Reflections on 2016
Coming off a very busy and special 2015 (moved into a new apartment, got married, traveled through Europe, adopted a puppy), I thought for sure nothing could top it, that is until 2016 rolled around and I quit my job and moved halfway around the world. I can say without hesitation that 2016 has certainly been a wild ride, and since this blog serves as a time capsule of memories for me, I thought it would be fun to reflect on some of the more unforgettable moments from the year and look forward to what’s to come.
2016 Moments:
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
The beginning of 2016 started on a very healthy foot, literally. My husbands’ family and I traveled to Florida to compete in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
Each year, Disney hosts a long weekend where running fanatics can put themselves to the test with four straight days of running through and around Disney World, all leading up to the final race of the weekend, a full marathon.
I’ve run a few half marathons in the past, but I’ve never done so with other back to back races. So, I challenged myself and completed the first three races of the week: a 5K, 10K and the half, conquering a total of 22.4 miles.
My husband and his family completed what Disney calls the “Dopey Challenge” all four races – 48.6 miles. All back to back. And yes. We did this for fun.
First trip to Chicago
In 2016, I wanted to check an American city off my bucket list that I had never traveled to.
Hello Chicago! I ate deep dish pizza, saw a Cubs game, took the river boat tour, visited a brewery and had some rather delicious steak here and here. Chicago, I will be back.
Diner en Blanc
About two months before we were set to leave for Hong Kong, Dave and I attended one of Philadelphias most amazing and enchanting nights of the year: Diner en blanc.
We just so happened to attend on the fifth anniversary of the soiree and spent the night dancing on the Museum of Art steps, arguably one of Phialdelphias most iconic locations.
I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate our final weeks in the City of Brotherly love.
Athletes supporting other athletes
In 2016 I played my first-ever game of bocce. Our team, I don’t think you’re ready for this bocce, went on to the final round and lost our one and only game right at the end. Want to the know the best part though?
We smoked all the other teams in the drinking competition and scored ourselves free tickets to a Philadelphia Union game (my first one), and even got to meet the team on the field afterwards. I'm sure my mom has had prouder moments.
Launched a blog
For many years now, I’ve wanted to start blogging, but was lacking spirit and direction. Uprooting myself from my comfort zone and moving around the world reignited this passion and has allowed me to share stories in a new way. What I’ve also loved about to home with love is the ability to simply remember. So often I get caught up in the challenges of everyday life, and being in a foreign country, that I forget how lucky I am. Sometimes I forget what it felt like to see the Big Buddha for the first time, or what Stanley Beach looked like from the top of the twin peaks. I never want to forget a single moment of this incredible time in my life. And now I don’t have to.
Celebrated one year of marriage
They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has never felt more true for Dave and I. I don’t often talk about him on this blog, but celebrating one year of marriage to my best friend is worth mentioning.
Because it just keeps getting better.
Moved to Hong Kong
Obviously, the biggest moment of all, moving to Hong Kong. For nearly three months I’ve been trying to put in to words what it’s like, not only living here, but how it has already changed me.
I’ve tried so many new things, eaten new foods, (attempted) to speak a new language, made new friends and am hoping to soon start some volunteer projects. I am finally starting to feel like this isn’t just some long vacation that I’ll eventually come home from. I feel like I am home.
Where to next? Bali dreams.
We’re traveling to Bali in 2017! Coming this April, Dave and I are venturing to Indonesia. Ever since seeing Eat Pray Love, I’ve had a small obsession with Bali, and now I will get experience it firsthand.
Something tells me my reflections from 2017 will be much more interesting. Happy new year to all of my friends and family, near and far.