I think it's really tempting to say that 2016 sucked. It's an easy statement to make - just look back to all the celebrity deaths, Brexit, and the growing rift in the U.S. that played out during the Presidential election. And for myself personally, I lost a job of eight years, and my boyfriend lost a job he's had for years.

So let's go in depth with the bad and then we'll have a look at the good.

Bad:
-The first 5 months of the year I was at a job that became toxic and I was dealing with lots of anxiety problems because of it on a daily basis.
-I'm pretty sure during those months I was majorly depressed. I didn't feel joy. The best I could do was not to feel anxious.
-In June right after returning from Confuzzled, I lost my job.
-In August, my boyfriend, Alkora, lost his job.

Good:
-I visited the UK for Confuzzled! I loved being there and being immersed in a new culture (albeit not too different from the one I'm used to). Plus, the UK is beautiful!
-MN has a very good unemployment program and Alkora and I were both able to get benefits while coming up with a plan.
-It was my third year co-running Furry Migration's Hotel Department with my friend, Pat.
-Alkora and I decided it was finally time to follow our dreams and start our fursuit company. We've done a number of suits and already have a handful of commissions.
-Alkora regained his creativity. I haven't seen him in this good a mood in years.
-I mostly worked out my anxiety issues and have been making sure to enjoy each day as much as possible.
-Midwest Furfest this year was excellent! Every second there was spent around friends and people I care about.
-My friends, Ridayah, Drake and I are close to accomplishing one of my dreams for the local fur group. (purposely vague for the next week or two)


2016 was a very rough year. It wasn't easy. But change never is.

Here's hoping 2017 can be a year where I build on the momentum of 2016. I'm chasing my dream and I'm so close. I'm hoping in 2017 I'll catch it.