Resolutions and Rewards

In my life, 2013 holds much promise: one of my best friends is getting married, I will get a new nephew, and I will begin teaching as an adjunct, something I have always, inexplicably wanted to do. I am thankful for 2012, which truly was a banner year, and have a few resolutions in mind to help make 2013 even brighter:

1. Make a delicious yeast bread (for context,  read about my battle with yeast breads here)
2. Actually finish crocheting an adult-sized blanket
3. Go to at least 2 of the 11 states I haven't yet visited
4. Read 20 books
5. Lose 18 more lbs, in line with the 18 I lost in both 2011 and 2012 
6. Redefine what "being a writer" means to me to mean having my stuff read instead of the nebulous idea of "making it"
7. Finish writing my third novel
8. Relax more
9. Learn to celebrate my accomplishments as readily as I do my failures

To meet my goal on number 6, check back soon for news of another Max and Menna giveaway

In line with number 9, I feel the need to remind myself in a very public way of the good things I did in 2012. The highlights (again, in ascending order) are things I gloss over too readily, but really should focus more on:

1. I crocheted blankets for five new babies
2. I got bread to rise 
3. I lost 18 lbs and made taking care of my body a priority in my life in a way it has never been before 
4. I went to five states I've never visited before
5. I republished my first novel after my publishers closed shop
6. I got over the hurt of some well-intended but very poorly worded criticism about my writing from someone I trusted. It shook me for weeks, but learning to let it go will serve me well.
7. I published my second novel
8. I finished my Master's degree
9. I wrote 50,000 words of my third book

All in all, 2012 has served me well. Saying good bye is bitter sweet, but I wish 2013 welcome, and wish everyone the best of luck and a banner year!