Happy 2017!

Happy New Year! We’re back on the blogosphere and hoping to get back to weekly blogs after a “life-gets-in-the-way” hiatus.

This week, we’re taking a look at 2016 and sharing our hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. We’ll ask each other some important questions, so grab a chair and get to know two of your favorite writers!

What is one of your favorite memories from 2016?

Erin: Camping with my family on the shores of Lake Superior and then going to Duluth with my best friend to visit my cousin and her boyfriend. Pretty awesome!

Any year motto or life lesson from 2016?

Emily: Life is too short to stress about the small stuff.

Erin: Be kind. To everyone else and to yourself. You never know what kind of battle someone else is fighting.

Tell about a favorite book you read this year

Emily: More of an anecdote book, Chicken Soup for the Soul series, to help keep some semblance of positivity in a negative world.

Erin: Separated at Birth. There is also a documentary, Twinsters, about two young women who were adopted from Korea as infants. They find out years later that they are identical twins separated at the orphanage. It’s really a sweet story of two sisters and how even time and distance can’t break their bond.

What was your favorite television show this year?

Emily: I tend to live in the past and watch old shows from decades gone by but in terms of current the TV, Law & Order, SVU. Always SVU.

Erin: I made best friends with a new show this year – Heartland, a show about a horse ranch in Canada. My current obsession continues to be The Fosters, a show about a blended family and their brood of foster, adopted, and biological children. My absolutely favorite TV show is and probably always will be Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Joss Whedon rules.

Pick three words to describe 2016.

Emily: Not sure anyone can say the words I’d use to describe last year.

Erin: Challenging, inspiring, and life-changing.

Any accomplishments in 2016?

Erin: Mostly personal accomplishments that I am majorly proud of myself for. I also published my first article in a university magazine!

Emily: Running my 6th half marathon on my 36th birthday.

What was one of your favorite hobbies/activities in 2016?

Erin: Biking. It’s my favorite form of exercise. For downtime, I like to draw, color, and build houses with Lego. Don’t laugh! It’s a proven stress reliever!

Emily: Write, watch mindless old television series

 

What are you looking forward to in 2017?

Erin: We’re planning a vacation up to Duluth in June which I’m really excited about! I’m also excited to watch my nephews and the kids I teach learn new things. I’m also interested to see what the year brings me professionally.

Emily: I’m looking forward to starting over and beginning a new chapter in my life after the chaos of 2016.

 

What do you want to do more of in 2017?

Erin: I want to do more yoga and meditation to help myself relax. I want to read more and worry less (easier said than done!) I’d also like to connect with others more and get out and explore!

Emily: Find happiness.

 

If money and time weren’t an issue, what is one thing you would want to do in 2017?

Erin: I’d like to take a month-long vacation! I’d definitely go to California and Canada for sure.

Emily: Spend a lot of unused vacation time.

 Do you have any resolutions for 2017?

Erin: Set aside time for personal and professional growth.

Emily: Manage my stress level.

We’re looking forward to 2017! How are you all preparing for the new year? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!