New Year + Big News

Happy New Year! I suppose I'm here wondering how to start this off right, as we all do this time of year. I'm not really one for the "new year, new me/new start" mindset; I am too reluctant to let go of the past year when the new one rolls around. I spend my years counting down dates and hours towards something exciting, and yet when the time finally runs out and the new year arrives, I am perpetually surprised. I suppose I get caught up in the mentality of it all, even when time is such a fickle concept that just runs through my fingers and falls away off worlds without me noticing. I don't want to miss a second of it, even while I sometimes wish the seconds away in favor of the future. 

But this year, one of the craziest and busiest years of my life, yet also the most rewarding, I don't think anyone could blame me. I spent this year preparing and planning, while all the while I tried to make the most of the sparse minutes. And whether I failed or succeeded--or both--I don't particularly mind. I have tended a new collection of memories to join the newsreel playing in my mind, and all of the preparing? Well, that paid off. And that brings us to the big news I should share, the reason I have been so distracted and stressed, and, yes, excited... I was accepted early decision to my top college, the College of William and Mary, where I have dreamed of attending since I was eleven. But that dream is a reality now, and that is the reason this coming year is something I don't really know how to plan for. I don't know what to expect, not really, but isn't that the most exciting part? It's an adventure, a new narrative of my life about to begin. I don't know where it will take me, but to me, that's the best part. 

Amidst all this madness, a few things have remained constant and hopefully always will: my love of reading and books, my family, and this blog. Even when I am gone, off executing all this plans I've mentioned, I know my archive is still there waiting for my return. Like my own life, I don't yet know what journey awaits the archive, but I am excited to find out. To good books, warm nights with friends and family, and new adventures. 

This is a year to change all years. I cannot formulate too many tangible goals since I do not know what turns life will take in these next few months, so I suppose I will have to learn along the way. But here are a few to start.

read more

I'm not setting a page count or a minimum amount to reach. Reading has always been a passion and a hobby, not a job or a chore. I just want to focus on making the time to enjoy the things I love, like reading. I always complain that there aren't enough hours in the day, and that the limited amount I have available is spent doing things I don't find important or enjoyable, but unfortunately necessary. But this year, I will create time if I have to, because life does not deserve to be spent dwelling on insignificant events.

improve my baking

I don't remember if or how much I have mentioned this, but in 2017, I became somewhat of an avid baker. I'm talking macarons, gingerbread houses, cakes, etc. It's a hobby I do together with my boyfriend, and I've come to love it (and the sugar). In 2018, there are a few new recipes I want to tackle, such as swiss rolls and cobbler, and maybe I'll share them on here.

accept change 

This coming year is a mystery to me. Everything is going to change, whether I like it or not. While I am not apprehensive of change, that does not mean it will be easy. 

live with intention

A lot of the time, too often, I feel as if I am simply existing or drifting through life. There are so many things I want to do, and yet I feel as if I am held back by all of life's inane requirements. But this is a juncture in my life this year, and I intend to start making my own purpose, rather than allowing everything else to control me. This is my life, and I should be able to live it the way I want instead of the way I think I should. I can't help being a planner and thinking ahead, but I too often forget to live in the moment and that needs to change. You can't live wishing the minutes away. This year, as with all the years, I want to make memories that matter and experience all of the moments that life has to offer. 

"Face your life, it's pain, it's pleasure. Leave no path untaken."

Neil Gaiman