Here is it… the end of the year. It’s been a long journey filled with ups, downs and everything in between.

As much as people want to hate on 2016 (and oh good Christ did this year have some terrible things involved with it), I really can’t. I interviewed schlock royalty, got to see some incredible screeners, and contributed a chapter to a book. I joined up with four publications, three of which I still contribute articles to on a regular basis. There was immense acceptance of being an overly-analytical film geek. This site got three writers, all talented and wonderful human beings I’m proud to call friends. I had a health scare and came out alright. I watched some great friends grow, including one who is daring to be herself. I got to hold the hands of some that have cried and needed a rock. I got to come out fully as both bi and poly. I got my heart completely broken, and learned my self-worth in the process. I made some amazing friendships with people that don’t seem to mind a completely warped dork. I met someone special that I wouldn’t trade for the stars in the sky (and if you know me, you’ll know that I value the stars far more than this Earth).

And you know what? I’d do it all again. In a heartbeat. I don’t care if a lot of it was painful and lonely. It brought me the people I love and I would not trade them for anything. Not even an ocean of pain being exchanged for an easy ride.

I know that 2016 was rough for a lot of people. For a long time, I just wanted the year to be over. I wanted to slap the version of me on December 31, 2015 and tell her not to bother waking up for a whole year. I’m glad I don’t have that power. This year could be brutal at times, but it taught me a lot about myself and brought me to some extraordinary things. No regrets.

To all of our readers: I hope 2017 brings you the happiness you deserve, the goals you want to achieve, and something better when you don’t get what you want. Judging from the state of the world around us, we’re going to need all the strength we can get to buckle up and be good people in the face of overwhelming crappiness. Onwards and upwards. To paraphrase Walt Disney, keep moving forward. See you on the other side, gang.