I’ve been reading all sorts of posts and articles lately about preparing for the new year by cleaning house and your other assorted slates, so as to start in the orderly and calm fashion in which you hope to continue.  I’ve also seen quite a few posts that reflect on the year past, and the many feats accomplished and obstacles overcome.

I really like both of these ideas.  The most notable examples of which are definitely this post by the Yarn Harlot for the former, and this post by my long-lost friend Jackie for the latter.  I have been making small attempts at clearing my proverbial plate for the past few days, like straightening up the apartment, changing lightbulbs that have been left dark for too long, paying bills before they’re due, &c.  I thought now I’d make an effort at Jackie’s type of new year prep, and compile a list (though abbreviated, I don’t know if I can think of 50) of things I’ve accomplished this past year.  So here goes:

  1. I finished 15 knits this year, including three pairs of socks, six sweaters, and two shawls.
  2. I learned to appreciate the minute workings of my lungs.  When they’re healthy, that is.
  3. I recorded some songs, just for fun.
  4. I sprained my ankle, and gained a whole new perspective on what it’s like to have a handicap in this city.
  5. I successfully made a roux.
  6. I got a lot of writing done.  And I haven’t lost hope that I will finish this behemoth I’ve started.
  7. I made up my first knitting pattern.
  8. I made up several recipes that had no inspiration outside my own little brain.
  9. I have mastered pâté brisée.
  10. I successfully spent time alone with the Boyfriend’s family, and enjoyed it.
  11. I got a KitchenAid mixer, and have used it well.
  12. I got a bread machine, and have used it well.
  13. I cut a lot of sugar and meat from my diet, and found some new veggies and fruits I really like.
  14. I got a bicycle that I actually ride.  In the city.  Without having a panic attack.
  15. I used the crap out of the Brooklyn Public library.
  16. I donated money to a worthy charity.
  17. I learned how to make passable dhal and channa masala.
  18. I found out what “jersey finger” is.
  19. I quit a job that was making my life less than livable.
  20. I found a job that I really like.
  21. I worked on my first movie as an assistant director.  And I didn’t suck.
  22. I lived my first full year with the love of my life.  And I still really like him.
  23. I got to be on the grown-up side of Santa Duty this year.
  24. I got a kitten.  And finally,
  25. I screwed up my courage and applied to a very selective training program for Assistant Directors in Film and TV.

And I made it to the next round.

So that was my year, in a nutshell.  Parts of it were very trying, but parts of it were wonderful, and sitting down to review them really helps you understand that it all balances out in the end.  I am really looking forward to another year.  I hope you are too.

Here’s to a wonderfully balanced 2011 for all of us!