Dear 2011...don't suck.

My my my, it's 2011! And I can't remember the last time I blogged! I guess I haven't done much to warrant interest lately, but let's catch up.

Christmas Eve saw the annual Bauernschmidt household party, overrun by my friends, a few of my sister's friends, and some of our neighbors. Beer and spirits were drunk, dips and cookies were eaten, and hilarity ensued. The usual. Christmas Day was the usual festival of gluttony and sloth; once presents are opened, we don't do a damned thing except eat and watch Christmas movies all day. The plan was to visit family the following day, but snow prevented that. We were supposed to get 8-12 inches, but actually we got less than four. Very disappointing.



Jellyfish at Camden Adventure Aquarium

 Mid-week saw a trip to the aquarium and a visit with very old friends. My friend Melissa, her daughter Madison, and Megan came to have dinner with us, a long-overdue occasion. I got some quality playtime in with Madi, which made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. She is so bright and active for a 9-month old!

I had dinner with friends at Sweet Basil Thai in Chadds Ford before speeding over to ring in the new year with Jen and company at her family's place in Downingtown; a little more subdued than last year's occasion, given that our hostess wasn't feeling well, but a great time nonetheless! And we celebrated the first full day of the year with a long walk with the dogs, more food, and a nice relaxing dip in the hot tub.

Other than that, I've been working and writing. I'm revising a short story that I hope to send out for publiction in the next few weeks. I've also been dabbling with a storyline of a possible novel, and some free verse. Stay tuned.


Lovely ladies on our walk with Rusty (pictured) and Sadie (out of frame)

 I don't actually make new year's resolutions, most of the time; but this year I am determined to do a few things:

1. Keep a list of all books read and movies viewed, reviewing (however briefly) those of high interest. I think Netflix is going to come in VERY handy for keeping track of my movies!
2. Spend less time on Facebook and Twitter, more time on my keyboards; the musical kind, and the computer kind. More music and writing this year, damn it!
3. Find a FULL-TIME JOB with a yearly salary and benefits and start planning (financially) to move into my own place...hopefully moving before the end of the year!

I'd like to end with a quote from an author whose work and person I respect very highly: Neil Gaiman. This was a new year's benediction he posted on his blog several New Years' posts ago, and brought back for 2011, which was where I found it:

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."

I for one think that sounds like an absolutely wonderful year. Here's hoping we all have one like that.