The Year That Was 2016

2016 was a transition year for us.

For those just joining us recently: Matt and I quit our jobs, sold most of our stuff and booked a one-way ticket to Japan in 2014. We spent nearly two years traveling around Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Something we are proud of and so grateful to have experienced together.

In many ways, 2016 was a lot like 2006 {the year we graduated from college}.

We spent part of the year living with our parents. Then moved into our own place and attempted to piece together an apartment worthy of calling home. Many hand-me-downs and Craigslist purchases later, we’re loving having our own place again.

We both started new jobs. Matt in the private sector and me here at The Wild Gut.

We’ve made new friends and reconnected with old ones.

We’ve visited some of our favorite Wisconsin spots and discovered new ones.

And we were reminded of alarm clocks, utility bills and other fun adult things.

We also made efforts to get our health back on track. As it turns out, it’s easy to gain the around-the-world 15. Which is just like the freshman 15: beer and pizza fueled, best time of our lives and 100% worth it. However, unlike college, the pounds don’t simply fall off anymore.

So when I think about it, this year was almost exactly like the year we graduated from college.

As we look ahead to 2017, we don’t have any resolutions. We’re simply looking forward to more of the same. More get togethers with family and friends. More outdoors. More home cooking. And, of course, more experimentation with our newly found love of fermentation. And for that, we hope you’ll stick around.

Thanks for joining us this year and cheers to 2017.

Alana