“Pain nourishes courage. You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.”
– Mary Tyler Moore
Livin’ on the Edge of 2017
JANUARY 1, 2017 — It’s the return of my lucky number 7 in 2017. Looking back, 2007 was a monumental year because it was the year I graduated from high school and entered a new phase of my life. Now, ten years later, it’s time to make some more transformative changes. 2017 will be a year for wearing my heart on my sleeve, living on the edge, embracing the unknown, and speaking my mind. And while the grass may always appear greener(y) on the other side, it’s time to count my lucky stars and cherish the good things that I’ve got.
DECEMBER 31, 2017 — LOL.
What can I say about the year that was 2017?
Well, it certainly was a time for transformative changes and entering new phases, so I suppose I did nail that.
2017 was a year of hard knocks and heartaches. Throughout those long twelve months, I was challenged and tested in my trust in people, my sense of identity and belonging, and my self-confidence. I had to let go of all that was holding me back and in the process, re-established who I am and re-defined who I want to be. I came face-to-face with some of my greatest fears and as a result, I’ve become better and braver at facing the unknown head on. It was all the pain, all the losses, and all the darkness I encountered that propelled me to push myself further. I bruised frequently, but I refused to break.
2017 was the year I woke up and stopped being quiet about what matters. From failures to triumphs and everything in between, this year taught me to speak up, speak out, say my piece to make peace, know and assert my worth, and fight for what’s right. I learned to let my darker, more painful emotions – my anger, my sadness, my loss – fuel me rather than consume me. I channeled my rage and despair into productive work, art, and connection-building. In doing so, I gained a sense of resilience which I believe will carry me through the journey ahead in 2018.
How could I reflect back on 2017 without acknowledging women? From the Women’s March to the #MeToo movement, the wonder women of 2017 dominated the year with their courage, using their platforms and raising their voices to gain back their power. From professional associations to advocacy circles, I’ve been so grateful to get to know and work with so many incredibly talented, generous, and brave women throughout the year, and I look forward to continuing on in the fight for equality in 2018. Simply put, women are amazing.
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned in 2017 is this: When you find yourself losing faith, it helps to give to others. Whether it’s the gift of a listening ear or the gift of a smile, by giving, you’re reminded of what truly matters – our connection to one another. By reaching out and creating communities, we can help make each other feel included and wanted. The more we converge as a choir, the more the tune is forced to change. With love, kindness, and radical empathy, we can build a stronger world together.
Right from the start, 2017 was lit. The world was on fire. But we made it through hell and back and nevertheless, we will persist in 2018 and beyond.
Keep going, dreamers.
*******
2017: The Year I Woke Up
In 2017, I resolve to…
- Solo travel to Italy – #DONE
- Meet and exceed my reading challenge goal of 17 books in 2017 – #DONE
- Get involved with initiatives I care about through volunteering – #DOING
- Carve out a new career path in communications – #DOING
- Get back into music through singing and guitar-playing – #DOING
- Learn a new language at a conversational level – IN 2018!
- Try out a new fitness activity – IN 2018!
- Move out to Vancouver – TBD
- Speak up and speak out – #DOING
*******
Memories of 2017.
January was a month of transition… the likes of which I had never experienced before. I celebrated my 28th birthday and officially entered my late-20s. Obama transitioned out of the White House and Trump was ushered in as the new POTUS… and unleashed havoc immediately. I participated in my first protest by demonstrating during the Vancouver chapter of the worldwide Women’s March on Washington movement. Near the end of the month, I was suddenly laid off from my job of three years and thrust into re-evaluating my career and life path for the upcoming year. Nobody said change was easy to navigate, but as I’ve learned this January, you’ve gotta march on. In lighter news, I spoiled myself with entertainment. I listened to long-awaited new music from Lauren Alaina, Jax, Ed Sheeran, and John Mayer. I finished binge-watching 30 Rock and started new seasons of The Flash, Supergirl, Jane the Virgin, New Girl, and Riverdale, then finished the season finale of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. I watched a record-breaking number of films – Hidden Figures, A Monster Calls, A Fences, Moonlight, Split, A Dog’s Purpose, Manchester by the Sea, Arrival, Hell or High Water, Hacksaw Ridge, Lion, and Raintree County. I read the bittersweet poetry of Lang Leav and felt my fragile heart break and mend all at once.
February was a month for freewheeling funemployment. For the first time in years, I had no agenda to follow. I was a free agent! I spent my free time catching up with friends along the coffee shop hop, meeting new people and expanding my network at meetups and other events, getting involved with volunteer opportunities related to professional development and community engagement, and re-evaluating my values and goals for the next chapter of my story. Among the many valuable life lessons I learned were to know and believe in my worth, to say my piece to make peace, and to lean on friends when the going gets rough. Oh, and a little bit of music therapy (in the form of karaoke, piano bars, and great tunes) can do wonders for the soul. I read Chris Colfer’s YA book, Stranger Than Fanfiction. In theatres, I watched The Lego Batman Movie, I Am Not Your Negro, and the musical Newsies. On the boob tube, I tuned into three major entertainment events: the Super Bowl (Lady Gaga’s half-time performance FTW), the Grammys (Adele, Beyonce, Chance the Rapper, and Bruno Mars rule all), and the Oscars (who can ever forget the moment when Moonlight stole the spotlight from La La Land?)
In March, I applied 2017’s motivational mantra of marching on to greener pastures with my career trajectory by kickstarting my freelance writing hustle and volunteering with two organizations related my passions for female empowerment (YWiB Vancouver) and community engagement (Atria). I drew inspiration from YWiB SFU’s annual International Women’s Day event and vowed to be bold for change and to be limitless when standing up for the sisterhood with other fierce feminists as well as when handling my own life. In honour of IWD, I read numerous feminist texts, including Hidden Figures and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawelee. I listened to Ed Sheeran’s Divide and Drake’s More Life and grieved over the closing of HMV (RIP record stores). I watched Logan, A United Kingdom, The Mask You Live In, Beauty and the Beast, and 5 to 7. I continued to catch up with friends and realize how I’ve meet so many great new people over these past five years especially. It was these friends who helped me come to the realization that I can do any and all of the things I want and that now is the time for great adventures. With that in mind, I spontaneously decided to take a trip to Italy with three weeks to plan. After a weekend retreat to Whistler with the YWiB Vancouver, I packed my bags and set off for Italy on March 29th. Carpe diem!
In April, I traveled across Italy for two weeks of playing, eating, and exploring in Rome, Florence, and Venice. I saw all the major sights (the Colosseum, the Vatican City, the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, the Grand Canal and all the small canals), ate all the pasta, pizza, and gelato my gut could handle, and ultimately, fell in love with each of these marvelous Italian cities. I already cannot wait to come back someday. After a nice break, I returned back to Vancouver mid-month and got back into the cycle of volunteering, freelancing, and jobhunting. I saw my first three concerts of the year this month – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (in Rome!), John Mayer’s The Search for Everything Tour (in Vancouver), and Solange’s Space performance piece at the Rennie Gallery (also in Vancouver). I listened to new albums from John Mayer, La’Porsha Renae, and Lea Michele and new songs from Harry Styles, Ellie Goulding, Kris Allen, David Archuleta, and Janelle Arthur. I watched Gifted and Born in China in theatres. I read a bunch of non-fiction books (Disrupted, The Start-Up of You, Bold, The Tipping Point, Made to Stick, and Option B) and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. I started watching the television adaptation of the novel, which is outstanding in performances and alarming in relevancy…
In May, I began the exciting (though grueling) journey of jobhunting. During the process, I’ve learned a lot about the various marketing and communications opportunities with companies around the city and practiced and refined my elevator pitch (selling yourself is the most challenging sell of all). I helped with coordinating YWiB’s SOLD-OUT The Side Hustle panel and networking event, which was an amazing experience. I continued to stay involved in the community by attending and volunteering at events like Central City Foundation’s Fair in the Square at Victory Park, Lean In Canada’s Vancouver launch, and YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards ceremony. I reached my reading challenge goal (of 17) for 2017 and am continuing to exceed that number! I read Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong, Rupi Kaur’s Milk & Honey, Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give, and Daisy Goodwin’s Victoria. I listened to new albums from David Archuleta and Harry Styles and new songs from Niall Horan, Allison Iraheta & Halo Circus, Kris Allen & The Dames, Avalon Young, and Carly Rae Jepsen. I binge-watched How to Make it in America and Atlanta and the new seasons of Master of None and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix. I tuned into the season finales of Riverdale, The Flash, Supergirl, Jane the Virgin, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and SNL. I saw Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2, 20th Century Women, 20th Century Women, Their Finest, Something Borrowed, The Hollars, Table 19, and The Princess Bride (I know, I know, finally, right?). With summer just around the corner, I enjoyed many long walks along Coal Harbour and False Creek, and of course, brunches, dinners, and cooking sessions with good friends.
In June, the Summer of 2017 commenced with beach days and a yacht cruise, and the Summer of Music began, as I saw John Legend, Gallant, and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox in concert in Vancouver. I also took a quick overnight trip to Seattle to see David Archuleta’s show at The Triple Door, go shopping, explore downtown and Pike Place, and meet up with my good friend Kat. Music and friends have proven to be the best motivators as I continue on in the seemingly never-ending jobhunt and cope with the challenges and anxieties that come with this process. I listened to new music from Lorde, Tori Kelly, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, Tyler Hilton, David Cook, and The Dames. I binge-watched GLOW on Netflix and started the final season of Orphan Black. I saw Wonder Woman (twice), Power Rangers, and Despicable Me 3. I read Where’d You Go, Bernadette?, Sad Girls, and Of Mice and Men. In an effort to continue to try new things, I attended a workshop to learn about the basics of HTML and CSS and went to my very first escape room with the YWiB ladies. I got two new pairs of glasses and am finally embracing my geek chicness. And finally, June 2017 was especially noteworthy because The Hudsucker turned 5!
In July, I scored a ton of free stuff (with much thanks to endless “national holidays”) including free tea, free root beer, free ice cream, free french fries, free s’mores, a free backpack from JanSport, free lipstick from MAC, and free perfume from Kat Von D. Free is music to my free-spirited soul. Speaking of music, I broke my personal record of live shows attended in one month. I saw Queen + Adam Lambert, Jay Som, Saba, Xavier Omar, Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, and Lady Gaga live in concert at Rogers Arena and Phantom of the Opera live at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I listened to new songs from Lana Del Rey, Adam Lambert, Demi Lovato, HAIM, Dalton Rapattoni, and Joshua Ledet. I watched Baby Driver, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Dunkirk, The Incredible Jessica James, Everything Everything, and Detroit. I started watching The Bold Type. I read East of Eden and Lilac Girls. Chris Colfer released the final book of The Land of Stories series; I saw him at Chapters Metrotown for his first book tour event in Canada. My niece celebrated her 10th birthday and one of my long-time friends from middle school got married and had her wedding in Vancouver…. reminding me of how time flies too soon.
In August, I started a new career adventure with the Marketing team at Rise People, in which I get to use my skills in social media and content writing within the spaces of human resources and health and wellness. Talk about Rise-ing Up in the world! During Pride Weekend, I saw East of Eli and Chyler Leigh at the Fox Cabaret. I watched the annual Celebration of Light summer fireworks show over English Bay. I did a tour of the vibrant and creative street art around Vancouver as part of the Mural Festival. I got a sugar rush from the hoards of candies, sweets, and snacks at Metrotown’s Tasty Treats event. I took my Mom to see the Superdogs and Pig Races and pig out on mini donuts, popcorn, corn dogs, ice cream, and more at The Fair at the PNE. I travelled down to Seattle for a quick weekend trip yet again, this time to visit my friend Kat, eat biscuits and gravy, see the solar eclipse, check out the Museum of Pop Culture, and go to David Cook’s concert at The Crocodile. I shopped ’til I dropped (as per annual last weekend of summer tradition) at the Aritzia Warehouse Sale and got mega discounts on brand names. I listened to new music Kesha, David Archuleta, Phillip Phillips, Tyler Hilton, and Nick Fradiani. I watched the series finale of Orphan Black and am in awe of Tatiana Maslany’s talents. I did not make the time to finish any books this month (SAD) but I did devour a batch of September issue fashion magazines. In bad news, America faced yet another huge blow this year with the violence in Charlottesville, reminding the world that white supremacy and the Nazi ideology is still alive and needs to be stopped. In good news, the YWiB Vancouver team hosted an open house event, which was a huge hit in bringing our community of women together. The future is female indeed! In shameless promo news, I hit 1,000 followers on Twitter this month after nine years of tweeting nonsense!
In September, I nearly melted and fainted from heat exhaustion during the hottest days of the year during Labour Day. My friend Zoey visited Vancouver for the long weekend, and I played tour guide as we went to the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park, checked out the market on Granville Island, walked along the seawall at Stanley Park, viewed the Monet and Emily Carr’s exhibits at Vancouver Art Gallery, saw Spoon’s show at the Malkin Bowl, and watched the iHeartRadio Beach Ball music festival (featuring Lorde, Liam Payne, and Alessia Cara) at the PNE. I reached a bunch of milestones at my new job, such as publishing my first post for the company blog, writing my first press release, and moderating my first webinar session. I attended two women in tech events – the first being a colloquium at SFU with big data scientist Juliette Powell, the second being a speaker series presented by Women Who Code Vancouver featuring product developers and designers from Slack hosted at Slack’s headquarters in Vancouver. I helped organize YWiB Vancouver’s signature event, Beyond the Glass Ceiling, with a panel of women powerhouses who lead teams in tech, finance, marketing, health, and more. I attended my first fashion show at Vancouver Fashion Week and got to see a preview of what’s trending for Spring/Summer 2018. I tuned into the Emmys and watched as shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Atlanta, Master of None, and Black Mirror snatched trophies left and right – many wins for diverse and good television! I watched the season finale of The Bold Type and started watching new seasons of Victoria, Strike: The Cuckoo’s Calling, Strike: The Silkworm, The Mindy Project, Broad City, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I saw Kingsman: The Golden Circle and The Lego Ninjago Movie, Battle of the Sexes, and The Big Sick in theatres. I listened to new albums from Haley Reinhart, Dalton Rapattoni, and Demi Lovato, and to long-awaited new singles from Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, and Sara Bareilles. At the end of the month, I saw Coldplay and Tove Lo rock BC Place. For the first time all year, I feel like I’m back in action and ready to go! #hustlegamestrong
This October, in honour of 2017 being dubbed ‘The Year of Atwood,’ I saw Margaret Atwood in conversation with the director of the Vancouver Writer’s Festival on Granville Island, where I also picked up autographed copies of her most popular and recently adapted-for-television novels, The Handmaid’s Tale and Atlas Grace. I returned back to Creative Mornings at Woodwards to hear fashion historian Ivan Sayers talk about storytelling through clothing. I gained a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by people dealing with homelessness in Vancouver through UGM’s interactive Encounter escape room. I read Brene Brown’s latest, Braving the Wilderness and Rupi Kaur’s new poetry book, The Sun and Her Flowers. I began listening to the You Must Remember This podcast on the fascinating history (and scandals) of Old Hollywood. I started watching new seasons of my returning full-season television shows, including The Flash, Riverdale, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Jane the Virgin. During the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), I saw the Canadian premieres for Hollow in the Land (starring Glee‘s Dianna Agron) and Wonderstruck. In theatres, I saw Mrs. Brown, Victoria & Abdul, Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049, The Foreigner, and Goodbye Christopher Robin. I listened to new albums from Nick Fradiani, David Archuleta, Niall Horan, and Kelly Clarkson, and to long-awaited new singles from Clark Beckham and MacKenzie Bourg. Midmonth, I saw Gavin DeGraw’s acoustic show at the Commodore Ballroom with my mom, and at the end of the month, For Halloween, I dressed up as a poodle skirted 50s girl and finally got to meet and see Haley Reinhart live in concert at Chop Suey in Seattle. Shindig!
In November, I lived out my Breakfast At Tiffany’s fantasy and saw the Tiffany Diamond (as worn by Audrey Hepburn) at the Tiffany & Co flagship store downtown. I viewed portraits from the Royal Collection at the Vancouver Art Gallery (on loan from Queen Elizabeth II herself) and gushed over the royal engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I attended Fan Expo Vancouver and saw/meet the cast of The Flash – Danielle Panabaker, Candice Patton, Tom Cavanagh, Carlos Valdes, and Grant Gustin. The YWiB ladies were invited to the Women Deliver conference rally to see the Trudeaus talk about gender equality. This month, YWiB hosted the annual Beyond conference, this year on the topic of leading from within, and I got to volunteer/attend for the first time. I said later, baby to The Mindy Project upon watching the series finale. For movies, I saw Thor: Ragnonak (aka the best Marvel movie yet), Lauren Alaina’s Road Less Traveled TV movie, Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller Tour DVD, Wonder, Justice League, and Coco. I read Hillary Clinton’s What Happened, Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace, Kelly Clarkson’s River Rose and the Magical Christmas children’s book, and the novelization of Jane the Virgin’s romance novel, Snow Falling. I listened to new music from Sam Smith, Tove Lo, Kate Voegele, Phillip Phillips, and Rayvon Owen. At the end of the month, I rang in the holiday season with the Rise team at the company’s holiday party – Gold & Bold.
In December, we got into the Christmas spirit on Days 1 and 2 by trimming the tree, writing Christmas cards, looking at gingerbread houses and tree displays, and celebrating my Mom’s birthday, along with Christmas cookies, gift exchanges, and holiday dinners throughout the month. YWiB hosted the last event of the year – the annual Winter Social – at XOXOLAT for an exclusive chocolate tasting. I watched the midseason finales for The Flash, Broad City, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Jane the Virgin, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Riverdale, and SNL, and binge-watched Season 2 of The Crown. I saw The Greatest Showman, The Disaster Artist, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Lady Bird, Call Me By Your Name, I Tonya, Darkest Hour, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Pitch Perfect 3 in theatres. I listened to new Christmas music from Gwen Stefani, Sia, Fantasia, Hanson, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Sam Smith, and Josh Groban. Mom and I spent a peaceful and quiet White Christmas at home, eating lots of food and candy, drinking tea, lighting candles, and watching the Christmas classic Die Hard. As per tradition, I spent Boxing Day at the malls and got some great deals on shoes, including a pair of Keds x Kate Spade shoes I’ve been eyeing for years. On New Year’s Eve, I ventured out into the cold winter night to ring in the new year in downtown Vancouver… and we all released a collective sigh as we said BYE FELICIA to 2017.
*******
Live Shows in 2017.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at the Auditorium in Rome, April 4th.
John Mayer’s The Search for Everything Tour at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, April 19th.
Solange’s Spaces Performance Piece at Rennie Museum in Vancouver, April 28th.
John Legend’s Darkness and Light Tour at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, June 1st.
David Archuleta’s Orion Tour at Triple Door in Seattle, June 13th.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, June 30th.
Queen + Adam Lambert at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, July 2nd.
Phantom of the Opera at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, July 16th.
JanSport’s Bonfire Sessions with Jay Som, Saba & Xavier Omar in Vancouver, July 22nd.
Bruno Mars 24K Magic Tour at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, July 26th.
Ed Sheeran Divide Tour at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, July 28th.
Lady Gaga’s Joanne Tour at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, August 1st.
East of Eli and Chyler Leigh at Fox Cabaret in Vancouver, August 5th.
David Cook at The Crocodile in Seattle, August 21st.
Spoon at Malkin Bowl in Vancouver, September 2nd.
Lorde, Liam Payne & Alessia Cara at iHeartRadio Beach Ball at the PNE in Vancouver, September 3rd.
Coldplay, Tove Lo & Alina Baraz at BC Place, September 29th.
Gavin DeGraw’s Raw Tour at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, October 14th.
Haley Reinhart’s What’s That Sound Tour at Chop Suey in Seattle, October 30th.
*******
Music in 2017.
January
Lauren Alaina – Road Less Traveled
Jax – Funny EP
Ed Sheeran – Castle on the Hill
Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
John Mayer – Moving On and Getting Over
Daniel Caesar – Japanese Denim
Lauren Alaina – Doin’ Fine
Jax – Stars
February
Postmodern Jukebox – What is Love (feat. Casey Abrams)
Postmodern Jukebox – Side to Side (feat. DeAndre Brackensick)
Lady Gaga – Million Reasons
Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like
Chance the Rapper – No Problem
Maren Morris – Once
John Legend & Cynthia Erivo – God Only Knows
John Mayer – Still Feel Like Your Man
John Legend – City of Stars & Audition Medley (from La La Land)
March
Ed Sheeran – Divide
Drake – More Life
Ed Sheeran – Dive
Ed Sheeran – Perfect
Drake – Passionfruit
Josh Groban – Evermore
Beauty and the Beast – Be Our Guest
Grant Gustin – Runnin’ Home to You
April
La’Porsha Renae – Already All Ready
John Mayer – The Search for Everything
Lea Michele – Places
La’Porsha Renae – Already All Ready
John Mayer – Still Feel Like Your Man
John Mayer – Emoji of a Wave
Lea Michele – Anything’s Possible
Postmodern Jukebox – Feel Good Inc. (feat. Thia Megia)
Dean Martin – On an Evening in Roma
Kris Allen – Venice
Janelle Arthur – Light Myself on Fire
Kygo & Ellie Goulding – First Time
Solange – Cranes in the Sky
May
Harry Styles – Harry Styles
David Archuleta – Up All Night
Harry Styles – Sign of the Times
Niall Horan – Slow Hands
Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
Avalon Young – Selfish
Carly Rae Jepsen – Cut to the Feeling
June
Lorde – Melodrama
Lorde – Perfect Places
Lorde – Homemade Dynamite
Lorde – The Louvre
John Legend – Penthouse Floor
Ariana Grande – Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Sia – To Be Human (feat. Labrinth)
Haley Reinhart – Baby It’s You
Casey Abrams – Really Saying Something
David Cook – Gimme Heartbreak
Tyler Hilton – Stay
The Dames – Don’t Mess Around On Me
Luis Fonsi – Despacito
July
Lana Del Rey – Lust For Life
Joshua Ledet EP
Lana Del Rey – Lust For Life (feat. The Weeknd)
Lana Del Rey – Love
Joshua Ledet – Dream On (feat. LaPorsha Renae)
Sky Ferreira – Easy
Tyler Hilton – Overtime
Adam Lambert – Two Fux
Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry
HAIM – Want You Back
August
Kesha – Rainbow
Kesha – Woman
Kesha – Praying
Tyler Hilton – The Way That She Loves
Phillip Phillips – Miles
MODL – Let It Go (feat. Rayvon Owen)
Postmodern Jukebox – The Prayer (feat. Pia Toscano & Stefano Langone)
September
Haley Reinhart – What’s That Sound?
Dalton Rapattoni – Nobodys Home
Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me
Haley Reinhart – For What It’s Worth
Haley Reinhart – Let’s Start
Dalton Rapattoni – Signs
Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me
Sam Smith – Too Good at Goodbyes
Tove Lo – Disco Tits
Sara Bareilles – If I Dare
Zedd & Alessia Cara – Stay
October
Nick Fradiani – Where We Left Off EP
David Archuleta – Postcards in the Sky
Niall Horan – Flickr
Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life
Nick Fradiani – I’ll Wait For You
Clark Beckham – I Need
MacKenzie Bourg – Lost & Found
David Archuleta – I’m Ready
David Archuleta – Invincible
Niall Horan – Seeing Blind (feat. Maren Morris)
Kelly Clarkson – Love So Soft
Kelly Clarkson – Move You
Kelly Clarkson – Whole Lotta Woman
Postmodern Jukebox – Attention (feat. Casey Abrams)
November
Sam Smith – The Thrill Of It All
Tove Lo – Blue Lips
Sam Smith – Nothing Left For You
Sam Smith – No Peace (feat. Yebba)
Tove Lo – Romantics
Rayvon Owen – Volume
Kate Voegele – Shoot This Arrow
Ed Sheeran & Beyonce – Perfect Duet
Ed Sheeran & Andrea Bocelli – Perfect Symphony
Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars
Kesha – This Is Me
December
Josh Groban – Christmas Time Is Here (feat. Tony Bennett)
Gwen Stefani – My Gift Is You
Kelly Clarkson – Christmas Eve
Tim Halperin – Feels Like Christmas
Demi Lovato – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Sam Smith – River
Postmodern Jukebox – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
*******
Television in 2017.
30 Rock
The Flash
Supergirl
Jane the Virgin
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Riverdale
New Girl
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The Mindy Project
The Handmaid’s Tale
How To Make It In America
Atlanta
Master of None
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
GLOW
Orphan Black
The Bold Type
Broad City
Strike: The Cuckoo’s Calling
Strike: The Silkworm
Victoria
The Crown
*******
Films in 2017.
Hidden Figures (2017)
A Monster Calls (2017)
Fences (2016)
Moonlight (2016)
Split (2017)
A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Arrival (2016)
Hell Or High Water (2016)
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Lion (2016)
Raintree County (1957)
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Newsies Live! (2017)
I Am Not Your Negro (2017)
Get Out (2017)
Logan (2017)
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
The Mask You Live In (2015)
A United Kingdom (2017)
5 to 7 (2014)
Gifted (2017)
Born in China (2017)
20th Century Women (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2 (2017)
Something Borrowed (2011)
The Hollars (2016)
Their Finest (2017)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Table 19 (2017)
Wonder Woman (2017)
Power Rangers (2017)
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Baby Driver (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Dunkirk (2017)
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Everything, Everything (2017)
Detroit (2017)
The Casual Vacancy (2015)
No Way Out (2017)
Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017)
Battle of the Sexes (2017)
The Big Sick (2017)
Hollow in the Land (2017)
Mrs. Brown (1997)
Victoria & Abdul (2017)
Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Wonderstruck (2017)
The Foreigner (2017)
Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Road Less Traveled (2017)
Wonder (2017)
Justice League (2017)
Coco (2017)
The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Disaster Artist (2017)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Snowed Inn Christmas (2017)
Lady Bird (2017)
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
The Nun’s Story (1959)
Darkest Hour (2017)
Paddington 2 (2017)
I, Tonya (2017)
Die Hard (1988)
Marshall (2017)
Alias Grace (2017)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)
*******
Books in 2017.
Lang Leav – Love & Misadventure
Lang Leav – Lullabies
Lang Leav – Memories
Lang Leav – The Universe of Us
Lang Leav – Sad Girls
Rupi Kaur – Milk & Honey
Rupi Kaur – The Sun and Her Flowers
Chris Colfer – Stranger Than Fanfiction
Chris Colfer – Trollbella Throws a Party
Chris Colfer – The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – We Should All Be Feminists
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Americanah
Sophie Kinsella – My Not So Perfect Life
Margot Lee Shetterly – Hidden Figures
Dan Lyons – Disrupted
Reid Hoffman – The Start-Up of You
Peter H. Diamandis – Bold
Malcolm Gladwell – The Tipping Point
Chip Heath & Dan Heath – Made to Stick
Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood – Alias Grace
Sheryl Sandberg – Option B
Sebastian Faulks – Birdsong
Rupi Kaur – Milk & Honey
Angie Thomas – The Hate U Give
Daisy Goodwin – Victoria
Maria Semple – Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
John Steinbeck – Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck – East of Eden
Martha Hall Kelly – Lilac Girls
Virginia Woolf – Mrs. Dalloway
Brene Brown – Braving the Wilderness
Hillary Rodham Clinton – What Happened
John Green – Turtles All The Way Down
Jane Gloriana Villanueva – Snow Falling
Kelly Clarkson – River Rose and the Magical Christmas
*******
Elizabeth Rosalyn 