So I'll start a revolution from my bed.

This is the ?th time I've started writing again. It's a new years resolution of sorts you could say. I've been meaning to write for a while now, but I've always found excuses not to. This time, I'm going to stick to it, i hope 🤷‍♂️. We'll see. I'll start with a quick recap of 2025.

2025 in review. The year of the Snake 🐍

Graduation 🎓

I graduated from university last spring. I now have a masters degree in computer science and computational linguistics. I'm proud of myself for sticking to it and finishing what I started this time. My thesis was about using AI to build a book recommendation system for children. Got a 9.5/10 for that. Tested it with children at the Reykjavík Library downtown, as well as a few elementary school libraries. The kids loved it but gave brutally honest feedback, as kids do. It was a great learning experience for me.

Work 💼

I've been doing freelance web work. One of my most notable clients was Herbert Guðmundsson, Iceland's main 80's icon. I built a cool project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a high school in Reykjavík. I've also been working on a website for environmental research regarding the effects of fish farming in the fjords of Iceland. I hope I can finish that one soon, so that I can move on to more fun projects. I've got a few cool clients lined up, as well as ideas of my own. I plan on blogging about those soon.

Music 🕺

This fall I danced completely sober for 6 hours straight at a house music event. It was a blast. I danced with strangers, made new friends, and had a great time. It was a reminder that my dance skills are irrelevant, I just really need to let go and have fun sometimes. Slip inside the eye of your mind, don't you know you might find a better place to play? That night I broke my all time step count record. I've been listening to a lot more music this year than I have in a while. Mostly electronic music. One of last year's resolutions was to dance more. I'm happy to say I did.

Travels ✈️

I went on an adventure to Budapest and Slovakia this fall. Got to see Budapest in great company. Sang Oasis in kareoke, saw a string quartet perform Coldplay songs by candlelight in an old Budapest hotel. The one that inspired Wes Anderson's movie.

Take me to the place where you go, where nobody knows If it’s night or day.

We tried an escape room. It was a prison break experience. I got distracted when I escaped my cell and left my partner in their cell while I went on to solve more puzzles. Not my finest moment. I've got this sometimes stupid sense of having to solve everything by myself. And so Sally can wait. Most things are so much better with a partner though. I guess I need to train my collaboration skills. We did another one later in Slovakia. This time the theme was Alice in Wonderland. We aced it (together this time) with time to spare.

You ain't ever gonna burn my heart out.

For christmas, I went to Sicily with a friend. We mostly stayed in Ortigia, but explored Catania a bit too. We got some sun, fantastic food and great memories. Ortigia is absolutely beautiful. Catania is too, in it's own rough way. I think I'll be back to Sicily sooner than later. Step outside, summertime's in bloom.

Mental, Physical & Spiritual Health 🙏

Since you're still here, I'll tell you about my health journey this year. This past summer really challenged me on the health front. I spent some time away to focus on myself, to reset and reconnect. Cause you said the brains I had went to my head. The place had a great vibe, almost like summer camp for adults, where I got to know some interesting people and build new friendships.

There were some bumps along the way, and a few unexpected reminders from my body that self-care has to be a priority. The experience pushed me to take a closer look at my habits, my routines, and what actually helps me feel good and stay well. I guess that's just part of growing up.

Soon after, I got into crossfit, and especially discovered a love for olympic weightlifting. It's made a real difference, both physically and mentally, and given me something to look forward to each week.

I also tried a sweat lodge for the first time this fall. It turned out to be more meaningful than I expected, helping me find some clarity and calm within. I'm hoping to do more things like that in the future.

Conclusion ❤️

This year has been a rollercoaster. I think I haven't lived this much in a year before. It's taken a toll, but I've also grown more than I've ever done before in a year. I've taken risks, rode the waves, and I'm still here. I'm not sure where I'm going, but I'm excited to find out. 2025 was the year of the snake. Shedding what isn't needed to make way for the new. Now I'm sailing full speed ahead into the year of the horse.

"But don't look back in anger," I heard you say. 🫶