MY 2018 HIGHLIGHTS
January
Started the first few miles of my 365 miles in a year goal in my new running shoes. 
February
Wrote 14 songs for FAWM. I have recorded 4 to date, which is 4 more than I had in 2017.
March
Became obsessed with The Greatest Showman soundtrack. I still haven't seen the movie but I want to. I hear it's going to be made into a show on Broadway. 
Started a credential program in software product management.
April
TRIPLE TIMe, a short film I produced had its world premiere at Roswell Film Fest, New Mexico. I wasn't able to attend the screening due to a conflict with my program dates but this was still a highlight for me.
May
Completed my credential in Software Product Management. Officially hung my shingle for opportunities in this area.
Also completed another trip 'round the sun.
June
Received a guest ticket to the 2018 Grace Hopper Celebration in Houston. GHC is a conference celebrating women in tech. This was a huge deal for two reasons. One, I had made an investment in my career this year and wanted to maximize opportunities by growing my network. Two, I hadn't traveled out of state in years and this was a good chance for me to do that. I had never been to Houston (well, at least not outside of the airport). I decided to go.
July
I'd never been in a wetsuit in the ocean until I started doing triathlons 8 years ago. This was the year I learned to kayak. I took a class through REI with my mom over in Marina del Rey. We had a great experience with patient instructors and a group of 6 other students kayaking from the dock over to the breakwater leading to the open Pacific. 
No. I didn't wear my wetsuit. 
I went to my high school reunion. It'd been a while (read: decades) since I'd seen most of them, beyond passively following them on Facebook. I'm glad I went.
Organized a hiking excursion in Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach with friends. Super fun. I am not afraid of heights but I have since learned that there is always a chance that someone in my hiking group may be. The best feeling is being trusted enough to go hiking with by someone with such a fear.
August
Won an award at LAIFFA for best producer for work done on the short film. Attended the ceremony in Hollywood.
September
Ran a 5.3-mile race over a huge bridge in San Pedro. Don't recall the exact time (around 55 mins) but I had a blast. 
Flew to Houston for the Grace Hopper Celebration. It was my first out of state conference. 
It was also my first time in Texas. 
I got a chance to go visit family in Dallas and we went to the Texas State Fair. I'd caught a bug while traveling, so was sick during the fair visit, but enjoyed myself enough and appreciated the hospitality I received while there.
October
Volunteered at the Wonder Women Tech conference in Long Beach. I was still sick from my travels from the prior conference but was squarely in the non-contagious, yet annoying, cough stage. I had a good experience. The conference organizer was amazing and got me a locally sourced lemon, ginger, and garlic raw juice elixir to help me get well
I would volunteer for this one again (in better health)!
Completed an Olympic distance triathlon relay run (10K distance) on a great team. It was a hot day but we conquered the course. After crossing the finish line, I entered a raffle on a whim and won a bike mount repair stand. That was pretty cool. Also cool: racing alongside my tri teammates from years prior. 
November
I wrote the first draft of a new novel during National Novel Writing Month (#nanowrimo). This year it was a mainstream story. I tend to write youth fic but wanted to try something different. Of course, it needs a ton of revision which is nothing new. But the important part is that I finished the goal of getting it done by the set deadline. 
And I finally launched my podcast A Mad Vox! I have big plans for that in 2019, so subscribe and listen, won't you?. 
December
Successfully completed my first escape room! It was Santa-themed to comfort participants who are scary-escape-room-averse/ squeamish about the experience. My team of seven ladies made it out with mere minutes to spare. Less than four, but still! Yay, teamwork. 
Fitness goal achieved! I have run 367/365 miles planned this year. I will now officially consider my year a wrap.
Have you documented your 2018 highlights? I hope to share more soon about my 2019 goals soon.
Until then I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and Happy New Year! 
@ellowrites #goals #highlights #writing #fitness #travel #womenintech #shortfilms
