Trivial Pursuits: 2017 – The year of the red panda, Twin Peaks and the dirty chai

If there were a word or word phrase that described having a keen interest in the fads, trends, memorable moments and most interesting takeaways from a year, decade or time period, I would very much like to know it, so I could finally have a name for this fascination I have with collecting tidbits of trivia from the past and trying to place them into some kind of larger, meaningful context. 

“Culture geek” comes to mind.  

Having just put a period on yet another year, I’m itching to write about said fads, trends, memorable moments and most interesting takeaways, but I’ll begin first with my own, personal 2017 summary. It’s much, much duller than the much, much more interesting one I’m making mental notes for in a side compartment somewhere in my brain, but there are times I must put my trivia-collecting escapades on hold for some self-reflection, which is, of course, composed primarily of trivial pursuits. 

For instance: In 2017, I made my first batch of fudge (which was actually consumed and enjoyed by others, including myself). I also replaced a broken water heater, a broken thermostat and an ailing dishwasher.

Topping my 2017 triumphs: Joining the Brandon Valley Journal staff and getting my first dog after nine long, painful puppy-free years.

I saw my daughter in a TV commercial – so fun – got to watch the filming of it and contributed in significant ways (holding the boom mic in one shot, feeding her a line or two). 

I learned a new word: brinksmanship. (It’s a good one – look it up).

I read a lot of books, most notably Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo and All the Light You Cannot See (Anthony Doerr). 

I discovered the dirty chai latte, which is excellent both hot and blended.

I painted my front porch candy apple red.

I watched Twin Peaks for the first time (!) and followed it up with the 2017 follow-up Twin Peaks: The Return.   

For my 37th birthday, I received a snorkeling set from my daughter for when we go to Florida (which we didn’t, but we will … moving that to 2018 goals).

I acquired the ability to listen to Kidz Bop Kidz without running for the nearest earplugs or feeling like I might throw up in my mouth. 

I participated in my daughter’s Save the Red Panda crusade, which involved regular trips to visit the red pandas at the Great Plains Zoo, checking out books on red pandas from the library, watching videos about red pandas on YouTube, and buying her a red panda stuffie for Valentine’s Day, a red panda backpack to start second grade, a red panda poster for the eighth birthday and a family of red panda Calico Critters for Christmas. 

And, after writing a dozen Brandon water issues stories, I learned way more about water than I ever thought I’d need to know.

There’s more water to come, but I don’t think I’ll be including it on my 2018 list. 

Happy New Year.