The
year 2016 brought with it so much. So much Love. So much Adventure.
So much Growth. As the New Year is here I look back at the best that 2016
had to offer. The following are my Lists of Top 5’s.
MOMENTS
(in no particular order)
5.
Employment:
At the start of 2016 I began my stint as a long-term substitute in
fourth grade. That was certainly a learning experience and I am grateful for
those students and team of educators. 2016 also brought full-time employment
back into my life. Working for Jewish Vocational Service as a Disability
Navigator has so far proven to be a well-accepted employment offer. Here’s to
hoping that remains true throughout 2017.
4.
My Birthday:
Ghost tours, lavish drinks (tasteables and otherwise), and Brie
cheese at the Stanley Hotel made for a unique way to celebrate my last birthday
as a twenty-something. I excitedly await my next visit to The Stanley and
will forever expect candles in Brie cheese on my birthday. Read about it here.
3.
Relocation:
Halfway
through the year my boyfriend relocated to Kansas City to be with me. I am
forever grateful for his willingness to transfer his work and his life. Not
without challenge, having him here has been a lesson in love, an adventure into
new routines, and a glimpse into the future. Read about it here.
2.
Surprise:
With
help, successfully pulling off a surprise for my boyfriend definitely makes the
list. Knowing how happy he was to have his best friends with him in his new
home and to share with them his life in Kansas City made for many happy
hearts.
1.
Traditions:
I
have recently realized that my family has more holiday traditions than I
thought. Independence Day on the lake, Santa-Cali-Gon over Labor
Day weekend, singing the 12 Days of Christmas on Christmas Eve, and
Christmas morning coffee cake are some such traditions. My most favorite
of all though, the Christmas lighting ceremony at the Plaza, I have missed out
on for the last number of years. This year, not only was I back to tradition,
but I had my boyfriend there to experience the magic of the lights with my
family and me. It has been with great gratitude that I thank him for enduring
such fantastical family traditions.
PARTIES/REUNIONS
(in no particular order)
5.
Happy Birthday, Dwight/ Welcome to Kansas City, Jon Party:
Family
and friends gathered for 12 hours of fun to help celebrate my dad turning 60
and to help welcome my boyfriend to Kansas City. It was a party to remember,
for sure.
4.
Harry Potter Party/ Jon’s Birthday:
My
best friend and her family hosted a very elaborate Harry Potter Party complete
with Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom, a Quidditch match in the backyard, House
Cups and a Sorting Hat, Horcruxes, chocolate frogs, butter beer, a Marauder’s
map of their house, a birthday cake, and a marathon of the movies.
3.
Wayfare Reunion:
The
nostalgia hits hard when I return to my Wayafre family and I am embraced with
open arms. That is love of God in the flesh. Read about it here.
2.
Narnia Christmasgiving Dinner:
I
love when my framily group gathers together. It is always full of laughs, food,
drinks, and games.
1. UCM
Roomie Reunion:
I
had the chance to reunite with my college roommates over Labor Day weekend. The
last time we were together was ages ago and it was such fun to be together again
and laugh for a while.
BOOKS
(in no particular order)
5.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, J.K. Rowling:
So
fun to revisit the series and fall even more in love with it.
4.
Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi:
An
interesting format for an interesting topic. This is a new favorite.
3.
Norwegian Wood, Haruki Murakami:
So
far, I enjoy everything I read by this author.
2.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs:
A
fun and quick journey into a world of wonder.
1.
The BFG, Roald Dahl:
Such
fun language and adventure. I even have my very own BFG in real life now.
Not to be left off of any lists are the following memories in pictures:
Here's to 2017!
