You could say that 2016 was a little rough. We all have higher hopes for 2017, though time will tell how well it goes. Still, there are at least seven things I’m looking forward to this year, other than the usual holidays and birthdays.
January
New LEGO Kits—LEGO is constantly adding to their library of brick offerings, and this year is no different. At the beginning of the month, they added several new sets, including in two of my favorite lines, Architecture and Creator. I’m a fan of buildings, houses, and sets that can be easily built more than one way. Thus my particular fascination with those lines of LEGO. The new affordable sets that I have my eye on this year are Park Street Townhouse, London, Beachside Vacation, and Blue Express. Less recent but still new-ish, I’m eyeing the United States Capitol Building. But the set that really appeals to me (<cough>birthday<cough>) is the new Assembly Square, one of the larger, more elaborate buildings in the Creator series.
April
Doctor Who—Finally, the new series of Doctor Who! We enjoyed the recent Christmas Special, but it merely whetted our appetite for the real deal, the tenth series of the newer run of the show. My family is itching to regain one of our favorite conversation topics. And, even though I’m going to need some convincing on The Doctor’s new companion, I’m willing to warm up to her if she delivers in the series.
May
Star Trek: Discovery—For those of us who have excitedly watched all of the Star Trek television series, we’re extra excited for this new series to premiere. No, seriously. My daughter and I are just giddy. Though it was supposed to begin airing in January, Star Trek: Discovery, for some reason, got pushed back to May. More time to look forward to it, I guess? In any case, Discovery is the first television series in the Star Trek universe since Star Trek: Enterprise went off the air in 2005. This is far too long to go without another television show, in my opinion, especially considering that from TNG to Enterprise, the shows were pretty much constant.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2—Even this non-comic book fan is excited about this movie. I begrudgingly watched, and proceeded to enjoy, the first installment in the series, and the previews I’ve seen of the second promise us another entertaining movie. Even for someone not in the comic book world. I generally stick to historical or Jane Austen comics, and this movie isn’t likely to expand my reach, but the movie itself looks quite hilarious and fun.
July
Canada’s 150th Birthday—On July 1, 1867, the Dominion of Canada was created out of some of the provinces we know today. Others were soon added. The country is celebrating this important anniversary during the whole year, and they even have a smart-looking logo for the occasion (though you have to apply to be able to use it for anything). Though I doubt I’ll be able to visit Canada this year, I’ll be celebrating with our neighbors to the north in spirit.
August
Total Solar Eclipse—If you are located in the United States, August 21st of this year brings a total solar eclipse that will sweep across the entire country. Whether you’re in Oregon, South Carolina, or anywhere in between, if you can get yourself to a viewing spot along the path of the eclipse, you’ll see a once-in-a-lifetime sight: the sun completely obscured by the moon. We are already making plans to go see it. I’ve seen partial solar eclipses, but never a total one, and I, for one, can’t wait. Don’t forget your eclipse glasses!
December
Star Wars: Episode VIII—The next installment of the Star Wars franchise comes out in December! Star Wars: Episode VIII promises to pick up where The Force Awakens left off, and includes Carrie Fisher as Leia, as her scenes were all filmed before she died. I know these new Star Wars films have their detractors, but I’m enjoying the heck out of them.
What amazing things are you looking forward to in 2017?
