Before we ring in the new year, I wanted to reflect on the good things from the past year. Here are my highlights, the best of 2017.
Met my reading goal
Last January, I set goals for myself for 2017. That’s not really something I had done before, but after reflecting on what I wanted and what would make me happy, I set a goal to read 15 books this year. A goal that I successfully met last night!
Next year, I’m going for 20.
Finally got the hang of chopsticks
This one is silly, but true! Earlier this year I discovered World Street Kitchen, a place in Minneapolis that serves amazing street food. They have a rice bowl that is worth learning how to use chopsticks for.
Explored my city more
I don’t have one specific memory for this, but throughout 2017 I made time to go explore unfamiliar places and photograph interesting things. Some highlights include me (kind of) understanding how the skyway system is laid out, and walking up 9 flights of stairs to get a sunset photo from the top of a parking garage.
Bought a record player
Started a new job
I’ve been at my new job for 8 months now. I love that my job feels worthwhile, and I get to do a variety of web and graphic design things. No two days are ever the same.
Got back into photography
Another one of those 2017 goals was to set aside time for photography. I always have my phone and will Instagram anything that presents itself as interesting, but this was more about dusting off the ol’ DSLR and making time to go out and just take pictures and practice more. Photography has always been a hobby of mine, but I felt like I was relying too heavily on my iPhone camera. I was reminded how much I enjoy photography.
In case you missed my last post, I recently got to do my first styled photo shoot, with some local creatives. Check out some of my favorites from that shoot.
Booked my first (paid) freelance photography gig
Besides taking pictures for fun, I also take photos for work. Because of some of the professional photos I took, I landed a paid gig! my first ever. It was scary, exciting and I learned a lot. Now I am trying to figure out where to go from here with freelancing but I know I want to do more of it.
Went to London
2017 was a whirlwind of a year, in so many ways. It seems like forever ago, but back in March, Aaron and I traveled to London! I fell in love with the place immediately, and may or may not be currently plotting how I can move there 🙂 There’s just so much history and wonderful old buildings to look at.

just look at the glorious brick textures!

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Can’t wait to see what 2018 holds for me. What is on your best of 2017 list?
Cheers to a new year!