2023 has been a busy and complicated year for me, but overall one that I find myself reflecting on with a smile. I continue to be grateful for our relocation to Chicago and all of the wonderful friendships I’ve been able to reignite with friends from college, from my time in Ann Arbor, and even some new friends (gasp)!

A summer of travel and trauma

I am happy to report that I am still working for Niantic and reached a landmark 5 years during the summer. Work has kept me busy especially during the summer, which I spent jaunting all over, with trips to San Francisco, London, Las Vegas and New York to name a few. I was lucky to not be affected by my company’s layoffs this past June, but have been carrying the emotional burden (not to mention the extra work) since.

Musical memories

On a happier note, this summer I was grateful to see some of my favorite artists in concert—Lizzo, Betty Who, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson. Josh and I also re-ignited our passion for live theater by joining the ranks of season ticket holders for the Broadway in Chicago shows, seeing such spectacles as The Wiz, Boop! the Musical and Beetlejuice.

More reading and even more writing

In my spare time, I am continuing my writing journey adding another new work-in-progress (insiders will call it a WIP) to my roster in Novmber of this year during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I’m grateful for the creative expression that the outlet has offered me and I’m really enjoying learning about the craft of writing in addition to making the blinking cursor do it’s thing. I know, I know, no one has actually seen any of my pieces so do they exist? YES! I’m happy to report that my eldest WIP / child has finished their second full re-write revision phase. I’m hopeful that once I make it through pass number three it will be ready for some helpful eyes.

I’m also happy to have found a digital community of folks on BookTok and Bookstagram, where I have really delighted in building new relationships with other folks who are passionate about the art of reading. Included in this group are a number of indie authors, whose work I have devoured and who are inspiring me to push through the often daunting task of putting words, feelings, characters on paper.

A civic awakening

Like many people out there, I was devastated watching the news coming out of the Gaza strip this year. Chances are, if you’ve talked to me at all in the last few weeks, I’ve mentioned it in some form or fashion because the struggle of the Palestinian people and the atrocities of the IDF and the Israeli government have been constantly on my mind and weighing on my heart. Hearing the call to activism, I have been challenging myself to learn as much as I can about the struggle of the Palestinian people under occupation and do my part to advocate for a peaceful end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend the book, The Hundred Years War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi as a great place to start.

I’m finally hip!

Health-wise, I am embarking on the beginning of the end of the seemingly endless hip saga this December, undergoing a full hip replacement. The downtime has been a nice way to ease out of the often wild, unpredictable and trying 2023 and take the opportunity to focus on rest and recovery, something I am decidedly not good at. I am excited to finally move past this physical limitation, exit the realm of chronic pain and start 2024 with a renewed focus on strength, health and my holistic wellbeing.

As I look back, I am so overwhelmingly thankful for everyone who I’ve had the incredible opportunity to spend time with this year. Working remotely has really challenged me to re-evaluate my introvert tendencies and discover a newfound appreciation for my community, especially while recovering from my hip replacement. I’m excited to see what the new year brings to us all and I hope to make new memories with all many of you soon.

With love, peace and joy for 2024 and beyond, xoxo,

Kyle

As we bid farewell to 2023, I find myself wrapped in the warmth of memories and experiences that have colored our year in the most vibrant shades of joy, learning, and togetherness. Our transition to Chicago has been nothing short of an exciting whirlwind, filled with the city's heartfelt hospitality, tantalizing cuisine, and the electrifying pulse of its cultural life.

A Summer of Laughter and Learning:

This year, I plunged into the playful world of improv, rediscovering the art of spontaneity and the sheer delight of being silly with fellow adults. This foray into improv has been a delightful trip back to my inner child, peppered with laughter and the gift of new friendships. 🤡

Stitching Together Memories:

As Chicago wraps itself in winter's embrace, I'm eagerly preparing to weave a tapestry of new experiences and friendships in my upcoming sewing class. 2024 is poised to be a year rich in creativity and skillful crafting. Stay tuned for some amazing crafty gifts this time next year! 😉

A Home Warmed With Love:

Our home has become a bustling hub of warmth and cheer, welcoming loved ones, friends and family, from near and far. My brother Sebastien is our most recent guest and is staying with us through March. We’re so happy to have this time with him. Also a major shoutout to my cousin Iliana, whose visit was a highlight, brightening our year with lots of laughs and wonderful memories we’ll cherish for years to come!

Professional Growth + Partnerships:

In my professional realm, I've continued to flourish as a leadership coach and a consultant in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Working alongside inspiring friends and former colleagues has been a journey of meaningful partnerships, aimed at creating a more inclusive world. A heartfelt thank you to the teams at Black & Brown Founders, Next Shift Learning, and Hone for their incredible collaboration this past year and continued partnership as we look towards 2024.

Brewing New Dreams:

Looking ahead, 2024 heralds an exciting venture – the launch of a community-centered coffee shop in Chicago. This has been a dream in the making, and I'm thrilled to create a space that weaves together community and conversation in a uniquely local way. Stay tuned as I brew up this new venture!

A Renewed Commitment to Activism:

Like so many, I have been forever changed watching the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people happen right in front of us and even worse, be funded by our tax dollars.

The events unfolding globally, including the tragic situation in Palestine, the exploitation of the people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and the ongoing challenges facing my own Puerto Rican community, have deeply stirred my activist spirit, moving me to act more directly in my ongoing calls for justice and change.

This year, I proudly stand with The Party for Socialism and Liberation, supporting presidential candidates Claudia and Karina in a collective effort to champion a just and equitable world. For those curious, please check out Vote Socialist 2024 to learn more and join this inspiring movement to help build a better world for everyone.

As 2023 draws to a close, my heart overflows with gratitude for each one of you, my cherished circle of friends and family. Your unwavering love and support are the bedrock of my growth, achievements, and resilience. I am excited to step into 2024 with each of you in a shared spirit of community connection and joy, celebrating the beauty and interconnectedness of life as global citizens. And remember, our home in Chicago always has its doors open for you. I hope to see you soon.

With love and warm wishes for a splendid 2024,

Josh ✌🏽❤️

The Wonder Dogs (or Cerberus depending on the day) have had a wonderful year! They are fully settled into the Chicago house, but the girls are still unsure about the snow. Since we’ve settled into our home a bit more, we’ve had quite a few visitors and they’ve been making serious progress on their, shall we say, people skills. Wes is about to turn 8 at the end of the year and is as spry as ever, running around the house, yard and park like a much younger dog. Willow has mellowed out significantly, and is now the sweetest girl. And tiny Wanda is still as energetic and excited as ever, always eager to make friends or play chase.

Everyone has been really glad to be spending so much time lounging with Kyle as he recovers from his hip replacement surgery in mid-December. All three of them are great nurses in their own right:

• Wanda loves snuggling right up in the bed, making sure he doesn’t feel along when he’s resting, icing or napping.

• Willow has taken the lead in escorting Kyle up and down the stairs, making sure that he is never alone in case of a fall.

• Wes loves barking from the kitchen, giving Kyle an excuse (and some motivation) to get up and hobble around the house.