This year has been full of achievements. They’re not universally desirable, nor always something to be proud of. But I wouldn’t want to have missed a single one.
Nights (not) Spent in My Own Bed (NSMOB)
I love Sydney. Together with Singapore and Zurich, Sydney forms my Top 3 most livable cities in the world, to which I will always return. International, multicultural, super safe, stunningly beautiful, outdoorsy, next to (clean) water, efficient, with a great airport connected to the world. And just so alive. However, this year ‘took me places’, and I was fortunate enough to work in Melbourne, Montreal and Auckland – and why go home for a weekend if you can also stay and explore? Outcome: 15% of nights spent in my own bed. And even more appreciation for Sydney. Strangely enough, I also feel more local than ever. Nothing like seeing the same people at the same time when you go for your morning run and nodding to each other that the seal is on the Opera house steps again, and thus worth the quick detour for an instant mood boost.
Workouts Logged (WL)
264 runs or 2256 km this year. That is more than double my best record, and that one I established during the first year of COVID-19 when I had nothing better to do than go for long runs outside. However, in 2020, I also still lived in Switzerland, and there was a thing called ‘winter’; some days were just too cold or too nasty to run. This year, though, with an eternal summer, only my motivation and sometimes exhaustion were the limit. And, sadly, even exhaustion can be overcome. Spending the last 2 weeks of this year in Singapore and training almost every day at Evolve was my personal Christmas gift to myself, made possible thanks to Advil, Voltaren and most magically – Tiger Balm. Don’t judge me – it was too good to miss a class because of s bit of sore muscles.
Meals Skipped (MS)
I did not plan for this; it just happened!! In the morning, the choice was between working out or food – an easy choice if you’re craving your runners high. Then, given my year started a bit chaotic, I simply kept forgetting to eat throughout the day, and then it was almost dinner time. Do this on repeat for 1-2 months, and you will get used to it (a personal, powerful insight that habits do form after just ~30 days!!). Also, what an improvement to the quality of each of my days: the time and energy saved on procuring food (1x vs 3x times) and the enjoyment gained at each dinner (nothing tastes better than a meal when you’re truly really really hungry) – priceless. Before you go ahead and warn me of the deficiencies and problems I must be creating for myself – especially if you know that my two most common dinner options are rare and rare+ beef or plain iceberg lettuce, pineapple and blueberries from the supermarket – I just got my beautiful blood results, and my Oura ring gives me a 3.5 years lower cardiovascular age. I’ll be just fine.
(Too few) Weekend Trips Taken (WTT)
The only problem about Sydney is that it’s very far away, and even if you take a whole month off for holidays, you will still feel like there is not enough time to meet all your loved ones. 3-4 days will be spent traveling, and you will probably pick either Europe or North America. Working in Montreal this summer was therefore such a treat – seeing colleagues in North America I haven’t caught up with for more than 3-5 years or getting on a plane and waking up after just 7-8 hours in Europe was mind-blowing. There is just one thing I regret: although I deeply enjoy spending my weekends in the locations where I work, I wish I’d taken more weekend trips and explored more remote locations in Canada and the US. I’ll make an effort this year!!
Time Driving (actively behind the wheel) (TD)
Less than three days! But these three days were magical. Thanks to driving the Great Ocean Road, I finally overcame my hesitation to drive on the left side of the road. I’m not sure why people kept telling me that the Great Ocean Road is a challenging drive, though – excellent road conditions, rather wide lanes, few cars even on a public holiday weekend. Surprisingly, that experience did not make me want to drive more often either. It just made me feel happy for a couple of days, and maybe a bit (a lot) proud of myself.
To another year of questionable achievements?
In Russia, we say, “As you celebrate the New Year, so you will spend it”. Fortunately, last year didn’t deliver on that superstition at all. Returning from Bali earlier was a bit of a last-minute decision: it was overcrowded with hipsters and healers offering unsolicited advice; and I missed Sydney too much. Thus, instead of chilling in Ubud and cheering with a coconut to a fabulous 2024, I watched the NYE fireworks from our Sydney office. I enjoyed the great view, but it was also kind of a sad moment. This year, I opted for a family (Soviet-style) NYE – including decorating my first self-cut (!) “Christmas” tree with our super-old Christmas ornaments, preparing and enjoying a family dinner (mum’s the best cook!), and hiding presents just after midnight.
Let’s see how that “welcome 2025” will reflect on my metrics in 2025 – will I become a stay-at-home and cook-my-own-meals person? (yeah, nah)
Wishing everyone the best for 2025,
Katia
