2016 was one hell of a frigging ride. Here’s the cliff’s notes version of my year.

• Finally got a big girl job with things like retirement, vacation/sick time, and health insurance
• Ended my years long job search for a position in higher ed (I’ll stop whining now, I promise)
• Starting making ends meet (halle-fricking-llujah)
• Tried Zumba
• Three funerals, four losses. Can we talk about this for a minute? FOUR LOSSES IN A YEAR IS TOO DAMN MANY, OKAY??
• One wedding
• Gained a step-mom! My “family” has grown so much over the past 8 years. If you’re a part of that expansion, whether you’re on Mack’s side or my side, know that I love you <3
• Stepped into a Catholic church and did not immediately catch on fire (it took about ten minutes)
• Did my first podcast!
• Stopped drinking coffee (too much anxiety up in here)
• Presented at an annual, national conference in front of about ~60 strangers
• Got horrifying stage fright and one hell of a vulnerability hangover
• Vowed to get better at public speaking
• Got another dog named Pippa (though something  like Gollum is more fitting). But boy is she cute!
• Traveled to:
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Maidens, VA
  • Orlando. FL/HOGWARTS/ DIAGON ALLEY
  • Atlanta, GA
• Pitched my book idea to an agent
• Decided to actually write the book no matter what
• Reunited with a long lost friend
• Made new friends
• Read oodles of books – 48 to be exact!
• Bought a house- we close sometimes this month (hopefully (the date has been pushed (but it’s not our fault))).

I’m late to the 2016 reflection party, but life happens. Stay tuned for a post outlining my goals for 2017!