Here’s a recap of my December 2024. Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly update/recap of what’s going on in my world.

As we say goodbye to December and 2024, I hope you reflect on this year with grace. Good things are coming!
What a Privilege
There’s a social media trend around the phrase “what a privilege” right now. It’s an opportunity to look at something from another perspective to find gratitude. I’ve also seen “how lucky am I” said.
For example, I would say what a privilege to:
- Take care of Kaira every day – our dog is happy and nourished, and she brings us lots of joy
- Clean my kitchen every day – we get to cook and enjoy healthy and tasty meals
- Feel tired after a busy weekend – we got to spend time with family and friends
- Endure two weeks of not feeling 100% – I got lots of rest and focused on foods to build my immunity
Speaking of gratitude, I liked this list from a marketing email I got:
- A healthy, coherent parent who is a phone call away.
- A fridge full of yummy, fresh food.
- A neighborhood free from war and persecution.
- A private bathroom with a toilet that flushes (which 1/2 the world population does not have!)
Never Miss 2 Days
We’re getting to the time of evaluating life and making new goals. I like this mindset of never missing two days in a row. Streaks can be hard because if you miss one day, you break your whole streak and feel like a failure, possibly causing you to give up. But if you aim for not missing two days in a row, it’s more manageable as you’re trying to create a new habit or reach for a new goal.
Travel Goals
Joy Ryan didn’t get her passport until she was 91 years old, but three years later, she visited her fourth continent and all 63 National Parks. Her 43-year-old grandson is joining her on many of these adventures. What an inspiration to keep exploring!
How to Make Relationships Work
In this article in The Atlantic, the research shares the crucial point in long-lasting relationships: constant kindness and “turning toward” your partner. In other words, having waning enthusiasm, becoming indifferent, or even becoming negative can weaken your relationship. But active constructive responses can build the relationship.
Most Expensive Michelin Meal
Can you believe the most expensive Michelin meal is $2,130?!! It’s at a restaurant in Tokyo. It makes our $100 Michelin meal in Austin so affordable! See this article for the top 15 most expensive Michelin meals.
Focus on your community
We can get caught up in the big picture, but don’t forget that “small” changes you make where you live and in your community are big for others.
- What issues impact your city and how can you be a part of change?
- What local organizations do you support with your time and money?
- Do you know your city council representative and their goals?
- How can you support your neighbors who live next to you or your chosen family?
We Live in Time
I’m looking forward to watching the new movie We Live in Time. Here’s a joint interview with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield about their movie.
5 Things I Love Lately
- Holiday festivities
- Jon Batiste’s new album Beethoven Blues
- Escape rooms
- New year planning
- This food recap
P.S. The photo above is from my New York trip. See the recap here.