Don’t ask me how but somehow I forgot to do one of my trusty year-end retrospects for 2015. So now coming at you, a two-fer. Here are the highlights of what happened these past two years.
2015
I became obsessed with podcasts. Now in addition to Stuff You Should Know, This American Life, Serial, and Here’s the Thing, I also listen to How Did This Get Made, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Gilmore Guys, The X-Files Philes, and Crimetown.
I went to Seattle to see a college friend. And had an awesome time hiking, eating, and visiting the science fiction museum.
I went to Boston for a Beantown birthday. With a side trip to Maine.
I moved back to New York, then went to Paris a week later. It was insane and exhausting and wonderful.
I got to know New York again. Especially the museums, ramen, and gyms.
I started rewriting my paranormal teen romance. I used NaNoWriMo 2015 as an excuse. More than a year later, I’m still working on it. Sigh. My goal is to have a complete draft by May 1.
I had a Canadian Christmas. Museums, Montreal bagels, and snow. What more could you ask for, eh?
2016
I started off the year with a cruise. And it turned me into a cruise person. What I wouldn’t give for a warm saltwater bath and yummy Greek yogurt chicken salad right now.
I got laid off. This wasn’t something I talked about on my blog because it felt weird. But I was let go early last year. It was a shock (despite all the red flags), but luckily I had savings and a few freelance gigs to tide me over until I got a new job in May. And by the way —
I got a new job. I’m a copywriter at a corporation, which is quite a change from the startup world. But it pays the bills and I’m learning a ton.
I went to Paris again. It was beautiful as always although this time I might have overdosed on cheese.
I went to Boston again. Hiking, a gin and rum distillery, and lots of tasty eats.
I wrote a bunch of articles. I continued (and continue) to write for Mental Floss, WetInk, and Wordnik.
I went to my brother’s wedding in Las Vegas and was extremely happy. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, except I will say that I:
- Had a fabu dress
- Gave a kick-ass toast
- Had lots of fun with family
- Ate too much
- Got wasted on one old-fashioned
- Adore my new sister-in-law
I voted and was extremely disappointed. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions, going from the joy of a wedding to post-election desolation.
I had some friend-filled holidays. Life goes on, right? And that means friends, family, and getting back to work.
What was your 2016 like?