Nerdy Sober Hipsters’ Year in Review

Happy New Year!!! The staff here at Nerdy Sober Hipsters wants to wish everyone joy and excitement as we close the books on 2016! We also want to take this opportunity to reflect on everything that has happened over the past 12 months, and give all our readers an opportunity to get to know each of us a little better!

Aly, with a “y” – Editor and Staff Writer

In one sentence, how has life been this past year?

This last year was beautifully unexpected, with anatomical dissections and writing portfolios crammed in between work events and amazing adventures alongside lifetime friends.     

What has been your favorite Nerdy Sober Hipsters post so far?

I loved Ken’s post on what life is like at three years sober, because I relate to those series of moments that he explained so well, and I too am coming up on three years sober now.  

What song has been your jam this past year (and why)?

“Your life will be just fine and, Troubles will not stay, they Get replaced with good times, Now you’ve got a great life, Smile as you walk by, Thinkin bout the day”

What is a thing that you’re currently obsessed with?

Currently obsessing over chrome manicures, Friday Night Lights on Netflix, and Jamba Juice “Cookies and Cream” protein smoothies with added strawberries.  

What are some cool projects you have planned for this upcoming year?

In the next year, I will be finishing the general requirements for my Associates in Science degree and starting coursework in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, FINALLY! I do have a few rad vacations planned such as camping in Joshua Tree and Yosemite with some of my sober friends, and a trip to Georgia and Michigan.  I’m looking forward to documenting these adventures on Nerdy Sober Hipsters. I had A LOT of fun writing the seasonal Halloween and Christmas posts focusing on local attractions, and I’m hoping to do more of that, and maybe put together a fun bucket list for Summer 2k17!

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to get/stay sober?

Give yourself a break.  I always pictured myself getting sober and all of sudden getting straight A’s, eating healthy, being financially stable, doing hot yoga and becoming this spiritual guru.  The reality is that sometimes I have off days.  Sometimes I eat a whole pizza to myself, and spend a hundred bucks on dresses and shoes that I don’t need. Sometimes I bomb a test. Some days the only thing I accomplish is laying my head on the pillow at night, sober.  I wish I recognized earlier what a huge victory that is.  

Ken – Lead Programmer and Staff Writer

In one sentence, how has life been this past year?

Life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, tons of feelings, tons of emotions, filled with new friends , new adventures, (some) growth and overall increased peace within myself.

What has been your favorite Nerdy Sober Hipsters post so far?

I really enjoyed Juliana’s travel piece, she is such a good writer! It was like i was traveling with her to all of those places, I loved her pictures and the way she conveyed her excitement through her writing.

What song has been your jam this past year (and why)?

There have been so many new songs I’ve found this past year, but the one i get excited about the most when it comes on is Nothing Arrived by Villagers. The song is an acoustic ballad that talks about a journey, and having expectations. I like to think that I know the outcome of all my actions, and every situation, but it usually blows up in my face. The funny thing is, what I think is an explosion of crap becomes something even better than anything I could have ever imagined. What I temporarily feel as pain always becomes an invaluable lesson.

What is a thing that you’re currently obsessed with?

Consciousness and the endless rabbit hole.

Max Planck, the father of quantum theory, says this:
“I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.”

What are some cool projects you have planned for this upcoming year?

This next year I will be traveling out of the country for work, the tech startup I am working for is really starting to ramp up. It’s either now or never, we will either sink or swim as a company, I am really excited to see how everything plays out. I will also be moving into a house with some good friends I both admire and respect, I am really excited to be a part of their lives and curious to see how we all affect each other’s spiritual growth.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to get/stay sober?

Don’t just talk about it, be about it. The footwork is what changes us.

Ali, with an “i” – Graphic Designer and Creative Guru

In one sentence, how has life been this past year?

Life in 2016 has been super blessed and eventful for me!

What has been your favorite Nerdy Sober Hipsters post so far?

I really enjoyed Julianna’s blog post about her road trip out to GA from CA. That woman is so brave and awesome!

What song has been your jam this past year (and why)?

According to my Spotify, my number one song was Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 by Kanye West. I really enjoy the melody and appreciate the overall production of the song.

What is a thing that you’re currently obsessed with?

Other than my cute cat, I’m obsessed with reading/learning about new methods of meditation, self-awareness, and self-actualization.

What are some cool projects you have planned for this upcoming year?

This upcoming year is one where I focus on a new series of artwork and explore new mediums. My goal is to get some artwork up in galleries and maybe even a solo show! For NSH, I think getting our IG page up and running would be cool.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to get/stay sober?

I encourage those who want to get/stay sober to surround themselves with folks who uplift them. Let go of toxic people, places, ideas and situations. Find other people who are also sober so y’all can do fun sober things together.

Julianna – Editor and Staff Writer

In one sentence, how has life been this past year?

My life this year has been transformative.

What has been your favorite Nerdy Sober Hipsters post so far?

I loved Ken’s piece, “A series of moments: What life is like at 3 years sober”. I related to it so much. God willing, I’ll be celebrating my 3 years of sobriety in less than one week. Everything he said in that article resonates with my own experience.

What song has been your jam this past year (and why)?

I’ve been on a Van Morrison kick, something about the cooler weather. This song brings me back to those moments of utter acceptance and serenity.

What is a thing that you’re currently obsessed with?

I’ve been obsessed with essential oils, playing guitar, and Game of Thrones.

What are some cool projects you have planned for this upcoming year?

I have a couple trips lined up. One to Asheville, NC and the other to Mexico. I hope to write about those. Over the next year, I am going to pursue my creative ventures more consistently and unabashedly.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to get/stay sober?

Pray. I’ve found it to work miracles.

David – Editor in Chief

In one sentence, how has life been this past year?

My life this past year has been better than anything I could have ever wished for!

What has been your favorite Nerdy Sober Hipsters post so far?

I absolutely love every single article that I get the honor of editing and posting, but one that really stood out for me was Aly’s first post “Pouring Ink So I don’t Drown in Drink” back in February. That was the first time that I thought to myself, “Damn, we might actually have something really cool here with this website.”

What song has been your jam this past year (and why)?

I chose this as one of our Nerdy Hipster Music Picks back in August, but Welcome to Your Life by Grouplove basically sums up my entire mood and experience this past year. It’s just been fantastic!

What is a thing that you’re currently obsessed with?

Right now I’m obsessed with youtube channels like Infinite Waters and Linus Tech Tips, Star Wars Battlefront, doing yoga and eating everything that is delicious!

What are some cool projects you have planned for this upcoming year?

I’m going to be studying for my CCNA Routing and Switching IT certification for the next several months, since that’s the next indicated step for my career! Besides that, I’ll be continuing to develop Nerdy Sober Hipsters with the rest of these beautiful and amazing people, and maybe even bring on some more writers so that our articles can have an even broader perspective!

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying to get/stay sober?

Try to be humble and ask for help. Humility will open the door for you to learn the truth about yourself.

To all of our wonderful readers, we hope you’ve enjoyed our content this year! We’re all looking forward to bringing you even more awesomeness in 2017!!!