I realize I should have done this about 10 days ago, but I still think reflection is a good thing… even if it’s aided by a silly survey. 2017 was a damn blur of a year, but let’s talk about it.
What did you do in 2017 that you’ve never done before?
I took a redeye flight. I visited Athens, Greece. I went to a Turskish wedding- they have fireworks. I went to a traditional Indian wedding- they are beautiful and colorful and involve dancing behind the groom riding in a white horse. I tried vegetarianism, and it stuck. Okay- I’m flexible with fish. On that note, I ate caramelized octopus in Greece, and it was delicious. I got a tattoo with color. I acquired a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law.
Ooh! I did yoga with goats!
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Crap. Did I make those? I did! Let’s revisit:
I did maintain a consistent yoga practice. I did read more than I did in 2016. I did slightly better with money (I think). I think I did better with complementing and congratulating people. I felt happier overall, so that helps. I’m a little on the fence about whether I was more present and took more time to reflect. The bullet journaling thing definitely did not stick. I feel like 2017 was a bit of crazy year. There was so much happening so often that I don’t know that I let anything sink in.
I did not start cross-stitching again. I probably didn’t listen to more music. I blame Pod Save America. I’m obsessed. I’m still struggling with a creative outlet. I did go to some rallies and protests, and I plan to do the same this year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get involved in some campaigns.
You’ll have to go back and read the linked post for any of that to make sense.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope! Maybe this year. SOMEONE MAKE ME AN AUNT!
Did anyone close to you die?
No. Thank goodness.
What places did you visit?
Portland, OR
Istanbul, Turkey
Bursa, Turkey
Athens, Greece
Grand Lake, CO
NYC
What would you like to have in 2018 that you didn’t have in 2017?
Legs that are the same length. Jk. That will never happen for me.
I actually feel pretty content.
What dates from 2017 will be etched in your memory forever?
January 21st – The Women’s March
August 6th- Harrison’s brother’s wedding
September 30th- My sister’s wedding
What was your biggest achievement this year?
Not murdering anyone at my sister’s wedding.
What was your biggest failure?
Maybe that I still work where I do and that I make zero progress in finding a new place of employment. I mean… it’s fine, mostly. At least I’m in a position to be picky. Unfortunately, I’m in a position to be complacent and lazy, too.
Did you suffer from illness or injury?
2017 was a pretty healthy year.
What was the best thing you bought?
My record player. It has bass.
Where did most of your money go?
It’s still food. That didn’t change.
What did you get really, really excited about?
The Womens’ March.
Eating tomatoes and olives in Turkey and Greece. It’s the little things.
What song will always remind you of 2017?
Hmmm… I couldn’t get enough of “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers this year.
Compared to this time last year, are you a) happier or sadder, b) thinner or fatter, c) richer or poorer?
Let’s see…
I’m definitely happier.
I don’t care if I’m thinner or fatter, but I’m probably about the same. However, I’m definitely stronger. You should feel my biceps.
I wish I were richer than last year. I’m probably about the same. I guess there’s something to be said for consistency.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I would have relaxed more. It was a fairly stressful year.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry. Again, it was a stressful year.
How did you spend Christmas?
Harrison and I went to New York to visit his family like we do every year. I was kind of tired of family obligated travel by that point, but it ended up being a great trip. We went to The Met, we saw a great comedy show (Janeane Garofalo was there again), and ate some delicious vegetarian and vegan food.
What was your favorite TV program?
I love television. So much good TV. I think I watched Stranger Things 2 in just two or three days. I’m so happy Will & Grace is back!
What was the best book you read?
“Shrill” by Lindy West. I loved it!
What did you want that you got?
A new tatttooooooo!!!!!!!
What did you want and not get?
An new mattress. Maybe this year.
What was your favorite film of 2017?
3 Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
31! I took the day off work, and then went to see Lady Gaga! Not too shabby.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Same answer as last year: If Hillary Clinton had been elected President.
Who kept you sane?
Harrison. It’s always Harrison.
Who did you miss?
I got to see my grandparents at my sister’s wedding, but as I get older and realize they aren’t going to be around forever, I miss them quite a bit. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make the drive to see them in the Spring.
Who was the best new person you met?
I don’t know that I met anyone I hadn’t met before, but I was able to get to know some acquaintances better. I feel like I have quite a few people in my life that I can now consider friends.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.
Cutting out meat is possible and really great.
Show us one of your favorite photos from the year.
This picture makes me so happy. This is a picture of me and Harrison’s family, and our new extended Turkish family. It feels like such a special thing to be even a little bit connected to such beautiful people in such a beautiful part of the world. 
Like a $!*#&@? Lady 
Published by