2012/2013

My New Year's resolution is simple: Take better care of myself, so I can take better of others.

Of course, it's not really that simple. It's made up of so many other things. But that's the gist of it. This year, I have some big goals. Some are more tangible than others, but they're all interconnected in that they're about taking care of myself in some way. Because I am much better to be around, and much more able to care for others, if I'm doing OK. There have been many things lately that reminded me how fragile and fleeting life is. I want to make the most of the time I have, with the amazing people in my life.

In 2013, I want to:

• Finish a 5-mile run (I'm running one with a friend in March).
• Finish a half marathon (I've got my eye on a big one in a beautiful place next fall).
• Apply to PhD programs.
• Pay off my credit card and start saving again (nearly there, finally). 
• Eat better, and finally lay off Diet Coke. I'm sticking with not eating meat, but I need to get way better about eating vegetables.
• Make time for the people who sustain me. I am so, so lucky to have many wonderful, inspiring people in my life. But in my quest to see everyone equally and regularly, I often miss out on spending more time with people like my mother, my roommate, my best friend, or my boyfriend -- people that hold an extra-special place in my heart. Don't get me wrong -- I care about everyone in my life, dearly -- but there are some people I know I won't see as often soon (my roommate), and who I owe so much of my happiness to (my mom, boyfriend, etc.). 
• Make more time for reading, writing, studying, and general mental health care. 

That's it. I'm trying to keep things (relatively) simple, and just be kind to myself.  It's something I've never been good at but, dammit, 2012 was a great year. I worked hard. I need to remember that.

After all, in 2012, I:

• Finished graduate school.
• Taught and tutored writing to college freshmen.
• Taught writing to high school students, my most difficult and rewarding job yet.
• Realized that I could never do anything else, really, but teach. 
• Decided to go on for a doctorate.
• Ran several 5Ks, setting my best time yet. 
• Discovered how much I like biking, spin class, and setting out for long summer rides on my own.
• Learned, finally, how to be alone.
• Learned how to be together.
• Spent time with many loved ones. 
• Started dating a kind, brilliant, generous and gentle person, who floors me every day with how good he is.
• Saw my sister renew her wedding vows.
• Visited beautiful parks, lakes and rivers in Illinois, Wisconsin and Arkansas.
• Saw some of my favorite bands and musicians, like Deer Tick, Reigning Sound, Sebadoh, Mike Watt, Hayes Carll and Lucero. 
• Presented papers at two conferences. 
• Gave up meat. 
• Grew up.

2012 was a hell of a wonderful year. Here's to 2013, and the big, intimidating, and exciting things it holds.