2016 began on the shores of Disney's Polynesian Resort beach. A little different to the beginning of 2017, but we'll get to that later. I finished my year working at Pizza Planet and farewelled my fellow Pizza Planeteers.
I thanked my boss and spent my last Disney day with Kyra.
Some of her family (my second adopted American family) were there too.
The next month I traversed America with Samantha.
Click here to find out more about the journey.
I ticked off a few bucket list items:
- Hailed a cab in New York.
- Gambled ($1) in Vegas.
- Downed a lick of bourbon in Kentucky.
- Ate cheese curds in Wisconsin.
In 2016 I discovered long distance friendships are tough. Paige lives in Kentucky.
Kyra lives in Wisconsin.
But we stay in touch with lots of international mail and Skype dates.
Here's where I keep all their beautiful letters, heartfelt cards and handwritten notes.
2016 was a time of career shift. I spent seven months with the wonderful people of High Street Family Doctors as a temporary medical receptionist. It was a sick time.
I moved on to the entertaining life where I enjoy outings with fairies, elves and potatoes. I also dabbled in kids fitness instructing.
2016 saw a return to Sally K Dance and Blue Mountains Musical Society. Through West Side Story and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat I gained valuable new friendships and strengthened old ones.
The return to dancing assisted with one of my biggest goals of 2016 - to lose the holiday weight I'd packed on during my year in America. For much of 2015 there was something there that wasn't there before - a muffin top.
Click here to read about the gains.
It took 10 months, but I did it. My clothes fit again... except the ones I'd stretched out during my plump days. Here's me on the left on one of those days.
And here I am with a lot less flab and maybe a little more fab.
2016 was a year of births, deaths and marriages. My high school squad welcomed our cutest new member, Michaela.
Kyra's sister Katlyn had the gorgeous Elyse. I stay updated through mail from Katlyn and Snapchats from Kyra.
Amongst the many celebrities mourned by the world, my world lost some treasured family members. They included Great Aunty Bet, Nanna and Great Aunty Iris who each left their generous and caring lives behind. I'm forever grateful to Aunty Iris for letting me holiday in her home all those school breaks.
I was privileged to witness the union of two couples.
Ashleigh and Danny Carrasco.
Here mum rescued the literally lit marriage certificate.
Dani and Josip Muller. 
An opportunity for the fabulous Forever New Crew to get dolled up.
Not content with remaining in New South Wales I jumped on a plane to Bendigo to surprise my old Disney roomie, Crystal, for her birthday.
I also got to hang out with Taylor and Jack.
Another old Disney roomie, Anna, joined some of my Sydney adventures.
In just a few days Crystal, Taylor, Anna, Kenzie and I will join in Sydney for an epic apartment 22103 reunion. Stayed tuned for our shenanigans.
2016 was filled with family time. There were meals with mum.
Alicia and Carlos thought they might move back to Australia, but ended up living in New York a month later.
It did mean I could watch part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade over Skype.
Grandpa was recognised for his legendary life when he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal. He is pretty much life goals.
I began 2017 twice. First with my high school buddy Alicia (aka Leesh). She'd recently endured ACL surgery, so she was poised to ring in the new year on her couch and I joined her.
We had a marathon of our favourite show from school - The O.C. We witnessed the blossoming love of Seth and Summer and the doomed love of Marissa and Ryan. Here he can be seen in his signature attire with his only smile during the entire brooding series.
Leesh skipped forward to the New Year's Eve episode. Much of this episode we also fast forward, but not the slow motion running at the end. At our 11:50pm, and their 11:59pm, Ryan, in all his bad boy glory, burst into Oliver's NYE bash toward the troubled Marissa.
We'd made it through the episode and were ready for a countdown and to be wowed by the coverage of Sydney's fireworks. The hosts missed the 10 second countdown and the fireworks were bursts of disappointment accompanied by a strange mix of songs.
Leesh and I then reminisced about all the high school parties and the old days, set to the soundtrack of old school artists, like Usher and Sisqo. We realised tonight's festivities were a calmer, less populated version of NYE '05.
The '16 party wrapped and I was home for the first time in 2017.
I was pleased to finally have a New Year's kiss.
Then today I began 2017 again via Messenger video with Kyra. I got a proper 10 second countdown this time. We cheersed empty glasses, which isn't bad luck because they didn't clink. Plus my glass is from Milwaukee (Kyra's hometown).
We had a boogie to our favourite song - Dark Lord Funk.
Do yourself a favour and
click here to listen to the magical tune. I solemnly swear it's incredible. We chatted about life and plans for the year ahead.
My big plans for 2017 will be revealed some time soon. The year ahead is set to be brimming with adventure.
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