Portmanteau of Life

Ruminations of 2012

I really like the new year. It’s a blank slate, a new start. It’s like a new journal that you purchase from the store, fresh with that scent of new paper that is begging to be adorned with pictures and genius.

But like any journal of mine, many times I feel a sense of frustration after a few weeks in. My scribbles suddenly offend me; they mock me and remind me of my struggles and mediocrity. I crave immediately success and greatness, and unfortunately, theses new journals are too quickly tossed aside.

I guess the same could be said of this site. Started off as a blank digital slate, only to be haphazardly updated.

But today, I figured I would give it a shot and bring this back to life. Mostly because one of my other pet projects has suddenly grown weeds and taken over (weeds being the pesky spam comments of link farmers and malicious autobots).

So 2012! A new year! When I think about 2011, it was quite a ride. We added a new furry companion to our little household, I changed careers and embarked on my first foray into start-up life, we traveled to Spain and ended the year with much needed time with family.

Of course, I had to take a look at some of the things I said I would do back in 2011…

- To prioritize my spiritual health, whether through classes or reading in order to find more meaning in my life and how I can give back to my community

- Continue to strive to be a good daughter, sister, cousin, friend and employee - to stop being complacent with just doing things routinely

- Call my mom more regularly

- Proactively take steps to pursue my passions and interests, such as editing my book or taking more design classes

- Actually make a real effort to improve my Chinese, like writing cards and purchasing a textbook (and reading it)

- Write more blog posts regularly

- Learn to budget better

- Take trips…and always be on the lookout for opportunities for new adventures!

Admittedly, I could have done a lot better. But, nevermind…onto the next year! My resolute resolutions for 2012…

• Once again, put my spiritual health as a priority…and finally go to church!
• Stay optimistic. Things get tough, but nothing is forever. Always remember that.
• Count my blessings…because really, there are so many ways that I’m much, MUCH luckier than most and it’s so easy to forget
• Keep an eye out for opportunities all around me.
• Write. Write. Write.
• Exercise and be active!
• Spend more time keeping in touch with family and friends.
• Cook more.
• Spend less.
• Love lots and lots.

Here is to another wonderful year!