I’m taking a cue from Tested, a Youtube channel I subscribe to, and creating a 2017 Favorite Things list. Although I was going for only 5 items, my list is actually 6 because it couldn’t be helped.
Colored Hue light bulbs
Got these light bulbs from the Amazon Treasure Truck last month with the thought that I could use it to wake up in the morning. Little did I know how much I would like them. I connected the light bulbs to my Google account, so now, with the help of our Google home mini, all I have to do is say “Okay Google, turn on the lights in the bedroom” and bam, the light is on. I can turn on the light in the bedroom, the computer room, and the TV room. It’s absolutely lovely. Who knew how cool I would feel and how lazy I would be – I use the voice command ALL THE TIME.
Not only that, but these lights are tricked out. You can change their color, which is awesome, and the phone app for them comes with pre-set scenes in case you aren’t sure where to start. Love it.
And of course, there’s the timers you can set up. I wake up to light now instead of dark and I feel so much better.
Runaways
Hulu original TV show by Marvel. Still not 100% sure where this show is going or what it’s exactly about but I enjoy it nonetheless. Prominent female characters – check. X-men powers – check. Dinosaurs? – maybe. There’s plenty of drama, which usually turns me off, but the writers handle it just well enough that I can hold on. I just hope they answer some questions before the end of the season!
Fourth of July show at Rockies
The fireworks show at the Rockies’ baseball game on the 4th of July was spectacular and breath-taking. Second best fireworks show I have ever seen. How is it possible that a fireworks show at a Denver baseball game can be that good? But that good they were. I have to go back – the late night was by far worth it.
Pandemic Legacy
The one game that has surprised me the most this year- both in mechanics and how much I like it – is Pandemic Legacy. Permanently changing the board game and your characters? Something I have never experienced before – it was so scary those first few games putting stickers down. It’s still a bit nerve-wracking but we handle it much better at least.
This game is intense, crazy, nail-biting, fun. I’m not sure I can think of one thing that’s bad about it. I’m hesitant to say it’s my favorite game, because I like so many of them, but honestly, this is one of the best games I have ever played. It stresses me out, it’s the only game that has truly caused me stress, but even with that, I really like it. It’s hard, it takes a lot of work and a lot of thought, and it is all completely worth it. The wins are that much sweeter.
Demetri Martin
I went to a lot of different shows and events this year and I liked them all. But Demetri Martin deserves a shout out. I had never seen him live before and could not remember watching anything from him so I went in with a mostly blank slate. He was hilarious. His delivery, his material, were top notch. I laughed so hard and for so long, my mouth went dry. I was impressed with how good of a comic he is – hope I get to see him live again.
Denver & Arapahoe Libraries
These two libraries deserve so many kudos from me. I used both of them throughout the year to meet my Goodreads book challenge goal. I used them to get museum passes and a State Park pass. I made a snow globe, participated in a winter reading challenge, got a keychain 3D printed, and had both libraries give me personal book recommendations. Public libraries are awesome – here’s to me using the more this year!
Just Lauren 