Friends, we are on the cusp of a new year. 2018. It’s hard to believe it! From joining the MacBook world, to buying a new car, to celebrating two national championships and meeting some awesome people this year has been a whirlwind. Join me, as I take a look back on the year that was and count down my top five moments. 

5. Hello, New Car

I said goodbye to my Ford Fusion after eight wonderful years. It was hard to give up that car because it was my first but it was time. In its place is a 2017 Honda Civic which I’m loving more and more each day. It was time to upgrade and it has definitely been worth it. 

4.  Redemption

Ah yes. UNC claimed its seventh National Championship in April! Of the three championships I can recall experiencing (four, technically, but I was one year old during the 1993 title run) this has got to be the best one yet. After losing in heartbreaking fashion to Villanova, the Heels came back with a vengeance, all the while bestowing the name “Redemption” on the season, making it back to the Final Four and winning it all. Plus, throw in another UNC/Duke game experience in Chapel Thrill and it makes for a season I won’t soon forget!

3.  Durham Bulls Are Champs Once Again

Who would have thought my second season working for the Durham Bulls would end with such a bang? Not only did the team polish off yet another Governor’s Cup Championship and a second Triple-A National Championship, there were broken records abound throughout this remarkable season. From a historic opening stretch at home, to a record attendance for the July 4th game, it was magical!

2.  Meeting Gaten Matarazzo

I had barely heard of Raleigh Supercon. That is, until I found out – by happenstance – that Gaten Matarazzo would be there! My favorite character (Dustin) from my favorite show on television currently (Stranger Things) in Raleigh? You know your boy was there! And it was a blast, too. Gaten was one of the nicest dudes I’ve met and he was stoked to meet all of us as well. Hopefully he’ll be back for next year’s event – and maybe he could bring along some of his co-stars as well.

1.  The Full Circle Moment

After three long years of tweets and emails, I finally got the chance to see Christian Stoinev perform in person. The former AGT  finalist has gone on to tour the country, performing halftime shows at many different venues and he made a stop in Chapel THRILL in November to perform the halftime shows for both UNC Men’s and Women’s Basketball. He and I developed a friendship via social media and it was a privilege to not only see him perform in person but meet him and hang out for a bit after the game as well. It was a full circle moment that I will never forget. Here’s to many more visits to North Carolina. 😉

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I hope you enjoyed this quick reflection on 2017. Here’s to a bright, hopeful and amazing new year. See you on the other side.