Last year I started a small tradition of writing down twenty-something things of the year. It was so eye-opening and so pure to me to see what this year brought, which experiences influenced me, and which stories I will bury in the backyard of my mind. Don’t throw away your Christmas tree just yet (in Ukraine, we put it up closer to New Years so having the tree up until the end of January is totally normal). With a tiny bit of a delay but a warm heart, I present to you 27 things - some small, some big, some life-changing - the year 2017.
- I brought in the year surrounded by some calm and happy people, celebrating and hoping for the great 2017 ahead. For that night I was able to leave the fact that I had to work the next morning behind and truly enjoy myself by the fire. Good, good times.
- Worked all through the New Year’s Day, trying to survive on the misery of the people around me and much-needed junk food from Popeyes.
- Went a little ‘Gossip Girl’ and put together a game of Assassins for my staff. Brought in my Instax and took pictures of everyone, hung those on their necks...So. Much. Fun.
- Packed Andrew and started off on a journey to Ukraine. For the first time in many years that we’ve known each other I finally showed Andrew where I grew up.
- Watched Andrew teach my mom and my grandma what mimosas are and blew their minds a bit.
- Got into Kombucha and am still questioning a lot of things about it (enjoying it in the meantime). Wouldn’t it be nice to get a special serum that keeps your insides up and running? WD40 for the body.
- Let our guards down and let strangers into our house with the help of Airbnb. Crazy to think that we hosted over 400 people in less than a year. So many stories - so many experiences made.
- Traveled to Asheville, NC and found a Champagne Bookstore where I want my remains to be scattered upon my death. I am planning on drinking champagne and reading books in the mountains in my afterlife.
- Released a very dear-to-my-heart piece about a badass woman who is creating a magical change in my hometown. In case you missed it - you can read it here.
- Got my first ever DSLR camera and am still treating it like precious cargo. It’s so funny how you dream of getting something, finally get it, and are so terrified of doing anything ‘cause your long-time dreams that finally come true are scary.
- Traveled to Toronto, Canada and realized how much I miss living in a big city. You are beautiful, Toronto. Just beautiful.
- Took a day trip to see Niagara Falls! Big beautiful nature sometimes makes me think of how small and irrelevant everything in our lives is. Niagara Falls’ majestic presence left me thoughtless.
- Cut most of my hair off without telling people about my intentions. Summer in the South was great with short hair. The look on Andrew’s face when he didn’t recognize me was even better.
- Got my teeth professionally cleaned for the first time! I was so naive in my excitement - that thing is actually unpleasant.
- Decided to bring in my 26th birthday by learning how to roller skate. Now I am a proud owner of a pair of gorgeous skates and very minimal knowledge on how to actually use them.
- Lost over 35 pounds.
- Showed my mom the city of her dreams - NYC. Also surprised her a couple of times by bringing in her former Peace Corps Volunteers. It was great. I like surprising people.
- After 2.5 years of being legally married Andrew and I finally had a chance to introduce our families in person. There were no casualties.
- Celebrated two years of wordly! It was lame. I’ll do better for year number three.
- Left Nashville behind for a few days and had an unforgettable time with some of the best people I know in Miami, FL. We drank drinks, we sang songs, we sat on the beach, and talked about everything and anything. Memories that will be in my heart forever.
- Had to say goodbye to one of my favorite jobs - being a manager at the Hostel. It was hard and still is.
- Started working for a Tech Company and suddenly realized that I am now officially a ‘woman in tech.’ Kinda cool. My office is incredible and it bleeds ‘millennial.’ Clearly, I can’t get enough.
- We took a leap and rescued a puppy. Or what is that cheesy thing everyone says? The puppy rescued us? It might be true. Godric Gryffindor (or Gryff for short) is the best furry friend a family could ask for (or he will be once his training is complete).
- Attended the most badass wedding where a Chewbacca was playing a cello; where guests and newlyweds alike smiled the whole evening and not just for the pictures; where the reception room was decorated as a Great Hall. I have no idea why I wasn’t the one at the altar.
- Did not go Trick or Treating but dressed up in one of the best costumes I’ve ever had. You know when you put something on and you are just feeling it? Feeling yourself? I guess a pair of tight mermaid leggings and a red colored wig is what my inner Alisa needs sometimes.
- Participated in a Secret Santa that was held amongst Ukrainian Expats living in the USA. Funny thing: sometimes, even if you’ve never met the person you are sending a gift to, coming from the same country unites you to the point where you actually give and receive gifts you love.
- Went on a limb and created the most hilarious Holiday Card we’ve ever done (of course, if I may say so myself). To be honest: not the best picture but the energy of the place, the energy of the human and the puppy around me makes this one one for the books.
