Got To / Get To
I just wrapped up the last demanding week of the year, and am looking forward to slowing down and savoring time with my family for the next two weeks. Yesterday I drove all over Central Ohio running various holiday errands, then took a nap so that I could watch the Ohio State football game (it sure got cold up on old Rocky Top last night).
This morning starts with brunch with dear friends, then I’m going to make Pork Chile Verde and light a fire in the backyard. Some warm stew + these bourbon hot toddies sounds really good to me right now.
I’m looking forward to having some time to reflect on this year, and decide what I’m going to change in the year ahead. Not New Year’s resolutions, but actual plans that get done.
This year’s plan was executed very well. I am loving the work I’ve been doing as an EOS Implementer, and look forward to doing more of it in the year ahead. I weigh 14 lbs less than I started the year. I expect to slim down a little more, but my default diet habits are serving me very well. I’ve never slept better, or drank less alcohol (this is probably related). I don’t foresee becoming a teetotaler, but less is definitely more for me when it comes to alcohol.
One thing I’m certain of is that I’m going to spend at least one week hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025. It’s been too long since I’ve done this.
This Instagram video caught my eye recently. It’s a great reminder that we all have agency, and the value in owning our experience. Switching an “I’ve got to” statement with a version that starts with “I get to…” is a great habit to develop. Most of my "problems" are challenges only fortunate people face. I'm glad I get to take them on. Every path in life has costs - personal sacrifice, paths not taken, judgment of other people. Reminding ourselves that this is the path we have chosen puts these costs in perspective. We can’t do everything, but we can make sure that we care about the things that we choose to do.
In some ways, I rediscovered what lights me up this year. So, let’s do more of that, and keep refining things to maximize the experience of being a fully engaged human on planet Earth.
Wishing you warmth, spice, togetherness and strong sense of purpose in the weeks ahead.
Sunday Supper
With the kids home, I'm very much thinking of larger format comfort food classics right now. These Chicken Pot Pies look amazing. I'm making something like this Sunday Sauce from Michael Symon on Christmas Day, pairing it with a range of raviolis made by Carfagna's. I'm also going to make an Olive Garden-type salad, probably chopping it up finely, more akin to a Lebanese Tabouli than a leafy green salad.
Sunday Music
This Sunday I'm feeling very Pat Methenyish. This collaboration with Polish singer Anna Maria Jopek is fantastic, as is this cover of Sting's song Fragile with a different ensemble. This performance of Shadow Dance with Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, and Dave Holland is incredible. And lastly, this song from the amazing Orchestrion Project, where Metheny programmed all of the accompaniments to his playing, player piano-style. Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,