My new year’s eve was spent on a greyhound bus somewhere near Thunder Bay, Ontario. I hadn’t showered in two days or eaten in over 12 hours. I think I was sleeping, uncomfortably of course, when the clock rolled over into the new year. Perhaps because of this, or because I haven’t slowed down much since I got home, I haven’t taken any time to sit and think about this past year. And I really should.
In 2011 I completed my first book-length poetry project. I graduated from college. I started working full time in a job I love, and was promoted within my first six months. I got published, for real, and got paid for it. In 2011 I got engaged.
I decided to pursue poetry as a career, and decided to get married. Not to say it was a perfect year, but I decided what I want to accomplish, and who I want beside me.
In the next year I want to work harder on writing and reading and submitting. I will get married. I want to continue to make my living space beautiful and functional and be as present as I can where I am. I want to try and be sincere in my poetry and not dismissive or cynical of my ideas and thoughts. I want to avoid pre-censoring my self and my work. I want to spend less time on the internet (ha!). I want to drink more water and eat more fruit this summer. I want to bake bread and save money and write thank you notes. I want to be kind and thoughtful to Sean and not take him for granted. I want to always be trying, working. I want to take pictures, plant a herb garden on my windowsill, buy more rugs for my drafty floor, buy more independent art, get rid of clutter. Be honest. Sell my car and bike everywhere. Stay in touch with my dear friends.
So, halfway through January, I say hello, 2012.
