Wow. What a year.

Creatively, 2017 was a year spent delving into the videography and film world.  I enjoyed all of this greatly, even with some stressful deadlines and trouble encountered with scheduling and editing.  But I learned a ton, and I had a bunch of fun along the way.

As for animation and my own career goals -- this year left a lot to be desired. I figured out what I wanted, but my personal life got in the way a lot more than I would have liked.  A lot of my free time was spent escaping; friends, trips, long drives, the film projects, non-profit projects....  This wasn't bad, and it helped me get to a better spot in my life.  I am thrilled with it all, honestly.

One of those 'long drives' led me to greater Philadelphia for a second time this year -- the first being during the solar eclipse -- and during this second trip in October I met a bunch of amazing people from the Newgrounds universe for the first time.  I was very timid at first and had no idea what could come of it all.  Would my car break down on the way?  Would something happen and I'd miss the event?  Would I mesh well with everyone?  Would I regret driving 8 hours down Thursday, then driving 8 hours back to Vermont on Friday?...

The theater screening in Ambler was awesome, and the people were even MORE awesome.  I am so glad I went, and that I had the opportunity to meet all of these incredible, talented, and thoroughly entertaining people.  I hope they will be friends for life, and that we will all see each other soon! Some of the NG crew I met were @moawling  @fushark @magniusgaia @mismash @evanimations @brandybuizel @dreaminerryday @ivanalmighty @oddboy18 @fantishow @ryanstorm @barnhousecollective @kamestudios @collinthomas09 and of course, screening organizer extraordinaire @phantomarcade and Newground's life-bringer @tomfulp (I hope I didn't forget anyone!).

So all in all, this year turned out to be a great one, especially once some emotional turmoil and tough decisions I needed to make for myself were out of the way.  I'm thankful for the year I had, but I am very excited and filled with excited trepidation about this next year to come.  


HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!!


Pictured:  The (First) Breakfast Club crew gathering on the day after the NG Theater Screening!  (I have a bunch more photos but this will have to do for now)