2017 was such an amazing year and it tops that of 2016, 2015 and 2014 . If I think about it I'm truly blessed and I wouldn't have it any other way. I set out 2017 to be the year of change and it has. I focused on 2 goals, to save money and be healthy and fit and I achieve both and more. So what exactly have I done this year?

1. I got a new job at Dentsu
2. I went to Phuket, Penang, Malacca, Japan, Manila, Amsterdam, Brussels and Berlin
3. Met the love of my life
4. Found a workout routine that works for me
5. Lost 10lbs and got a slight fit body
6. Hit my savings target (close)

This year I'm proud to say that I have read 28 books. Whoohoo! In the past 2 years I've only read 18 books and I think reading graphic novels and poetry help up my number. You can see all the books I've read in Goodreads here.  So what made it to my top 5 of 2017? Here are the books in order.

1. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green (Damn this book gives me all the feels and it's hands down my top book of 2017)

2. Naked Human by Christopher Poindexter (His works just speaks to me so much that at one point I want to get a tattoo of his work.)

3. Note To Self by Connor Franta (This book is very relatable and I like that it's a mixture of photographs, poetry and essays.)

4. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evan Welch  (I wasn't expecting to love this book as much but I did and it makes me want to visit Florence and Tuscany after reading it.)

5. The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon (The plot is everything and I remember enjoying the characters and the twist and turn of the events.)

Runner Ups:
1. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas (It's the first book of it's kind that I've read it speaks volume about racism, politics and violence)

2. Little Black Book by Otegha Uwagba (A very useful and informative book for any working women)

If you want to read about my past top books here are the links. 2016  - Goodreads , 2015 - Goodreads, 2014 - Goodreads.

1. A book made into a move you've already seen
2. True crime
3. The next book in the series you started
4. A book involving a heist
5. Nordic Nor
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time in a day in the title
9. A book about a villain or antihero
10. A book about death or grief
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ + protagonist
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
15. A book about feminism
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or was given to you as a gift
18. A book by two authors
19. A book about or involving a sport
20. A book by a local author
21. A book with your favorite colour on the title
22. A book with alliteration on the title
23. A book about time travel
24. A book with a weather element in the title
25. A book set in a sea
26. A book with an animal in the title
27. A book set on a different planet
28. A book with a song lyric in the title
29. A book about or set in a Halloween
30. A book with a character who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book
32. A book from a celebrity book club
33. A childhood classic you've never read
34. A book that is published in 2018
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards Winner
36. A book set in a decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover
39. A book that involves a bookstore or a library
40. A favorite prompt from 2015, 2016 or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges
41. A bestseller from that year you graduated in high school
42. A cyberpunk book
43. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
44. A book tied to your ancestry
45. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
46. An allegory
47. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
48. A microhistory
49. A book about a problem facing society today
50. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

Dear 2018

I'm writing this on 11 Dec 2017 and I wonder what you'll bring. I wonder what new challenges and experiences you have in store, I wonder what surprises you have waiting that has yet to knock on my door. Please be kind, that's all I ask.

I feel like life is forcing me to grow up. From the decisions I'm making to the plans I have in the future. While there is comfort in staying where I am I knew I had to grow up. I want to think that I'm still in a crossroad but perhaps I'm already past that.

My head was spiralling down last night but after a much needed drink I woke up with a new light. I felt a new, embraced by love, feeling the spirit hugging my existence now, guiding me in the days ahead.

There's so much to be thankful for. And I'm here right now alive and living.

I was thinking about my fitness goals for the next year and I realize there are areas that needs improvement; primarily my diet and legs, damn those needs toning up. Not forgetting that I have developed a consistent workout habit this year, next year I'm taking it up a notch.

• 1. Develop a healthy mindset (Eat everything in moderation. Over indulgence is unnecessary. Having a dessert after each meal is not mandatory!)

• 2. Tone up those legs! (Run or walk at least 3x a week. A minimum of 2 miles)