Usually, at the end of each year, I’d put a (long) summary of the year. The highlights and the fun things I did. For 2017, I didn’t feel like writing it, nor did I have time to do so. So instead, I thought I’d just round up the things I want to remember from 2017, the good and bad.

Having my wisdom teeth removed under general anesthesia, because I was such a wimp. After putting it off for years, it felt good to have it done and dusted.

Becoming the Web Content Manager for Pustakalana.

Starting a new job in content marketing, finally feeling like I’d found ‘the one’ when it comes to my career.

Going through the stress and breakdowns of visa applications, but finally made it here.

Going to Bandung for one last time before I left Indonesia, to meet up with the lovely volunteers from Pustakalana.

Countless hugs, tears, and muttered goodbyes with my loved ones. Feeling the heartbreak of farewells, realizing there would be many important events I would have to miss in the future.

Moving to the UK, saying goodbye to LDR.

Meeting my good friend Katka in London, less than 12 hours after I landed.

Spending my first week after arriving in the UK at H’s parents’ house in Rhayader, and feeling so welcomed and loved. Exploring the area, and feeling relaxed for the first time in the year.

Going to the Hay Festival, and exploring this town of books with H.

Finally finding myself again after years of losing it. Starting to pick up my camera and take photos just because I loved it, after a long stretch of hiatus.

Frantically looking for a new apartment, endless rounds of viewing, days of packing until midnight, and moving into a new apartment.

Spending 2 weeks of the summer with my family and H’s, visiting a few towns around Wales and England.

Spending an amazing vacation with another good friend, Farah. Visiting Edinburgh, Brighton, Durdle Door with her. Chatting, laughing, and feeling nostalgic about our master’s days.

Visiting the amazing Arundel Castle, after having it on my list for years.

Celebrating my and H’s birthday in the Cotswolds (the first time we were able to celebrate it together, thanks to LDR).

Visiting my sister in Gothenburg, freezing my toes off when I got carried away upon experiencing snowfall for the first time. And also, meeting a friend in Linköping and being blown away by the beauty of Sweden.

Celebrating Christmas in Prague with H, my sister, and my friend. Other things included: exploring the beautiful city, lazy nights in spent watching movies, and laughing so much until my stomach hurt.

Visiting Budapest, walking many miles in the biting wind to explore Buda, and gasping many times at the view upon me.

Spending the last couple days of the year at H’s parents, the best way to unwind and relax.

Feeling grateful for 2017, and for being with this guy.

2017 was about surviving the less-than-ideal situations, jumping over a hurdle (I’m talking about you, immigration), taking care of myself, and finding my feet again.

Last year, I welcomed the new year with a sigh of relief, as the previous year had been incredibly hard and unforgiving.

This year, I’m welcoming 2018 with a fiery passion, a big smile, and an itch for an adventure.

2018, I’m ready.