24

I’ll be honest: 2023 was a bit of a whirlwind. For the world and, more importantly, for my pretty little self. I was supposed to have my last full working day on December 18th — with a few things left here and there of course: I never really quit — but turns out I had to add a couple of last minute extensions, which got me well into Christmas. Then, I said “f*ck off and thanks for all the fish”. I’m paraphrasing.

After Christmas lunch in Paris with my folks, we went to Lyon so see my wife’s family. I ate too much chocolate in Paris, but that city is no match for Lyon when it comes to overeating. I think I gain about 500 grams a day there. Luckily, we only spent 2 this time around. We hopped on a train back long enough to pack our backs, and off we went to Berlin. For the new year. With all the fireworks. Sophia was fired up. Or high on apple juice, we couldn’t tell.

We spent a week in the German capital, in and around new year’s. Which was perfect timing — except for the weather of course. Then again, you don’t go to Berlin in December for the weather: Irkutsk is so much nicer. We checked out a bunch of Christmas markets, drank liters of hot cocoa (especially Sophia, who was basically mainlining the stuff), saw friends from all over (Berlin happens to be in the center of Europe, you can tell) and… ate like proper vegetarian pigs. At least I did: my wife somehow always knows how to stop. I say “please can I have some more?”. Out of politeness. Even when there’s no one else in the room, just me and a maxi bag of biscuits. Which I finished.

The point is, those few days were a welcome break from the usual noise and nonsense. All we did was eat, speak and sleep. In that order of importance. Except for Sophia, who truly mastered the art of sleeping in: she would wake up around 10 am over there. We obviously didn’t try to change that. A kid’s natural rhythm should never be interrupted. That’s what they teach you in pediatric school. I didn’t go, but I heard good things. Especially about how much sleeping patterns are important. Well into adulthood.

And so, I came back on January 3rd fatter but happier. Then I got back on the — metaphorical — treadmill. And instantly lost all of my chill. But kept my eating habits.

Happy new year!