow. If only SCOTUS were listening.
—Books:
- “Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma, and the Last Stand of the Aztecs,” by Buddy Levy (2008). How one man aided by a few hundred followers destroyed an entire civilization of millions. Spoiler alert relevant to present: get everyone fighting among themselves.
- Psych, The Story of the Human Mind, by Paul Bloom (2023). Hands down, the most popular undergraduate course at Yale, now available in paperback and audiobook, no tuition required.
- The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time, by Yascha Mounk (2023). Thoughtful critique of how well intentioned focus on identity popular in liberal circles can be counterproductive. Summarized in this article by the author in the Atlantic.
- US Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights with Amendments. Pocket Size Paperback, by Delegates of The Constitutional Convention. Granted, in need of some editing nowadays, still the best example of the genre ever written. See especially, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment (read all about it here).
—Album: Mighty Poplar
—Song: Etoile d’Amour (Stardust), Birds of Chicago (watch this performed live here …proving that almost everything sounds better in French).
Dreams/Nightmares
Actually, my dream is the end of our national nightmare that we are still sleepwalking towards…
One Wish for 2024
That it can be more often kept in mind that we compromise and get along with each other not out of sacrifice of our personal interests for the common good, but rather because our individual success and well-being is inextricably linked to those we share the world with—and that “getting ahead” at the expense of others is impoverishing, not enriching.*
Oh, and runner up, that more coffee shops learn what a “cortado” is…
* Note: ChatGPT confidently identifies the source of this sentence I wrote as “John F. Kennedy.”
Quotes
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world, and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”
—E. B. White
“The threat is not that machines will become more intelligent, but rather people will become less.”
—Source unknown (perhaps written by a machine, not sure)
In Memoriam
Dave Miletich (1957-2023), in gratitude for the kindest lifelong friend one could hope for.
Ann
2023 Notable Developments
The E-bike purchase this summer has made me an official “biker” (without the tights and florescent colored jersey). Loving all the NW trails, keeping up (or passing) younger, fitter millennials, and making around-town errands so much more fun.
Oh, and having a Son-in Law!
Currently Working On
Like the rest of the world it seems, I’m trying to de-clutter…. books, 40-year-old sports equipment (think wood racquet, unused roller blades, skinny skis), fabric, Kevin’s old albums and CDs (shh)…..any takers?
Often Heard To Say
“When was the last time you even used this?”
Book Recommendations
- The Art Thief, by Michael Finkle
- Horse, by Geraldine Brooks
- Small Mercies, by Dennis Lehane
One Wish for 2024
Seems obvious, but I would like democracy in America to continue… peacefully.
Malena
2023 Notable Developments
- I married Scott in a perfect Seattle summer wedding surrounded by family and friends!
- A trip of a lifetime skiing in Norway from a sailboat
- Saying goodbye to our dear dog, Japhy
Currently Working On
- Just being
- Perfecting stick shift in Scott’s Subaru
- Next career moves…
Often Heard To Say
- “I’ve gotten really into cold plunging”
Recommendations
- Mexico City
- Tofino, Canada (our honeymoon destination)
- The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
Dreams/Nightmares
- I’m trying to have fewer expectations.
One Wish for 2024
- Peace, sanity, and lower interest rates
Scott
2023 Notable Developments
Most notable moment: Malena put a ring on my finger and promised that she will love me forever. It was the greatest honor of my life and I am still pinching myself in disbelief at my incredible lucky life.
Travel has been a remarkable blessing this year. Scandinavia more than lived up to my lifetime of expectations. Multiple excursions south of the border inspired me to (finally) begin learning Spanish, and I’m chuffed to report that I was able to conduct a Mexico City transaction for mezcal entirely en Español.
This year also marked an unfortunate if not entirely unexpected major life event. After 12 years of faithful companionship, Japhy chased his last ball into the sunset. I miss him dearly but take comfort knowing he rests in peace with a tennis ball and a sunset lake view.
Currently Working On
Seeking new employment
Often Heard To Say
Everything is fine! Nothing is F@#&’ed!
Recommendations
Mexico City can’t be beat!
Dreams/Nightmares
- Dreams: Malena & I are starting to imagine what the next five years looks like for us with work and family. Things are slowly coming into focus.
- Nightmares: Current events and the seemingly never-ending election cycle.
One Wish for 2024
Wishing everyone peace & presence of mind, body & spirit in 2024!
Owen
2023 Notable Developments
2023 was the year of big goals, achieved with mixed results, including:
- Big Travel: Epic international trips with Juliette, including to Vietnam, London, and a fun return to Barcelona. College reunion. Sundance Film Festival. Strong use of Ikon ski pass.
- Big Outdoors: Getting involved with the local Mountaineers group, summiting Mt. Baker, thru-hike of the oft-hyped Enchantment Core Zone, becoming a less terrified rock climber.
- Other: continuing to work on the Seattle Waterfront Development Project; winning Capitol Hill’s Softball Championship; reluctantly pet sitting for growing number of friend’s pets; enjoying Malena & Scott’s wonderful wedding.
Currently Working On
Seeking perfection baking a sour dough loaf.
Often Heard To Say
“I’ll get to that (later)” (e.g., this Christmas card copy).
Recommendations
- Books: Why Architecture Matters, Paul Goldberg (non-fiction); We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves, Karen Joy Fowler.
- Films: Past Lives, Poor Things, Succession (TV).
- Music: Japanese Breakfast, Fontaines D.C., Sharon Van Etten.
Dreams/Nightmares
- Dream: Soft, thigh-deep powder skiing in Japan in Spring.
- Nightmare: Tasting a durian
One Wish for 2024
- A smooth and dreadless entry into my fourth decade.
Juliette
2023 Notable Developments
- Was lucky to do a lot of world traveling this year! Most notably an incredible trip through Vietnam, which included many adventures in food (delicious street eats), modes of travel (motorbikes and sleeper trains), fashion (custom made suits), history, and more. Also traveled to Spain with Owen and had the pleasure of visiting his 8th grade home of Barcelona, where he showed me the spots he frequented (all related to skateboarding) and we ate our weight in tapas and jamon.
- Quit my job but unfortunately didn’t want to quit politics. Started a new job at the League of Women Voters’ national office and am traveling to DC again.
- Through-hiked the Enchantments with friends and all survived (AND enjoyed ourselves!)
- Saw Joni Mitchell (!) live (!) at The Gorge with Brandi Carlile and many very special guests. A night and performance I will never forget.
Currently Working On
- Helping revitalize League of Women Voters’ brand and reach to be more effective in the 2024 election/future
- Seeing more live music
- Searching for winter activities that bring me joy and/or Vitamin D
Recommendations
- Restaurant: Homer
- Movie: Aftersun (for the Paul Mescal fans)
- Books: Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement; Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
- Music: Amber Mark
Dreams/Nightmares
2024 election (both)
Wish for 2024
More creativity
Photos/ click on image for slide show
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8 Responses
Thanks for posting this, Kevin. Reminds me of my triathlon bike racing days (on a team with a runner & a swimmer) before we moved out to our river house, with a 1/2 mile gravel road to and from Springhill Rd. Missing my days on my “racing bike”, & you have me wanting to “get back on the horse”/bike!
Get back on the horse (bike) for sure, cousin Sue! On my e-bike, I’m Lance Armstrong (provided I keep the battery charged). Best, KJH
Beautiful Kevin I am inspired by your family’s riches. I am nine years recovering from the loss of my lovely wife Linda. Her love sustains me still. I have great memories of our times as youngsters in Eugene. I have moved from Renton to a new home on the McKenzie River. Happily back home. All the best to you and yours.
Love reading this annual update! Malena’s wedding looks beautiful. Miss y’all.
Sooooooo many links to sooooo many articles and books! Too much homework!! Happy New Years’ to all of you!
Suggested tag for future posts: TLDR…
What an amazing update- I loved every work and photo. Such a full, beautiful life and family. I can always count on you to provide some serious adventure inspiration 🙂
Love! Krista
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Kevin, Ann, et al. I am going through my inbox after 4 weeks of quick glances at the screen to make sure we are not going to be cut off from electricity or water — one of the side effects of 17 days of houseguests, which sounds dreadful, but in fact was fun because they were all family, came in waves, included funny and sweet kids and their considerate parents, and gave me a chance to hone my ping pong skills.
I saw your card when it arrived, but purposefully waited until I had time to savor it — I’ve always been one to save the best for last. (That may not be a good life plan.). I think everyone should adopt your format. I’ve got the Jill Lapore Amending History downloaded to listen to when I do Pilates later today (podcasts and books are the *only *way I stick to my daily exercise routine). And I’ve added two more books to my Books to Read document. The younger contingent seem happy and well and loving you two. Very happy for you. And happy for us to have you as friends! Onward and upward in 2024 — hoping for a political miracle, although not sure what that would look like. 🤔 XXOO