Five Events/Things that Impacted My 2017

You never really know what's going to happen from one year to the next. I think we all have an idea, but it's the things you least expect that are often the most impactful to you due to their surprising nature.

So when reflecting on this past year, I tried to pinpoint FIVE THINGS that were unique to 2017 that had an impact on me. (In other words, saying generic topics like "work" or "fatherhood" were not options.) Here's what I came up with:

MUSIC

Early this year, I purchased a new guitar for the first time in my life. My previous two guitars were both used and inexpensive. So after ample research online, I finally chose my first new guitar.

I could instantly tell a difference in sound quality from my very first strum, and was hooked going forward. Did I improve any as a musician??? ...only marginally. But I had more fun playing and was able to cap off the year with my first LIVE performance in ten years at my office Christmas party.

MOVING

I did not go into 2017 expecting to move. But after several conversations between me and my wife, we decided this was the year. It was the first time in my 31-year life that I moved without going through a major life change. (No new job. No new area. etc.)

The months of May and June are a blur. But once the dust settled, I realized how beneficial the move was for our family -- despite the affection I had for our old house/neighborhood.

NEW YORK

In July, we took our first major vacation since becoming parents 2-1/2 years ago. And it happened to be to the largest city in our country. We were visiting Ke'o's sister and her boyfriend. I had never had the desire to go to New York, but it was impossible to pass up the opportunity...

And I'm so glad I did! It was an incredible experience to see and do the things I've heard in pop culture for years. It changed my entire perspective big city living, and was one of the more memorable trips I've ever taken.

STRANGER THINGS

I'm not a binge-watcher. I mostly stick to sporting events, TV sitcoms, and cooking shows. The last show I was REALLY into was Lost, nearly a decade ago. So when I decided to give Stranger Things a try this fall, I had little expectations...

I started with the first season, and was hooked three episodes in. I finished the remainder of the season and ALL of the second season in about 8 days. It was exhilarating to be entrenched in a show like that. And it took me at least a month before I was able to resume my daily activities without thinking of the show.

THE BRUNCHEONETTE

I was actually introduced to The Bruncheonette last year, but I've learned that it's much like a fine wine that gets better with age. The more I go there, the more often I want to go back. It has become my favorite restaurant in Joplin and deserves to close out this top five.