ringing in 2012

After over a year of neglect, I am returning to blogging. I am not going to tackle a poem each day as before, but rather be more organic. 2011 was a strange year: funny and sad...mercurial, to say the least. So, on the last day of this year, looking forward and backward, here are some highlights of 2011 and hopes for 2012.

Highlights

• Quitting smoking after 15 years
• Moving across Texas twice in less than 6 months
• The end of a soul-sucking, destructive romantic relationship
• A desert hiatus 
• Alice: I am so proud of my odd, neurotic girl. She has become such an awesome dog.
• Denton, TX: it took leaving for a little while to realize you are home.
• Being able to ride my bicycle to work and school. It makes me feel like a kid again.
• Return to being a herbivore: my conscience and body are clean.
• Two new jobs in one year: the first I hated, and the second I love.
• So much love. 2011 really showed me how lucky I am to have my family and friends. I was loved even when I didn't love myself. 

Hopes

•  Take a long road-trip, just me and Alice to camp, explore, swim, hike, and get lost and found.
• Become a good vegan cook.
• Find a good spot for a garden and compost at my new house. 
• Write 
• Do more yoga.
• Explore more nature preserves, trails, etc. in the area.
• Be more generous: with my time, with myself, with my thoughts.
• Stop waiting for _____ (whatever I am waiting for) to do _____ (whatever I want to do).
• Practice honesty and optimism.
• Become more stylish. I know this sounds kind of vain, but seriously, sweatpants are not a good look for me. I should be having more fun with my clothes, jewelry, etc.

Love, love, love to everyone. Happy New Year!!!