Wow has this been an eventful year. From getting a certification to walking on a glacier to making lifelong friends, I have so much to write about. Many of us tend to focus on the bad but there was so much good this year. Here are what I considered to be the main highlights of my 2017.

1. I went to my first Paint Nite

Paint Nite is where an artist teaches you how to recreate their painting while you’re drinking wine and whatever other alcoholic beverage you choose. I went with some colleagues and we all produced our own masterpiece.

 

2. I got the “Crazy Bunny” award at work

We all need a little bit of motivation at work. This wasn’t an official company award, but considering I was one of only 3 or 4 people who got one, it counted nonetheless.

3. I made lifelong friends

Surbhi and Premsheela. The Tapey Girls. They helped me get through this year more than they know.

4. My niece got married

My eldest cousin’s daughter and I grew up together because there is only a 5 year difference between us. I always thought I’d get married before her but hey, the right guy is worth waiting for, right?

5. Our project went live

It’s called iSpark. We were working on it for so long that we never thought we’d see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though we paid with blood, sweat, and tears, our resilience and determination helped get us through it.

6. I had lunch at Facebook

Yes, I went to 1 Hacker Way and had a burrito at the Facebook Headquarters in Palo Alto.

7. I attended a Giants game at AT&T Park

They lost miserably, but I do feel privileged to have experienced such an event live with friends. Thank you Natalie and Alfredo!

8. I visited the Full House house

Contrary to popular belief, the Painted Ladies in San Francisco are not where the actual Full House house is. However, this house is only a 5 minute drive away.

9. I visited Lake Louise. Twice.

Only the first visit was planned; the second was an unexpected surprise and the weather was better too. This picture is from my first visit.

10. I walked on a Glacier

-5°C with a bitterly cold wind. That’s the Athabasca Glacier in the Jasper National Park for you. Stunning and pristine…I hope it stays that way.

11. I saw the Golden Gate Bridge

The fog receded the closer I got to it, and it was glorious.

12. I rode the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls

The poncho I was given did not stop my hair and legs from getting absolutely drenched from the spray of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It was one of those moments where you feel thankful to be alive.

13. I met the family I waited my whole life to meet

I traveled all the way to Toronto to see them. I cannot put into words just what it was like meeting Milan and his family and after doing so, I feel like I need to spend the rest of my days close to them to make up for all the lost time. I also met another uncle and cousin for the first time and they’re both so wonderful. I’m lucky to be related to people like them.

14. I saw New York from the air

I knew I had a morning flight and that I’d be able to see a lot from my window seat, but I still wasn’t prepared for this:

15. I graduated with my certification

I completed my training in the Certificate Programme for Business Analysis and graduated with merit. I’m pleased, but will only call it another feather in my cap when I finish the next level which is the Diploma.

16. Sophia celebrated my birthday with me

For the first time in something like 15 years, my best friend and I were together for my birthday which made it incredibly special.

17. I stood on a glass walkway over a 1000ft drop

The Glacier Skywalk in the Jasper National Park is a nightmare for people with a fear of heights i.e. me. It’s an absolute must do and even though I thought I was going to wet myself, I managed to shakily walk across it.

18. I met my varsity friend in Canada

Why is this a big deal? We both live in South Africa. She’s Sri Lankan, and we met in 2003 in our first year of Mechanical Engineering. We both have family in Toronto and we never get the opportunity to meet in South Africa because we live in different cities, so it worked out perfectly that we’d be in Toronto at the same time.

19. I did a trip with friends

Up until the Cape Town trip in early May, I had never gotten onto a plane with friends to spend a few days away. It was one of those once in a lifetime trips which I hope to someday do again, maybe in another place too.

And last but not least,

20. I finally won a Tall Walker

When I started Grade 12 way back when, awards were given to the previous year’s matriculants who had passed with distinction. I thought to myself “I want to get that award next year”, and I did. After 5 years at my company, I felt the same about the Tall Walker this year – “I must get it this year otherwise I will lose all hope of ever getting it”, and I did. It’s a prestigious award given at work where management from across the region votes for the people who “walk head and shoulders above the rest”. My team mate and friend Amanda won one with me, too. It comes with a trophy and a sizable amount of money. Now that is a feather in my cap.

You’ve been good to me, 2017.

2018, batter up.