2017 built on the good and bad of 2016. Political discussion got more divided, the weather got harsher, and my personal year was great.
So, ignoring the macro and focusing on the DrewCo, here’s my review of 2017.
Best Achievement – Publishing The United States of Laughter
After much hemming and hawing, I finally decided to actually write a book about my experiences as a nomad. When I began, I wasn’t entirely sure I would publish it, maybe just keep it as a more in-depth journal of my journey. But after the first few drafts, and getting inspired by Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, I decided to unleash it upon the world. I’m very glad I did. As a result, I hit top new release in both Travel Writing and Humor Essays, I launched the book out of a catapult, I talked about it on a few different news stations, and 50+ people gave it a 5-star review on Amazon.
Runner-Up: My second public TEDx Talk.
Best Personal Development – Less Than 100 Grams of Sugar
As many of you know, I love sugar. It’s my biggest vice, far greater than any alcohol or Grand Theft Auto video games. For 2017, I made it a goal to consume less than 100g of sugar each day which meant dropping my usual breakfast (Pop Tarts), no longer pretending drinking juice was particularly healthy, and limiting myself to only one dessert a day. Yes, this was actually a challenge but definitely needed considering 100 grams is double the old recommended amount by the World Health Organization and four times the updated recommendation of sugar for an adult (25g or less than one soda).
Runner-Up: Read a book a month.
Best Business Decision – Attending NSA Influence 2017
There are a few conferences I try to attend every year and the National Speaker’s Association annual summer conference is one of them. Though I’ve attended in the past, this year helped me establish additional credibility as a humorist and helped me further build my network with some of the most talented, and giving, speakers I’ve ever met. Subsequent meetings and events that sprang from those relationships have already started to transform my business.
Runner-Up: Publishing The United States of Laughter
Best Personal Decision – Brother’s Bachelor Party in Texas
My brothers and I don’t always get a chance to hang out considering we live in three different states, but it’s always a great time when we do. This year, for Adam’s Bachelor Party, we surprised him with a trip to Texas for a couple of baseball games, great food, and general brotherly fun.
Runner-Up: Notre Dame visit
Best Speaking Engagement – TEDxTAMU
It was another busy year of speaking but nothing can top the 18 minute talk I did for TEDxTAMU. I got a chance to talk about my favorite subject (humor), one of my brothers and my mom were in attendance, and it went very well. The fact that I have a great video as a result of it is an added bonus.
Runner-Up: Women’s Foodservice Forum
Best Performance – The Armando Diaz Experience
Nate was the reason I got into comedy in the first place but we don’t often get a chance to perform together considering we live on opposite coasts. So, when presented with the chance to be the monologist for his Armando show, it was a no-brainer.
Runner-Up: CSz Cincinnati
Best Travel – Acadia
My trip to Acadia National Park could not have been more perfect considering the views, hiking, and the company.
Runner-Up: Brother Road Trip
Best New Restaurant – Di Fara Pizza
It’s hard to still be impressed by pizza, but Di Fara’s in Brooklyn manages to do it. All of the pies are still made by the original owner and they are exquisite.
Runner-Up: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Best Movie (I Saw) – Get Out
I’m not usually a horror film fan, but Jordan Peele’s movie does everything so well it’s hard not to like. It feels like there isn’t a wasted scene or line in the entire thing.
Runner-Up: Moonlight
Best TV Show (I Watched) – Stranger Things
I was late to the game with Stranger Things but it was thoroughly enjoyable and well-executed.
Runner-Up: Doctor Who
Best Book (I Read) – A Walk in the Woods
Bill Bryson’s book completely changed what I thought was possible with a memoir. It’s engaging, it’s entertaining, and it makes you laugh out loud. After reading it, I completely revamped by own book and was inspired to aim higher with what I wanted to write.
Runner-Up: Exactly What to Say
Best Tweet – 10 Marks the Spot
I’ve selected 20 of my best tweets of 2017 but my favorite favorite is this one:
Converting the numbers 51, 6, and 500 to Roman Numerals makes me LIVID.
— drewtarvin (@drewtarvin) February 12, 2017
