I wrote my first end-of-year letter in 2010. Last year was the first time I didn’t write one. After Mom’s passing, i did not have the motivation to reflect on 2024. This year, I decided to pick up the pen again and continue the tradition.
Losing Mom and several friends reminded me how precious time is. I was inspired by Jane Fonda’s talk at the California Conference for Women — how she embraced entering her “final act” and live with intention and without regrets. I’m taking a page from her book.
Each morning, I try to choose happiness with intention: what will make me happy today. It can be big moments, small moments, a routine or something new. I love travel, sports, and music, but the real happiness comes from the people who share the journey.
Travel: The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer
And richer I became this year, with many trips with many friends.
A coastal “staycation” in Half Moon Bay with Bina in January. A trip to the Netherlands to meet my great-niece Sofia for the first time. On to Portugal where Majdi helped me continue furnishing my new home. Followed by a few fun days in Lisbon with Seema and Goody.
April brought me to China: A work trip capped with a bucket-list visit to see the Giant Pandas in Chengdu.
Also in April some nice slow days on the Big Island, then an unforgettable Yellowstone trip in May with Mandi — otherworldly landscapes and incredible wildlife: bison, black bears, elk, and my first grizzly and moose sightings.
In August, Liane, Maureen, and I hiked part of the Camí de Ronda in Spain — from Barcelona to Port de la Selva. A taxi driver told us, “The only way to really see the Costa Brava is on foot.” So, we did: walking, talking, and tasting our way across the coast.
In September, I returned to nature once more with a trip to Glacier National Park — fewer animals, but just as beautiful.
Some trips have become traditions:
Our Paso Robles birthday weekends (Liane in May, Vanessa in November), and my annual New York visit to see Andrea, Tony, Miss B, and Nola — now exploring new neighborhoods thanks to their move to Long Island City. (And yes, I kept my promise not to include the photo with Santa.)
“You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take”
Sports bring me joy, and I made the most of it this year. Mandi and I had a great time at the F1 race in Montreal.
We went to two Giants and several 49ers games. Mandi and I celebrated the inaugural season of the SF Valkyries at Chase Center — we were there when they introduced their mascot, Violet, and made it onto the jumbotron.
Work took me to Guadalajara after launching a Special-Edition Echo Pop with the Chivas football team, and they invited us to a match. What a game!
Music washes Away the Dust of Everyday Life
No year is complete without music. Andrea visited to attend the Coldplay concert at Stanford Stadium — a magical night of song and lights (no kiss-cam mishaps during this concert).
In October, Seema and I saw “The Life and Works of George Michael” in San Francisco — a tribute and a reminder of what a musical genius he was.
Amazon Music invited me to the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas, and I was grateful to attend the real ceremony, not just the private events.
Traditions: Belonging, Continuity, Joy
I love traditions, and over the years we’ve built many I treasure: weekend hikes, birthday celebrations, Halloween, Diwali, Paso girls’ trips, parties, annual New York visits.
And, of course, the yearly Ugly Christmas Sweater + White Elephant exchanges. We now two versions: one at my house – now 15 years in the making, the first one in 2010- and one at Vidya and Amit’s. Still featuring many fun and sometimes inappropriate gifts. (The mankini lives on.).
We also added a new tradition: in 2024 we launched a book club — wonderful recommendations, rich conversations, and lots of laughter.
I used to golf a lot, but when my regular golf buddies moved, it stopped. Since last year, I started going more regularly and really enjoying it again.
When One Door Closes, Another Opens
This year we sold Mom’s apartment — the end of an era, and the end of having a “home” in the Netherlands. It made me very sad, but life has its timing and plans. In October 2024, I became the owner of my new house in Fuseta, Portugal, a beautiful little town in the Algarve. I’ve already visited three times, slowly creating my new European home. As much as I love travel, I love spending time at home. I will now be able to spend time at home both in California as well as in Portugal.
In March 2024, Michelle and I launched the alpha version of the TripHub app with friends and family. We launched in the Apple and Google Play Stores in July. A little over a year later, we’re growing slowly and steadily — learning a lot and loving building something we’re passionate about.
This year has been hard in many ways under Trump 2.0. Every time we think we hit rock bottom and it cannot get any worse, it does. However, I remain optimistic that people will see what’s happening, that the tide will turn, that good will beat the evil and love will beat hate. Despite all the chaos and devastation, I’m looking forward to 2026 and all its possibilities.
“In a time full of war, be peace.
In a time full of doubt, just believe.
There ain’t that much difference between you and me.
In a world full of hate, be a light.”
All Photo credit Mariel van Tatenhove and friends
