My wish to you all on the start of this bright and new year:
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
-Neil Gaiman
(Sarah, I hope it is okay to steal this!)




2008, despite trials and losses, was overall a solid year for me- and I think I am distinctly in the minority there. I've never known so many people who wanted the year to end. I had my share of misfortunes, but I have tried my hardest not to focus on those parts.

Some of the positive highlights of 2008:
I gave blood more than once. I saw Eddie Izzard perform in Manhattan. One of my dearest friends got her wish to go to vet school in the UK. My hair has spent the year very red and varying degrees of really short- and I love it. I've worked a lot, put some money into savings- but also bought myself nice things... like a Nintendo Wii. I have a gym membership that is convenient to work, and a new Y membership that is convenient to home. I started yoga. I went to a couple AHL hockey games in Hartford and Bridgeport. I discovered The Gaslight Anthem and their very 90's sound. I went to two weddings. I continue to be Auntie to a beautiful and smart now almost toddler aged little girl whom I adore. I discovered Hoegaarden. I ate Ethiopian food again finally. I went to TWO aquariums and saw sharks and penguins and beluga whales and all manner of fish. I drank a lot of tea. I started successfully keeping indoor plants- I have four going so far. I had three Thanksgivings. There have been three wedding engagements of friends. I upgraded my PC- RAM, motherboard, optical drive, monitor, processor, case.... etc. I read some really good books. And discovered some awesome movies (if you haven't already- go watch Mongol). I have had friends stand by me. And made new friends. I went ice skating. I started making chocolate covered fruit. And making crepes more often. I smile more. Coffee became an infrequent part of my life- replaced by a rather steady sleep schedule. I became better at both understanding my own values and standing my ground to do what it is best for me. I joined the Caldaria staff. I did NOT get bronchitis. I learned how to play cribbage.


Where I stood at midnight on New Years Eve:
I am happy. I am reasonably healthy. I am in love. I know I am a competent and beautiful woman who can face down her fears. I am strong and ever stronger every day.



Similar to many of my friends, I don't really believe in New Year's resolution. If you want to change yourself or your life, every single day is a new year. If you want to do it, then do it. I have a number of goals that I have been working towards to a long time, and will continue. Every day is an opportunity and a new chance to strengthen your resolve.
Things I have been working towards include:

* increasing my endurance for cardio and strengthen my muscles
* become more well rounded
* continue to improve my writing skills
* make the world a better place
* improve my diet
* learn more- all the time
* make people smile
* learn to make new things in the kitchen
* take better care of myself
* eat new and exciting things
* go dancing
* cuddle with my cat more often




We are all constant projects. You are never finished with the work of art that is your life. So make it better every day.
And for me, finding ways to express my love for the world and its inhabitants is the best way to do it. So love. All of you. Love deeply. Love a friend, a lover, a cat, a fish, a bridge over water. Love a cup of tea and the sound of rain. Love a good movie, a line of poetry, or a clever joke. Love lyrics. Love food. Love the smell of clean laundry and fresh coffee. Love the color green. Love the steel and concrete of the city or the trees and fresh air of the country side. Better yet: love them both. Love to laugh. Love a cause.
Love as much as you possibly can. Love so much you don't think you have anymore to give. Because that is when you will find that your heart has more to give than you ever expected.

If I will ask anything of any of you this year- I ask you to love.