17 reflections from 2017

2017 was a really hard year. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. It's pretty common across the internet to refer to this year as a dumpster fire, and I quite agree. Beyond what's happening throughout the world, personally this year was rough. However, it'll be over in less than 48 hours. So rather than go through everything that was terrible, I want to focus on the bits that were pretty good.

1. To kick the year off, I watched my dad get remarried! They've been engaged and living together for 3 years, so it was wonderful to witness them finally tie the knot. Athena is a wonderful match for my dad. Her quiet nature and calm demeanor is a perfect balance for my father. It was a real blessing to see them so happy together. Plus, I am technically no longer an only child and gained 3 brand new step-brothers.
2. This year, my old roommate and I made a bunch of new friends with our upstairs neighbors. They had us over for a bunch of parties and introduced us to a really great group of girls. Making friends post-college has proven to be pretty difficult, but I'm grateful for them for embracing us.
3. We celebrated my grandfather's 80th birthday! Nearly all of my dad's family was there for the event, and it was so nice to spend time with my cousins that I rarely see. My grandma is one of the best people in the entire world, and I really don't see her enough. Plus, two fo the great-grandbabies were there and getting to cuddle with them is always a treat!
4. I flew down to Houston to visit one of my very best friends from college. It's so weird not living near each other since we graduated a year and a half ago, and it was really fun to go visit her! It was also my first ever trip to Texas, which crosses another state off the list for me. We had such amazing food, and got to see a lot of the city. I can't wait to go back next year. She also planned a visit to see me this month, and though it was not quite what either of us had in mind, it was still so, so good to see her.
5. My friend Ben moved back to town, and I've spent so much time hanging out with him. He's one of the most loving people I know. Being around him is always a guaranteed good time, no matter what the plan is.
6. I made some steps on the path of self-discovery. I think I know what my next plan is, and I received a lot of positive responses and support from family and friends about the decision.
7. My roommate of three years, sadly, moved out but my best friend since age 13 moved in! She's the best roommate in the world and always laughs when I say I'm a slob compared to her. I'm glad we can still get along while living together, and I'm happy I get to see her everyday. 
8. I listened to all the Harry Potter books on audio. It had been so long since I reread them, and I forgot how much joy they brought into my life. I can't wait to relisten every year.
9. I went on an amazing family vacation to Smith Mountain Lake. It had been so long since the family had been together, and it was my first time seeing my aunt since her cancer diagnosis. She is, thankfully, in remission right now and doing very well. It was a fantastic week and I really appreciated how great a week off is when you work full time.
10. I started going to therapy. It was one of my resolutions for 2016, but I'm proud of myself for finally taking the step. It's a work in progress, but I'm prioritizing my mental health because I deserve it. My family and friends have also been really supportive of me starting this journey.
11. My friends and I went to the Bastille concert this year and it was an amazing day! Before the show, we went to get dinner, and the lead singer happened to be at the restaurant! We got a picture with him and although we were probably the 10th people to ask, it was a great memory. Plus after leaving the restaurant there was a gathering of golden retrievers! They had all finished some certification and honestly, I nearly evaporated on the spot. Oh yeah and the show was great too.
12. My former roommate, Deanna, got a job offer in NYC and we celebrated her accomplishments with a going away party and a really fun weekend at homecoming. Saying goodbye to her was hard, but later in the year I got to visit her and see her totally thriving. It brought so much joy and love to my heart to see her succeed after all the difficulties she's faced, and I can't wait to go back again!
13. I turned 24! Making it another year is a lot of work, and I had quite a nice birthday. 
14. My roommate and I successfully hosted a Halloween party and a Friendsgiving which were really lovely events. It was so nice to cook, decorate the apartment, and have people over. It made me feel like a true adult.
15. I had a great Thanksgiving with my family. I baked an apple pie and helped my mom with the mashed potatoes (I am slowly encroaching on her territory). My friend Natalie was able to join my family since she's in the same city. On Black Friday, we were able to spend the afternoon together and visit the Magic Gardens, which I never been to before!
16. I saw John Mulaney's show. He's my favorite comedian, and I was so upset that he wasn't coming to Pittsburgh. However, I bought tickets to a Philadelphia show and it was so worth it. His show was amazing, and I really hope I get to see one of his future tours. Plus two of my aunts and my uncle came up too. They all laughed at how I was spending a weekend with the grownups. I was also able to see two very good friends that weekend, which really put the cherry on top.
17. I am healthy (mostly, but the broken ankle is healing!). I am employed with health insurance. I can afford to pay rent and buy groceries. I have family and friends who love me. I am infinitely grateful to my parents who have consistently proven how wonderful they are this past year. My friends also are some of the best people in the world, and I am lucky to know them.

Here are a selection of some of my favorite moments from 2017:

I cannot wait to say goodbye to 2017. I certainly hope 2018 has much better things in store.