How’s it going? I’m just back from LA where one of the highlights was catching up with some very old friends. So thanks Alex, Esme, Ben, Laura and Jamie (above) for taking the time to catch up, reminisce and share some brilliant conversations which have illuminated my year so far. The whole trip, as I said in my latest episode with Alex Weller, reminded me of the joys of friendship and hospitality in a strange land.
It got me thinking that this week it might be nice to hear what everybody has been enjoying so far in 2023. I figure we could all do with some good news….
So please share your highlights of 2023 below. It can be absolutely anything. A book you’ve particularly enjoyed. A meeting with an old friend. The beginning of a much-cherished creative project. A lovely moment with the kids. A run or swim you particularly enjoyed. Those simple pleasures that make life worth living - let’s hear ‘em.
When we’re done, I’ll choose a winner who will receive a load of swag from my pals at Goodrays to ease you into the coming spring. This one will be open to both free and paid subscribers.
Nice 1, and thanks as ever for supporting what I do (another definite highlight of 2023 for me).
Matt
PS I still have a few tickets left for the Chris Burkard live conversation in London this coming Friday March 10th. This is for paid subscribers only, so if you fancy it hit me up.
Dew Tour has been my highlight so far. Ironically it felt less eventful than 2021's, but maybe that's because it was only 2 days instead of 4 and I spent more time trying to say "hi" to folks I met last year (and finally meeting Chris Cote in person) than checking out the fan activities. It was also the first time I had my own snowboard so I wanted to dedicate time on the slopes. I took a private lesson since I'm still working on linking turns. Not quite there yet, but I found that I have zero hang ups on going switch (which is the complete opposite of my experience skateboarding) and am less afraid of falling because it hurts less than pole dancing and aerials. It probably helped that we had some fresh pow, but my body was more sore from sleeping on an unfamiliar bed than half a day of riding.
This is a good opportunity to shamelessly celebrate a great start of a new decade for me.There have been some downs but they have only emphasised the ups.
I turned 60 in February. Initially it felt as though it was a clerical error made by the fat controller of the universe but I have got used to the idea now and have bid good ridance to my 50's. The fug of family celebration of my birthday is still with me.
I resigned from my job of 4 years and spent a few weeks not going to work. This gave us time for a city break to Madrid to sample food, the colour and culture in equal order. Returning home to find myself with a new job and with a plan to work it for a year and then work part-time only.
Last year I went side ways less than I had for 40+ years but surfing and skating have been resumed with renewed enthusiasm. Highlights were chunky uncrowded sessions at my favourite spot in North Devon and Millook. The coping at the St Ives skatepark pool has taken some stick in recent weeks. Visited "The Wave''. Still unsure how I feel about inland waves.
Books read thus far.
Leonard and Hungry Paul-Ronan Hession.
Storyland -Amy Jeffs
The Gallows Pole-Benjamin Myers
The Offing-Benjamin Myers-this one has stayed with me most but probably the most flawed book in this list.
The Perfect Golden Circle-Benjamin Myers
Treacle Walker-Alan Garner
The book of Trespass-Nick Hayes
The Bewitching-Jill Dawson
We visited my daughter at Uni and had a great time. Studying PR and Marketing (the devils craft) she is planning to start paid influencing to the incomprehension of her father.
Hey Ben thanks for this, sounds like a great start to the year and congrats on the milestone. Some intriguing sounding books as well, making me think I should make a future thread one where we can swap book recommendations. The Bewitching in particular sounds right up my boulevard
In amongst the miserable dark weather and never-ending house reno, there’s been some gems.
Getting back into running with the dog, where I’ve been trying to do three 5km runs per week (slowly getting faster). Managed to get a ride round the Isle of Wight in in January (yes it was cold). Applied for a job, but didn’t get it (a more positive experience that you’d expect) and got back into reading physical books (perfect golden circle and book of trespass to kick things off).
There’s plenty of year left though, and that includes welcoming little girl number 2 into the family 😊
Yeah for sure! I think on reflection it’ll be stronger than during the read. Maybe one to revisit. I hope your Yanagihara is a Little Life? Suuuuper good book, if rather long
Following my 10yo daughter down a cruisey blue in Switzerland watching her hit all the lumps and rollers down the side of the piste whilst singing happily to herself - I was both terrified & super proud!
So far it has been a crazy 12 months since I was injured. I won't go into the sad story part, but I will say in a very cliché way that there are a lot of silver linings. The highlight so far of 2023 probably has to be a little bittersweet. We were out in Mammoth Mountain ripping up some turns, while also cheering on my daughter who is competing in a pretty significant slope style competition at the age of 13 serious, very proud parents moment.
Yes, it was humbling, sad, but ultimately a very good thing, when she told me that she didn't need me at the top of the course anymore. She pointed to the side, and said I could go over there and hang out with my wife and son because she didn't need me at the top anymore.
Of course I'm still there proudly cheering on and supporting but it was definitely a big moment. The kid is growing up. She had some really good runs, lots of growth and progression since the beginning of season.
The best thing probably was after it all was said and done, we went hunting and looking for some powder scraps in the bowls.
it's going! physical is like 99.9% except missing the set wave about 9 out of 10 times on a cold big day. The mental side is a pure mother#@%er. Yet we carry on, I was in some tight trees and miscalculated and hit a sampling with my left hip. Went ass over tea kettle. No worries all is ok. It's not about avoiding trauma and injury, it's about recovering and moving on. The biggest silver lining is that my emotional quotient and empathy for others who are much worse off physically and mentally is much higher than it ever was.
We finally managed a trip to Hinterglemm with my family and and old mate. He toured us around his favourite runs and eateries. First time for the 4yr old on skis, first time my youths at the apres unsupervised. First time staying in a nice hotel. Two powder days. Still frothing. Being an old guy has some benefits I suppose.
Not that you’d believe it looking at the weather elsewhere in the country, but it’s starting to feel a bit like spring. I love the transition between seasons and this is one of my favourite’s.
A big highlight for me was FINALLY having our first session at our new Skatepark here in Swansea. Since the Morfa vert ramp closed decades ago we’ve been campaigning for a public park, and so this week half of our Old Bastards WhatsApp group met and got to sesh our brand new Mavericks concrete. We all know each other from skating curbs as young teens back in the day.
Lots of people spent a lot of time raising awareness and money for the park to happen.
I shaved 3 seconds off my personal best for a 50y free. For some people this is laughable, but two years ago I couldnt swim it in under a minute. Now my PR is :44. It made me so happy.
The other awesome things are: another season of beer league ice hockey with my boys (19 & 22, and both FAR better than their old mom), and a weekend of migratory duck watching coming up Thursday - so excited. Yes, I am a dork. But ducks are seriously fascinating and if we're lucky, we'll get to see some migrating swans as well.
My ski season was essentially nonexistent this year but whatddya gonna do? It's ok.
I’m usually a bit shy about going on about how great things are for fear of seeming self satisfied and being judged accordingly.
BUT I’m just on my way back from a week’s cat riding in Bahkmaro in Georgia. Mind-bending remoteness coupled with a solid crew including some of my best buddies is hard to top.
Nah, him and Neil were in the upper caucuses, I think. We were in the lower - bahkmaro is a weird as fuck summer town that’s cut off in the winter; only accessible in a cat. Went with Jono from Cab9 - used to work with him at ‘snakes aaages ago
Taking a friend whos a relative newcomer to snowsports up to Glencoe in the Highlands on a rare bluebird day, was cool to see them get hooked and share the stoke.
Another highlight was yesterday’s Natural Selection Tour from Revelstoke, although me sitting on the edge of my seat for almost 5 hours wasn’t a highlight for my wife, who just kept tutting when I told her I’ll help with the dishes when it’s finished 😂
It’s been a bunch of travel so far in ‘23, mostly for work (it ain’t a real job ;-)) but some great trips with my family to Portugal for surf and Chamonix to paraglide and ride (also our first winter trip there!).
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out and finally he’s published it: Tim Urban ‘What’s our problem?: A self help book for societies’
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to be in Atlanta, Georgia for MLK day in January. It was such an amazing experience being there! It was a bit surreal standing outside his childhood home and then visiting his tomb, remembering my mum speak to me about him when I was a kid...
Oh, and another exceptional highlight for me so far in 2023 was Liverpool's magnificent thrashing of Man Utd last Sunday!! (Sorry Matt, couldn't help myself!)
Ha ha. Fair one! I funnily enough in the spirit of this thread that result meant I suddenly heard from people I haven’t chatted to for years! Sounds like a great day in Atlanta 👊
Plucking up the courage to join a club to improve my swimming. I got so wound up before hand about how bad I was going to be and how awful and embarrassing I was going to find it. And it turns out everyone is lovely!
There are some astonishingly good swimmers there, but there are also people at my level, and I can already see the progress I'm making from the coaching!
I learned a long time ago from someone far smarter (or maybe stupider, who can say) than me, that no one REALLY is paying attention to you so do what you want! Be brave! (I really should get that tattooed on my arm but instead I wear a stainless steel wristband with it engraved on it. Because tattoos - not sure yet.) A daily reminder to be brave. It has almost never NOT ended well :)
Discovering What makes me happy now. Not the question, but the answers by various writers. I'd recommend starting with Aussie grandma Helen Garner. So many "small, random stabs of extreme interestingness" as reminders that there's joy under grey March skies. Not least "The fact that Aretha Franklin once walked this earth."
After a way too long hiatus, wifey and I went back our roots and slid the local dryslope for the first time in forever.
It's not Whistler (though that is coming in 4 weeks time) but a frosty night, a nearly empty slope (our very white & middle class "snow sports" club is still very sniffy about the renegade element of snowboarders) along with the best riding companion made for a pretty mind-blowing and soul-resetting Friday night.
High recommended to anyone stuck in country and frothing for the mountains.
Sounds bloody great. I haven’t ridden dryslope in decades. Looks like this year is also the first year I won’t actually be going snowboarding in decades. Which I’m fairly conflicted about, so maybe a trip to a local dome could be just the ticket...
I wowed not to touch dendex again after snapping my wrist pratting about five years ago. Looks like it might be the only option in the future with the way the snow’s going!
After deciding to not go on the annual lads winter trip, my wife and I went to Chamonix. This was my wife’s first winter trip to the mountains, as she doesn’t do winter sports. Seeing my wife fall in love with the mountains and embracing the whole experience is my highlight so far this year, especially when she dragged me to an estate agents window to find where she wants to live.
Dew Tour has been my highlight so far. Ironically it felt less eventful than 2021's, but maybe that's because it was only 2 days instead of 4 and I spent more time trying to say "hi" to folks I met last year (and finally meeting Chris Cote in person) than checking out the fan activities. It was also the first time I had my own snowboard so I wanted to dedicate time on the slopes. I took a private lesson since I'm still working on linking turns. Not quite there yet, but I found that I have zero hang ups on going switch (which is the complete opposite of my experience skateboarding) and am less afraid of falling because it hurts less than pole dancing and aerials. It probably helped that we had some fresh pow, but my body was more sore from sleeping on an unfamiliar bed than half a day of riding.
This is a good opportunity to shamelessly celebrate a great start of a new decade for me.There have been some downs but they have only emphasised the ups.
I turned 60 in February. Initially it felt as though it was a clerical error made by the fat controller of the universe but I have got used to the idea now and have bid good ridance to my 50's. The fug of family celebration of my birthday is still with me.
I resigned from my job of 4 years and spent a few weeks not going to work. This gave us time for a city break to Madrid to sample food, the colour and culture in equal order. Returning home to find myself with a new job and with a plan to work it for a year and then work part-time only.
Last year I went side ways less than I had for 40+ years but surfing and skating have been resumed with renewed enthusiasm. Highlights were chunky uncrowded sessions at my favourite spot in North Devon and Millook. The coping at the St Ives skatepark pool has taken some stick in recent weeks. Visited "The Wave''. Still unsure how I feel about inland waves.
Books read thus far.
Leonard and Hungry Paul-Ronan Hession.
Storyland -Amy Jeffs
The Gallows Pole-Benjamin Myers
The Offing-Benjamin Myers-this one has stayed with me most but probably the most flawed book in this list.
The Perfect Golden Circle-Benjamin Myers
Treacle Walker-Alan Garner
The book of Trespass-Nick Hayes
The Bewitching-Jill Dawson
We visited my daughter at Uni and had a great time. Studying PR and Marketing (the devils craft) she is planning to start paid influencing to the incomprehension of her father.
Lots more to look forward to.
Hey Ben thanks for this, sounds like a great start to the year and congrats on the milestone. Some intriguing sounding books as well, making me think I should make a future thread one where we can swap book recommendations. The Bewitching in particular sounds right up my boulevard
I proposed to my partner.she said yes.we then legged it to gran canaria to hike and swim for ten days.
Amazing news 😍
In amongst the miserable dark weather and never-ending house reno, there’s been some gems.
Getting back into running with the dog, where I’ve been trying to do three 5km runs per week (slowly getting faster). Managed to get a ride round the Isle of Wight in in January (yes it was cold). Applied for a job, but didn’t get it (a more positive experience that you’d expect) and got back into reading physical books (perfect golden circle and book of trespass to kick things off).
There’s plenty of year left though, and that includes welcoming little girl number 2 into the family 😊
I absolutely loved the Perfect Golden Circle. And I have the Isle of Wight ride on the list this year
Without this becoming a book review, PGS has been a bit empty and a bit of a non-event. Time for some Hanya Yanagihara...
I thought it was brilliant, game of opinions innit? Also got a Yanagihara on the pile
Yeah for sure! I think on reflection it’ll be stronger than during the read. Maybe one to revisit. I hope your Yanagihara is a Little Life? Suuuuper good book, if rather long
oh dear. A Little Life will break a person. I AM JUST WARNING YOU, Matthew.
I've been hearing that a lot 🙈
Following my 10yo daughter down a cruisey blue in Switzerland watching her hit all the lumps and rollers down the side of the piste whilst singing happily to herself - I was both terrified & super proud!
the best! wait until she hits the park or cliffs!
Given the number of times she piled into the side of the run (still wearing a big grin...) that is exactly what worries me!!
❤️
So far it has been a crazy 12 months since I was injured. I won't go into the sad story part, but I will say in a very cliché way that there are a lot of silver linings. The highlight so far of 2023 probably has to be a little bittersweet. We were out in Mammoth Mountain ripping up some turns, while also cheering on my daughter who is competing in a pretty significant slope style competition at the age of 13 serious, very proud parents moment.
Yes, it was humbling, sad, but ultimately a very good thing, when she told me that she didn't need me at the top of the course anymore. She pointed to the side, and said I could go over there and hang out with my wife and son because she didn't need me at the top anymore.
Of course I'm still there proudly cheering on and supporting but it was definitely a big moment. The kid is growing up. She had some really good runs, lots of growth and progression since the beginning of season.
The best thing probably was after it all was said and done, we went hunting and looking for some powder scraps in the bowls.
Big moment! How’s the recovery going?
it's going! physical is like 99.9% except missing the set wave about 9 out of 10 times on a cold big day. The mental side is a pure mother#@%er. Yet we carry on, I was in some tight trees and miscalculated and hit a sampling with my left hip. Went ass over tea kettle. No worries all is ok. It's not about avoiding trauma and injury, it's about recovering and moving on. The biggest silver lining is that my emotional quotient and empathy for others who are much worse off physically and mentally is much higher than it ever was.
We finally managed a trip to Hinterglemm with my family and and old mate. He toured us around his favourite runs and eateries. First time for the 4yr old on skis, first time my youths at the apres unsupervised. First time staying in a nice hotel. Two powder days. Still frothing. Being an old guy has some benefits I suppose.
That sounds like my idea of a great time 😍
Not that you’d believe it looking at the weather elsewhere in the country, but it’s starting to feel a bit like spring. I love the transition between seasons and this is one of my favourite’s.
Preach brother. As I said at the beginning of the Tom Kay episode, ‘I’ve never been so glad to see a crocus in my life’
A big highlight for me was FINALLY having our first session at our new Skatepark here in Swansea. Since the Morfa vert ramp closed decades ago we’ve been campaigning for a public park, and so this week half of our Old Bastards WhatsApp group met and got to sesh our brand new Mavericks concrete. We all know each other from skating curbs as young teens back in the day.
Lots of people spent a lot of time raising awareness and money for the park to happen.
That’s bloody epic. What a mission and how amazing you stuck with it
I shaved 3 seconds off my personal best for a 50y free. For some people this is laughable, but two years ago I couldnt swim it in under a minute. Now my PR is :44. It made me so happy.
The other awesome things are: another season of beer league ice hockey with my boys (19 & 22, and both FAR better than their old mom), and a weekend of migratory duck watching coming up Thursday - so excited. Yes, I am a dork. But ducks are seriously fascinating and if we're lucky, we'll get to see some migrating swans as well.
My ski season was essentially nonexistent this year but whatddya gonna do? It's ok.
This is my kind of update Val. Although I was expecting some book recommendations, I must admit
Hahaha.
Demon Copperhead. Just finished.
Now I'm into Beth Macy's follow up, Raising Lazarus, which I imagine will be just as powerful as Dopesick.
Demon Copperhead is next on my pile
I immediately got hold of David Copperfield to reread, as soon as I finished it. It's fun how Kingsolver used the source material for inspiration :)
I’m usually a bit shy about going on about how great things are for fear of seeming self satisfied and being judged accordingly.
BUT I’m just on my way back from a week’s cat riding in Bahkmaro in Georgia. Mind-bending remoteness coupled with a solid crew including some of my best buddies is hard to top.
Ah nice! Was that with Stenti? How was the snow? Nowt wrong with shouting about that.
Nah, him and Neil were in the upper caucuses, I think. We were in the lower - bahkmaro is a weird as fuck summer town that’s cut off in the winter; only accessible in a cat. Went with Jono from Cab9 - used to work with him at ‘snakes aaages ago
Sounds bloody ace
Nice to read about folks good times 👍
Taking a friend whos a relative newcomer to snowsports up to Glencoe in the Highlands on a rare bluebird day, was cool to see them get hooked and share the stoke.
A good day in Scotland is so ace. Then again I enjoy the bad days in Scotland just as much these days 😃
I’ll let you know, off to Aviemore tomorrow and it’s forecast to feel like -20 at the top 🥶
Another highlight was yesterday’s Natural Selection Tour from Revelstoke, although me sitting on the edge of my seat for almost 5 hours wasn’t a highlight for my wife, who just kept tutting when I told her I’ll help with the dishes when it’s finished 😂
Haha, I had it on my phone at work and my productivity most likely decreased that day.
It’s been a bunch of travel so far in ‘23, mostly for work (it ain’t a real job ;-)) but some great trips with my family to Portugal for surf and Chamonix to paraglide and ride (also our first winter trip there!).
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out and finally he’s published it: Tim Urban ‘What’s our problem?: A self help book for societies’
Looking forward to reading this. His articles have been great reads. If a bit brown-nosey towards Musk
Nice I’ll check that out. Hope you scored!
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to be in Atlanta, Georgia for MLK day in January. It was such an amazing experience being there! It was a bit surreal standing outside his childhood home and then visiting his tomb, remembering my mum speak to me about him when I was a kid...
Oh, and another exceptional highlight for me so far in 2023 was Liverpool's magnificent thrashing of Man Utd last Sunday!! (Sorry Matt, couldn't help myself!)
Ha ha. Fair one! I funnily enough in the spirit of this thread that result meant I suddenly heard from people I haven’t chatted to for years! Sounds like a great day in Atlanta 👊
Whatever the result, it still connect's people, and that's the main thing...
Have a feeling that one will be ‘connecting’ people until the end of time 😃
😅
Plucking up the courage to join a club to improve my swimming. I got so wound up before hand about how bad I was going to be and how awful and embarrassing I was going to find it. And it turns out everyone is lovely!
There are some astonishingly good swimmers there, but there are also people at my level, and I can already see the progress I'm making from the coaching!
Can empathise! I find walking into somewhere knowing I’m going to be bad at it, and accept it, pretty challenging. Need to get better at that.
I learned a long time ago from someone far smarter (or maybe stupider, who can say) than me, that no one REALLY is paying attention to you so do what you want! Be brave! (I really should get that tattooed on my arm but instead I wear a stainless steel wristband with it engraved on it. Because tattoos - not sure yet.) A daily reminder to be brave. It has almost never NOT ended well :)
Ha cheers Val! Yep also always worth remembering.
Discovering What makes me happy now. Not the question, but the answers by various writers. I'd recommend starting with Aussie grandma Helen Garner. So many "small, random stabs of extreme interestingness" as reminders that there's joy under grey March skies. Not least "The fact that Aretha Franklin once walked this earth."
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/series/what-makes-me-happy-now
Ah amazing thanks Tim. Might be yet another recommendation of yours that makes it into this week’s ten things 🙏
After a way too long hiatus, wifey and I went back our roots and slid the local dryslope for the first time in forever.
It's not Whistler (though that is coming in 4 weeks time) but a frosty night, a nearly empty slope (our very white & middle class "snow sports" club is still very sniffy about the renegade element of snowboarders) along with the best riding companion made for a pretty mind-blowing and soul-resetting Friday night.
High recommended to anyone stuck in country and frothing for the mountains.
Sounds bloody great. I haven’t ridden dryslope in decades. Looks like this year is also the first year I won’t actually be going snowboarding in decades. Which I’m fairly conflicted about, so maybe a trip to a local dome could be just the ticket...
Matt - it could be crap but it could also be pretty freaking magical! Just remember to pad up as the slams are relentless!
ha yeah I remember that part
I wowed not to touch dendex again after snapping my wrist pratting about five years ago. Looks like it might be the only option in the future with the way the snow’s going!
Vowed* obviously...
After deciding to not go on the annual lads winter trip, my wife and I went to Chamonix. This was my wife’s first winter trip to the mountains, as she doesn’t do winter sports. Seeing my wife fall in love with the mountains and embracing the whole experience is my highlight so far this year, especially when she dragged me to an estate agents window to find where she wants to live.
I love seeing people experience Chamonix for the first time. Even just entering the valley and seeing the mountains up close is still so impressive.