First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!!!!!
I cannot believe it is already 2017.
My camera year is wrong…should say 2016, ignore that mishap. 
As I sat down on New Year’s Eve to sift through my memory jar- a bandwagon that I finally hopped on two years ago- I was amazed at how little I felt like I did, because of how quickly I felt the year had flown by. It was a blur for me. But as I dove into these colored pieces of paper, the many memories came flooding back….and a lot actually happened. It’s so easy for us to get wrapped up in the holiday bit at the end of the year, that we forget all the memories we made throughout the year.
So here are some of my most favorite memories- (in no particular order!)
*My 2016 Highlights*
Took my god daughter to see Trolls- “Sophie’s big girl movie date”- Trolls, went to a diner, and saw the Christmas Lights with my family.
Had a little Walking Dead Season 7 Premiere Party but… RIP Glenn still heartbroken: / haven’t watched an episode since then, but my party looked awesome. Read my post HERE!
Celebrated my grandmother’s 83rd birthday with a whole bunch of family.
I made a few job changes and had to bounce around a bit, which was a bit difficult but finally found a place where I am happy for now, it was for the better- I’m building a work family and have made some great friends. Read my post on “adulting” HERE!
Finished two short story series-On The Run & Love Conflicted (-premiered in 2015 but carried over into 2016)
Started a brand new series- Welcome Home (-first chapter premiered in 2016, rest will be continued in 2017)
My best friend Roe got engaged!!!!
Went on a massive family trip to Great Wolf Lodge and had a blast! (vlog will eventually get edited!)-Read my post HERE!
Why does my camera have the wrong year? How do I fix that?
Sophia Bush retweeted my tweet and my phone blew up….
My brother got married and he and his wife bought a house.
I entered one of my scripts into a writing contest! (although nothing came of it, it was a huge leap that I took, and I was really proud of myself for facing that fear.)
I got free movie passes for covering a story in my local theater, my best friend Jenny and I saw Finding Dory in 3D…because why not?
I’ve realized that I can overcome my anxiety on my own, but the help that I have received has been a gift I will continue to utilize.
My best friend and I finally saw Bethany Joy Lenz in concert and WE MET HER! #LifeGoal –Read my post HERE!
Fuller House seasons 1& 2 are killin’ the game #NetflixIsDangerous
I went for bridesmaid’s dresses for my friend Jenny’s wedding-I was asked to be her maid of honor last year.
I went on The Polar Express with my god daughter and other family members. (vlog will eventually get edited!)
I worked for a summer camp, and my kids made some really great story books for my creative writing class.
I hosted a Gilmore girls: A Year in the Life- Netflix revival….viewing party- Read my post HERE!
I got a vlog up on my YouTube channel, and have been vlogging more, but editing has been a slow process. I WILL GET THERE!
I finally got to pretend to be a YouTube vlogger and did a Mini “Vlogmas” from Dec. 23-Dec. 31 into 2017 (Stay Tuned!)
My brother and I started to shoot the first installment of our zombie short, but it got halted because…. #WeddingCraziness #BridalShowerCraziness
michelleleighwrites turned 3!!!!!!! Read my post HERE! (It’s turning 4 in a WEEK!!!!!!)
Justin Timberlake released new music & a video – Can’t Stop The Feeling! (he also produced the soundtrack to Trolls (What a beautiful, fun loving film, highly recommend seeing it!). Read my fangirl report HERE!
Valentine’s Day Girls Nite In with my girls.
Celebrated my Aunt Mary’s birthday with some dinner at her favorite Mexican restaurant and had some Pepsi- her favorite drink. Love you Aunt Mary, Miss you!
Bruno Mars new album, listening to it as I write. So obsessed! #24KMagic #Chunky #ThatsWhatILike #VersaceOnTheFloor #Finesse LISTEN
Rocked some obnoxious Christmas Lights for the holidays. #BestDecisionOfMyLife #5BucksWellSpent #ShoutOutToStrangerThings
Received some handmade Christmas cards from my students.
30th Birthdays Celebrations- We hosted a big family dinner for my sister in law and went on an AC family trip for my brother.
Family BBQ’s!!! #Cousins
Best Friend Weekend. – Even at 25, my best friend and I still keep our sleepover tradition going. It started off going to the Zumba class that my best friend teaches, then we had some dinner at her house (BBQ chicken my fav at their house hold-like old times), next we watched our favorite tv show One Tree Hill until 4 AM, Went for breakfast the next morning, got manicures, and shopped a bit. It was so nostalgic and it was just what we needed. #BestFriendMiniWeekend #RoshellWeekend
That Zumba class tho-I had been trying to get to one, forever!
Britney’s back bitches! #GLORY album is just….EPIC! Read my post HERE!
Rainbows.
Pineapple float- #SOTRENDY
Took my mom to see the Radio City Spring Spectacular- it was her mother’s day gift and it felt really great to be able to do that for her. What a brilliant show. Visually stunning!
Got hooked on Murder Mystery 13 Part Series American Gothic- so damn good! #SHOUTOUTTOBETHANYJOYLENZ
Started Stranger Things #NetflixIsDangerous
Attended my best friend’s engagement party.
Continued with the annual chop.
Dressed up in Hawaiian theme attire for my cousin’s birthday party.- Read my post HERE!
Finally got to rock the yellow, red, blue look I’ve wanted to try for forever! Read my post HERE!
After the chop, had to try out some new hair do’s – Reverse Space buns.
Marina Squerciati answered my tweet, (cuz we’re besties) ;). #thathashtagtho
My parents treated me to a massive birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant. Got my big gold number balloons too! #BlackAndGold #Family #Friends Read my post HERE!
That TWD finale tho. #WHOISIT? Read my feels HERE!
Started an unintentional tradition of taking massive group family photos/selfies.
Bridal expos with my bestie. #MaidofHonor #OnCall
My cousins from Florida surprised us with a quick visit!
Curvy Barbies (and other body shapes and sizes) are a thing! #FINALLY #Variety
Read my post HERE!
That *NSYNC picture. #reunion #myheart
Met our newest family member! My god daughter is a big sister!
Started watching a few new tv series- This Is Us (I have to catch up, I’m so behind) and Shades of Blue.
*****
Damn a lot can happen in a year. I am grateful for the blessings 2016 has given me. Of course it wasn’t all marshmallows and honey all the time, but I still fought through obstacles and made beautiful memories. Cheers to 2017, may it be beautiful and happy and healthy for all of you, filled with love and inspiration and success. See you soon friends!
*Most images are my own.*
-<3-
Michelle Leigh Writes 