2016 Reflections

As I re-read my 2016 Growth post, I laugh at the line, "With more consistency and time to breathe, I'll have more opportunities for fun." Yeah, that didn't really happen this year.

2016 was a hard year. It was the hardest

year I've ever lived through. Although my predictions were incorrect in fitting in more fun, "Growth" is an accurate summation for what I went through- complete with plenty of growing pains.

When I say 2016 was hard, I don't mean it was all bad. There was absolute devastation, but immense joy as well. Let's think back:

*In January, I celebrated 5 years with the MegaBug!
*Not long after, Shelby and I took our very first vacation together, exploring all corners of Florida!
*I turned 21 and planned a responsible day, finally renewing my passport.
*By June, I started a new business, MegAGLOW Marketing, with a partner and became completely self employed.
*Grandpa unexpectedly passed away on July 5, the day before his and Nanny's anniversary, from mesothelioma.
*In August, I opened Serendipity Studios in the Tannery Marketplace with my business partner and dear friend, Patti.
*On Sept. 13, Shelby and I closed on our adorable home, "Mellow Meadows."
*On Oct. 8, Shelby and I eloped under the apple trees in our backyard! We had a simple and beautiful ceremony, one that will be featured in the upcoming WRENzine!
*The day after, Oct. 9, I celebrated 3 years in business with MegaBug Photography.
*Later that month, my business partner and I decided to split MegAGLOW Marketing. As a result, I opened Nutmeg Media and am so proud of what I've accomplished in three months.
*Hosted Thanksgiving for the first time! It was so successful, Shelby and I have official inherited the Turkey Day Torch.
*My MegaBug wedding season concluded with 63 hours of coverage, an exponential increase over last year's 9!
*Visited Aunt Lou & Uncle Bill in Mystic, CT with Shelby earlier this month. I have never visited southern New England!
*Invited my parents and in-laws to Mellow Meadows for Christmas Eve. Shelby and I cooked a roast and decorated for the occasion. I even cut down our Christmas tree with Grandpa's saw! (We named the tree Ferdinand.)

Many incredible things happened that certainly proves 2016 to be my biggest year of growth so far. I may not have had as much time to take fun classes, but I did crochet Shelby a hat for Christmas! Living in a house has definitely allowed me the opportunity to cook, which I have taken full advantage of.

I'm happy 2016 happened, but even happier that it's about to end.