Year Wrap: December 2017

Instead of doing a “Monthly Wrap” for December, I’m doing a year wrap! Looking back, reflecting and preparing for an even better 2018. At first glance, 2017 did not feel like an eventful year. There were no major milestones for me, but after some reflection, I realized it was a pretty fun and accomplished year.

Here are some of the best things that happened this year:

MomoCon

I went to Atlanta’s MomoCon for the first time in May and cosplayed as Daria. There were a lot of great costumes at the event and fun things to do, including an impressive arcade hall and dance parties.

Travel

This year I did a lot of traveling across the United States. I revisited some places, like New York and Park City, Utah to see family and visited a couple places I had never been before. My first trip to Colorado with my boyfriend’s family was a great experience, taking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and unique cities of Denver and Boulder. I also visited Asheville, NC for the first time, a relaxed and down-to-earth city. Back in September I went to Charleston, SC on a bachelorette trip and had a great time.  Overall, I saw a lot of great places.

Bridesmaid

Speaking of the bachelorette trip to Charleston- I had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid for first time in one of my best friend’s weddings!

Blog growth and changes

Neptune Your Dial received a major makeover this year- including being renamed (previously Loner Shark) and getting a new logo. All these NYD changes have been very positive and the support and kind feedback from readers has made it that much better- thanks, guys! This blog has grown a lot this year and I’m grateful for it. I’ve also been focusing on content that is more personal to me, doing a number of Lonescapades this year, posts I’ve enjoyed sharing as a way of embracing solo experiences and the fun that can be had in solitude.

Read some great books

Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and Beryl Markham’s West with the Night are among my favorite reads this year. I also read The Fellowship of the Ring and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Both classics I’ve had on my list for a while.

Writing a novel

For National Novel Writing Month in November I began writing a fantasy novel. I am still working on it and hoping to finish the first draft at the beginning of the year.

Started a yoga practice and plant-based diet

In January of this year I joined a yoga studio and began my yoga journey. It’s hard to believe that I have been practicing yoga for almost a year. Through this my body has changed in surprising ways- becoming stronger physically and mentally. It has been exciting to see my body strengthen and become more flexible week by week. Witnessing these small, but consistent changes over the course of a year has been very rewarding.

I have also began eating more of a whole food, plant-based diet the past couple of months and at the beginning of January, I plan to commit to being fully vegan. These dietary changes have, so far, given me more energy and made me feel better overall. I’m excited for this new health journey!

Those are the highlights of the year! Thanks for tuning in!