2013

This is my obligatory "goodbye 2012, helloooooo 2013" post. Except I really don't know what to say. The past year would be nearly impossible to sum up in any cohesive, coherent manner. There's been some amazing moments (graduating with honors, presenting my thesis, moving into my first apartment, meeting new friends and getting letters from old ones, reacquainting myself with my hometown) but some really really dark moments as well (being lied to and taken advantage of, being rejected 30 or 40 times from companies, having so many plans for my future fall through, feeling completely beaten and utterly worthless). And some days it seemed the bad far outweighed the good this year.

I'm also really not sure if I can even wrap it up with the phrase "it all happens for a reason" because I'm not sure if I believe it anymore - sometimes there's just no reason. But still, in just 24 short hours, I will drive away from Nashville like I've done so many times to go to so many places. Except this time, there's no reason for me to go back. I will fairly literally be seeing 2012 fade away in my rearview mirror.

And so I'll just say this. 2012, I will not particularly miss you. 2013, I'm ready.

I don't have one specific New Year's resolution (though I will finally post the rest of my Ten Day challenge after the 1st), but here's some challenges I've set for myself this year:

Learn how to clean a sewing machine
Go to three concerts
Master one new cooking technique each month
Go to reunion
Build the strength to do an unassisted handstand
Run a 5k
Participate in a triathalon
Read 1 book a month
Find two causes to support/volunteer for
Write friends once a month
Think seriously about getting a dog and a tattoo (decide if/when they would be appropriate or not)
Travel abroad
Watch one classic movie a month
Master one new cocktail each month
Write/journal more often
See three plays or ballets
Practice meditation regularly
Start a garden (indoor or outdoor)
Learn Wordpress

New Year's Eve (in my dreams)

So I'm spending New Year's Eve in my pajamas with my parents and a glass of sparkling grape juice (maybe with a sparkler or two), so here's glimpse into my night, were I actually going out:

Wearing a dress like this! The one night a year that this outfit is completely acceptable. Four year old me would be in heaven!

Matching sparkly (but not overwhelmingly so) nails! Darkness to balance out the disco up above, and shoes that maybe match this color?

With my hair like this! Gotta keep it up so I don't get too sweaty dancing! Plus all the better to show off that amazing dress

Eating THESE beauties: champagne jello shots! You guessed it, with more sprinkles. How wonderfully classy!

Okay fine, and maybe a couple sparklers still :)

Sighhh. Maybe next year when I'm out on my own? Hope your New Year is much more exciting than mine!

All images via pinterest