My 2013 wasn’t as good as some other people’s, but it did have its ups in between the downs. And, while I toasted to 2014 by drinking sparkling wine and saying “Good fucking riddance” to 2013, I should probably acknowledge that I did, in fact, accomplish some stuff…I guess.

Things I did in 2013:

• Joined a writing group. I love meeting with my writing group. It’s a blissful hour that happens at the library every other week when I get to discuss writing and characters and stories and sci-fi with people who just get it, you know? It might be the only time I forget about all the other shit going on. Plus, it forces me to produce new material on a regular basis, and I think receiving and incorporating feedback (especially when it’s hard to hear) has really helped my writing.
• Finally wrote some stuff I don’t hate. I didn’t publish anything (though I’m on track to do that in 2014), but I did finish some stuff and finishing all on its own feels pretty damn good.
• Disembarked from a bad relationship. Related: started a new, much healthier relationship with a great therapist.
• Got to be the Best Maid in my best friend’s wedding. It involved a surprising amount of crafting, a whole bunch of tears, and the best party I’ve ever been to and it was amazing.
• Started a (hopefully long-term) volunteer gig that I totally dig. It’s at Story Planet and it’s spectacular.
• Moved downtown. I finally live somewhere so cool I don’t even care that my ceilings are too low for upright bookcases.
• Got a new job that fits my life a bit better.
• Adopted my first pet. He’s a hamster named Doc who refuses to pose for photos, sorry.
• …bought a PS3?

Okay, the accomplishments are kind of dwindling now so I’ll stop. My regrets include not writing more/faster/better (I think that will be a regret of mine every year), spending more time brooding and crying than enjoying life, falling back into unhealthy habits and not travelling more. Which actually creates a good starting place for what my 2014 is going to look like:

• I am going to write more/faster/better, and also remember that I do it because it’s fun.
• Every time I start feeling sad, I’m just going to stop being sad and be awesome instead.
• Exercise more and eat better.
• Travel SOMEWHERE.

Giddy up.