While gazing out the window at the drizzling rain, my mind reflected back on the past year and I figured it was time for an update. Professionally, I’m still happily designing away at Produktworks Design as a mechanical engineer. I’ve learned more than I could possibly imagine about different manufacturing processes, CAD, and client interactions. I went to CES in Las Vegas and discovered new 3D printing technology (like ceramic), laundry folding robots, and seemingly endless developments to smart home technology. Personally, I found a stray cat who is now a loving pet, bought a house, and got engaged, so it’s been a pretty great 12 months. Overall Austin is an incredible place to live culturally and socially. But please don’t move here. Just kidding! But the summers are *really* hot. I hear the Bay Area has a great climate, you should live there!

We were also visited by family and friends, my choir performed Mozart’s Requiem and is rehearsing Bach’s B Minor Mass for this year’s performance, and we watched F1 cars fly around the track at Circuit of the Americas. Charlie Daniels rocked the Nutty Brown Amphitheater, we saw a real live rodeo, and we ate some incredible brisket and tacos. Most importantly, “y’all” has successfully been incorporated into my vernacular.

2017 is shaping up to be another excellent year, with plenty of travel, classic rock concerts, and a wedding to plan. Thanks for all of your support, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Keep thinking,

~Annie