My 2025 Reading Reflection - https://blog.matthewcanderson.com/reading-reflection-2025/
Finished reading: Escape Clause by John Sandford 📚
Almost biffed it on my run this morning. Icy turns are still my kryptonite… Grateful that I kept my balance.
Today was one of those days where being at the cabin was more work than expected. I still got out for a run which is nice, but had a more relaxing day in mind 😄
Still love how peaceful it is here.
In the same spirit as the Taco Bell Trot 25k and McRib Marathon, I think in 2026 I’ll do a small personal series of events called Jimmy’s Jaunts where I run some distance to Jimmy John’s, have a sammie, then loop back. Just for fun! 🏃
Just finished my last run of the year. A victory lap to wrap an amazing year of running far with friends old and new. 🤙🏃🎉
I always appreciate reading Satya Nadella’s thoughtful updates. Looking Ahead to 2026 He labeled a concept I thought would have been more center-stage 2 years ago (though I’m glad we’re getting there):
We are now entering a phase where we build rich scaffolds that orchestrate multiple models and agents; account for memory and entitlements; enable rich and safe “tools use”.
It also stands out to me that this post is his first on a new “sn scratchpad” Hugo blog. He’s posted on official MS blogs before, but as far as I know this is his first public-facing personal blog. I’m curious to see if he posts there more.
Have some time off from work during the holidays…it’s amazing how much I can get done without feeling rushed/maxed out! There’s more of a mental tax on “what I should do when” but I can deal with that.
Finally took the time to get my mobile phone voicemail reset ✅ This has been lingering since my phone died in August and I took the “shortest path” approach to getting back online. It wasn’t that hard, but carving out 30 minutes (for this) on a weekday has been pretty low on my priority list. 🔧
Finished reading: Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan 📚
As I look forward to 2026, I’m planning to reengage in my practice of documenting and sharing my practices, processes, and tools. It’s fun for me, helps me reflect on my what/why/how and it’s a conversation anchor that I miss.
Split Fiction is a great co-op game
Jess and I just finished playing Split Fiction–a solid split-screen co-op game about two authors caught in their own fictional worlds, trying to save their ideas from a machine that’s attempting to steal those very stories.
There was a great balance of puzzle and action, with both players getting a distinctive play style and unique mechanics that are both needed to conquer the machine (and its creator).
I liked some of the interesting ways they combined the two worlds, especially toward the end of the game. I’d buy some extra DLC if they expanded that in the future to explore more worlds and also have more of a chance to see the worlds come together.
Highly recommend! 3/3 ⭐ Exceeds expectations
Split Fiction
This split-screen adventure is tailored for two. Experience co-op gameplay where you’ll have to coordinate your actions and timing as well as work together to overcome challenges.
Satisfied with my ChatGPT year in review fortune (timeless) and the three themes for 2025 seem on point.
Amazed by how quickly my annual personal website work was completed this year. Credit to some key tools that helped jump me to lightspeed: ChatGPT for honing my ideas, then GitHub Copilot to execute on the concept. This deserves a longer form blog post.
Registered for my first 2026 trail race: Zion 100k in April! I haven’t run there before and am looking forward to the experience 🏃 www.vacationraces.com/ultras/zi…