Welcome to Friday! I hope the first full week of the new year has been good to you and you have been able to get back into the swing of things easily. This week, I’m sharing my 2024 walking reflections, thoughts on TJR’s early works, how I’ve been listening to audiobooks, planning tips, and a review of my last 10 years of reading!
2024 Mileage Recap
I started walking more regularly in July last year. One of the ways that I stay inspired is by using the Conqueror Challenge app. I’ve walked several of the cities in Europe and the US National Parks already. My husband bought the seven Harry Potter challenges for me for Christmas and I have a few miles left to complete the Sorcerer’s Stone challenge!
TJR Early Works
You’ve probably heard of Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but have you heard of her earlier works? In 2024, I listened to all four on audio! I loved listening because they are narrated by Julia Whelan and are so easy to follow along. TJR deals with really difficult topics with a unique voice. At least two of the audiobooks I listened to had a conversation between TJR and Julia Whelan at the end where she dives into her inspiration for the books and how they relate to each other.
- Forever, Interrupted (2013)
- After I Do (2014)
- Maybe in Another Life (2015)
- One True Loves (2016)
The Art of Listening to Audiobooks
I’ve been listening to audiobooks regularly for about 10 years now and it has taken me that long to figure out what works for me. I love listening while I’m driving, cleaning, doing laundry, or (recently) taking down Christmas decorations.
I love a memoir on audio, especially one that is narrated by the author. In fiction, I struggle with multiple perspectives or timelines that switch, but if it follows the same order or pattern, I can usually figure it out. If I’m on a deadline for book club, I usually listen to a portion on audio so I can get through it before the discussion! I have to admit that when I read a book on audio, I usually end up missing some information due to interruptions.
All this to say, it’s ok if your audiobook experience isn’t perfect and you haven’t found your groove yet. Keep listening and figure out what works (and doesn’t work) for you!
Planning Ideas for 2025
I received a gift card to a local spa for Christmas and scheduled it for the Sunday before I went back to work on Monday. It was perfect timing and all I could think about was how I was so glad I planned that! It had me thinking about the other days in the year when I could spend a day to myself. I’ve been doing this almost quarterly since my son was very young. I take a day off work and still send him to daycare/school. I usually go on a long walk, get coffee, have my nails done, and knock out a few errands that have been on my list. It’s nice to just take the day slow to recharge!
I’ve also been planning “PTO Buffer Days” the last several years. If we are traveling somewhere or hosting, I always add in an additional day before and after the vacation. This gives me a little extra time to prepare for the trip and gives me some time to prepare to go back to work. When I’m marking the days off on my calendar, I think I won’t need them “this time” but it turns out I am always so glad I planned for it!
10 Year Reading Recap
I’ve mentioned a few times that I’ve been tracking my reading for the past 10 years. However, I’ve never reviewed it in a comprehensive way, until now! Thank goodness for Goodreads Challenges because otherwise it would be difficult for me to access this information. I started tracking in 2015 and it is absolutely hilarious to me (now) that I thought I could read 52 books in a year. I know it is possible for someone, but not for me. After that, I set a goal for 36 books in a year. Ten years later, I finally feel like I can confidently set a goal of 24 books in a year and achieve it. So, the grand total is 245 books across 10 years (which averages to 24 books/year)! I know you already know this, but if you read only one book per year, you’re considered a reader!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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