2012

With the world ending on December 21, I'll have to work extra hard in 2012 to have as much fun and be as decadent as possible. While in London, I bought a small book (that I've since loaned to a friend, so I can't remember the name)that offered up a bevy of possible after-life scenarios. Some were far-fetched, like the ones that mused that we humans are some sort of space alien experiment. I really hope that isn't the case, otherwise the Scientologists are correct on some level. I would really hate that. In any case, the story that I would like to actually be the case is the one that suggests that the after-life looks a lot like life right now, except it is only populated by people we know. The author didn't really venture what the level of "knowing" had to be obtained before we showed up in someone else's after life. I was quite keen on this scenario, because as a teacher, I meet a lot of people (if if some of them are assholes). Also, I've held a number of jobs and have done a fair amount of traveling and have had the extraordinary chance to meet many wonderful people. If the after-life is indeed peopled only by those we know AND if the Mayans are correct and the world will end on December 21 and all of us are going to the after-life at the same time, I better get busy on meeting as many folks as I can so I have an active social life in the the after-life.

Having said all of that, for the year 2012, I hereby resolve the following:

I resolve to visit at least two cities I have never visited before.
I resolve to try to catch a few movies at the Detroit Film Theatre, even if I have to go alone and to try and engage someone in conversation.
I resolve to do yoga once a week and to hit the gym once a week.
I resolve to attend the MOTH story slams once a month.
I resolve to compliment a stranger at least once a week.
I resolve to clean the toilet bowl once a week.
I resolve to have people over to my house once a month.
I resolve to try two new recipes a month.
I resolve to take Andrew on monthly field trips to cool places.
I resolve to dance a little bit every day, even in public.
I resolve to gently cut negative people of of my life. But to be empathetic to their plight.
I resolve to write and read more.
I resolve to find an agent for my book.
I resolve to walk whenever possible.
I resolve to buy fresh flowers once a week.
I resolve to meditate at least twice a week.

That looks like quite a bit. But I must say, I have been thinking about this list for a while and I truly feel like these are realistic. I even feel like they won't feel like chores to achieve.

I feel pretty good about the world not ending, but if I do much of this on my list, I'll feel okay if it does.

My End of the Year List

I know that all serious pundits and news outlets compile end of the year lists, and I take myself quite serious, so why shouldn't I put together a little list. I haven't spent much time thinking about these...nonetheless, I feel that my list is quite accurate and irrefutable. Can I get a drum roll, please?



Thank you. Here are my big moments for 2011...

Sad News of the Year

Of course, the loss of my father was the saddest event of the year.

Biggest Adjustment of the Year

Living without Andrew on a daily basis. I want to be able to hear his laugh and squeeze him whenever I want.

Best Decision of the Year

The decision to co-parent was a no brainer. I think that these first few months of the divorce have been easier on Andrew because his father and I actively choose to cooperate and to work as a team for Andrew.

Purchase of the Year

The Mini, as if there could be another.

Concert of the Year

I know that many of you might think that the Rochester Castle show will be my choice, but it's not! I choose, instead, the June 11 Squeeze warm-up gig at the Pelton Arms. Small venue, big smile from my singer as I walk in, and the guys blow the roof off the house. That perfomance cannot be topped.

Night of the Year

Monday, April 4 - Evanston, Illinois.

Student Quote of the Year

About an assignment for which students had to find two obituaries, someone said, "So both of them have to be about dead people?"

Road Trip of the Year

London! London! London!

Drink of the Year

Bailey's

Deadly Sin of the Year

This was a close race, but sloth beats out lust, though just barely.


Accomplishment of the Year

Publishing my first short story.

Discovery of the Year

I am stronger and more capable than I had ever believed.

Memo to self

I've just finished watching The Joy Luck Club with my English 12 class. I had forgotten what a good movie it was, but how vastly different it is from the book. I don't wish to quibble with those changes (though my students did NOT appreciate the changes at all). Instead, for the past two days, a line from the movie has been echoing in my head. Rose's mother tells her that she must remember what she is worth. I am pretty guilty of not remembering my worth. All too often in our society, we value monetary worth far over any other kind. I know, however, that I am worth far more than my paycheck quantifies. Perhaps I am overwrought with work-related stress, but I feel a need to remind myself of my worth.

1. I am worthy of respect and dignity.
2. I am worthy of time to just plain relax.
3. I am worthy of friends who will support me.
4. I am worthy of friends who will visit me in my home.
5. I am worth of a clean house.
6. I am worthy of a few pages of fun reading every night.
7. I am worthy of the effort to drop a few pounds.
8. I am worthy of being told I am beautiful.
9. I am worthy of being shown that I am desirable.
10. I am worthy of a few road trips.
11. I am worthy of forgiving myself for my daily boo-boos.
12. I am worthy of my dream.
13. I am worthy of my son's smiles and hugs.
14. I am worthy of the opportunity to play my music loudly.
15. I am worthy of peace and quiet.

Well, that's more like it. I even feel a little light just having written that.