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Wow, can you believe it’s the end of 2023? This year went super fast, right? 

So, guess what I’m up to? I’m making a cool story about everything that happened in 2023!

As I sit down to write about 2023, a feeling of gratitude and joy fills me. Last year was like a captivating story, full of love, lessons, and surprises.

This year was like a big adventure for me. I learned to manage my time better, handled lots of important things, and even made my achievements grow. It was sometimes hard but also super fun!

I thought, “Why not make a special read about my year?” 

Reflecting on what happened is like having a special superpower. It helps me remember all the awesome moments. 

Come along as we walk through the months, uncovering the highs, lows, and delightful surprises that made 2023 a memorable year.

It won’t be too long, I promise!

Here’s to 2023, a year of challenges, victories, and lots of fun stories!  

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Starting With a New Chapter

The year kicked off with the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations, laying the groundwork for what would become a memorable chapter in my life. From choosing the perfect wedding dress to the venue. In January, I was devoted to wedding preparations, and shopping for the big day that awaited me in February.

Speaking of February, it turned out to be a month of milestones. The engagement, held on February 7th at Purple Haze in Biratnagar, marked the beginning of a special journey. The clock struck 11:00 AM, and the festivities continued till afternoon, creating a magical atmosphere for the start of this beautiful union. 

The main wedding ceremony took place on February 10th at Shaptakoshi Party Palace, also in Biratnagar. The ceremony was a blend of Hindu tradition, love, and joy, with family and friends coming together to witness and celebrate this special occasion.

The celebration didn’t end there, on the 11th of February, a vibrant wedding party concluded our marriage in Ratuwamai, Morang. From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the venue echoed with laughter, music, and the joyous spirit of togetherness. 

It was a day filled with love, shared with those nearest and dearest, making it a cherished moment in the wedding festivities.

Looking back, each day and place holds a special memory in my heart. These moments not only brought us together but also created wonderful memories that will stay with me forever. The love and joy of those days will always be a part of my life’s story.

Back to the WordCamps

Despite being newlyweds, I was on a very tight schedule. Only a week after my wedding, I had to rush for WordCamp Asia 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 17th to 19th. It was a fantastic experience, blending the joy of WordPress with the charm of Asia. 

It was more than just a conference, it was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and a chance to connect with the global WordPress community.

In the same period, I was in Delhi, India for a WordPress meetup. It was my first international WordPress meetup.

Fast forward to May, and it brought the excitement of WordCamp Sylhet 2023, taking place from May 19th to May 20th. I was one of the speakers at the panel discussion at the event. Our close friend Sekander Badsha treated the team to a family dinner. Also, Liton Bhai and Saad Bhai invited us for food. Bangladesh is awesome!

Following that, I organized an online celebration for the 20th anniversary of WordPress on May 27th. It was heartening to see the community come together to mark this significant milestone. Also, I conducted a podcast with veteran WordPress developers of Nepal in Go with WP.

To further contribute, I kicked off weekly online webinars as part of the contributor series, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

WordCamp Kathmandu 2023

As June rolled in, I started organizing weekly online webinars for a contributor series, sharing knowledge and fostering connections in the WordPress community.

Meanwhile, the WordCamp Kathmandu (WCKTM) in September brought unexpected joy as I won an iPad at the GoDaddy booth lucky draw. Along with networking with like-minded individuals and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.

WordCamp Mumbai and Bollywood

The WordPress journey continues in October, as it was marked by WordCamp Mumbai. A two-day conference with incredible sessions was held on the 28th and 29th at Hotel Rangsharda Auditorium, Bandra West, Mumbai.

Being a huge admirer of Bollywood movies, I was eager to catch a glimpse of some Bollywood celebrities. Fortunately, I was present on the birthday of the King of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan. I was among the fortunate few who stood in front of his residence, Mannat, waving him. Also, I clicked a selfie with another popular Bollywood actor Mr Bobby Deol.

Great End to The Year

November took me to WordCamp Manila on the 11th at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila, and included a visit to Singapore.

As the year drew to a close, I found myself taking on new roles within the WordPress community. Joining the community team as an event supporter was a privilege, and being elected as a theme team representative for 2024 was an honor. 

Additionally, I stepped into the role of a moderator in the photos team. Mentoring over 30 contributors for WordPress release 6.4 and reviewing 800+ new themes were gratifying experiences.

The climax of December was a delightful surprise – an unexpected cake-cutting event celebrating my success in the WordPress community. A big shoutout to @sweekarshahn and the @GowithWP team for making it extra special.

As I bid adieu to 2023, I’m filled with gratitude for the love, support, and countless memories. Here’s to a new year filled with even more adventures, growth, and laughter. 

Cheers to 2023!

Also read my open letter to Matt, the co-founder of WordPress.