I've been really quiet for a while but I promise, I've been keeping busy. I can't believe its 2018. Time has a way of flying past us. Christmas and New Years were fun and we got to spend both with good friends. A lot of partying and unhealthy food. I feel I need a cleanse. I wanted to write this post in two parts - looking back at 2017 and looking forward to 2018. Looking back at 2017 2017 was a good year, a year of change, a year of learning, and a year of reflection. I had recently joined a new team at Microsoft working on an area I truly care about. I got to learn a lot, make new friends, attend some fun conferences and gain some valuable experience. At the same time, I did realize the challenges of the space I was working in and learned to appreciate them. On the personal front, I had a good family thing going, was trying out new hobbies and making new friends. I made some big decisions - deciding to leave Microsoft, deciding to take a break and do something different, and taking the time to reconnect with myself. At the start of my break, I made a long list of all the things I wanted to do and set some realistic deadlines for myself. I traveled alone and got to experience a small piece of the world with my mind completely free. I spent quality time with all my parents and with myself and came back home for the holidays (a white Christmas) to a husband and dog who love me despite/because of all my quirks. I even made some purple cabbage coconut soup. The end of the year was slow and relaxing. I guess I needed the time post travel to just recuperate. We did do a trip to Vancouver where we ate some pretty awesome macaroons. Apparently, this is a Canadian branch of the place that invented macaroons in Paris? I've added this to my list of dishes to try making. Volunteers to eat failed and successful attempts are welcome. Looking forward to 2018 The new year finds me with new energy. After ushering in 2018, I finally got down to business and started volunteering. It's amazing how many opportunities are out there. I have a chance to pick and choose. I've also picked up a few projects on my list and will be working on them in between volunteering and beginning job exploration. Side note since I'm distracted: The below pic is not a project, but check out the crochet slipper socks I made. Moving on to longer term 2018, I don't usually do resolutions but I do have a few goals for this year. Top of mind are to continue volunteering and thinking about what I want to do long term. Find a job that I enjoy and care deeply about what I am doing. And yes, always continue finding reasons to be happy and stay fit. I'll keep you all posted off and on as the year goes along. Happy New Year and wish you all happiness, joy, success and love in 2018!