Sunday, January 1, 2017

Hello, 2017


Perhaps this would be more aptly titled "thank god 2016 is over" or "where in the world did you disappear to, Erin?"  But alas, no, I stuck with the more positive, generic title because those did seem a little long, I suppose, no matter how true they are.  

The end of 2016 was absolutely insane.  I don't think I have ever before been this busy, or stressed out, or also strangely happy.  School has been killing me; 99% of the time I'm more zombie than human being (seriously, why did I ever think AP Chemistry was a good idea?).  But I've also met a lot of new friends this year and experienced a lot of things for the first time, which can never have a negative connotation (unless those new things include getting stabbed or abducted by aliens or something of that sort).  The year went by in the blink of an eye, about a million childhood idols died, and I read a lot of books and watched more Netflix than I probably should have (seriously, Stranger Things? Absolutely brilliant).

Now I don't really do the whole new years resolutions thing.  It's kind of a cliche that people have a tendency to conveniently forget about them a month into the year, so what's the point?  But I figured, hey, might as well give it a shot.  Right now I am trying (and hopelessly failing) to not obsess over the big things like applying to colleges, taking the SAT, and how half my friends will be graduating and going off to university. So let's just focus on some things I can at least hope to control:


Write More

I don't just mean blogging for this one.  I have wanted to be an author since I was a child, and only fairly recently have I actually set this as a goal to strive for rather than an intangible, far off dream that was never to be realized.  But do you know the secret to that dream coming true?  Actually writing.  I've done it sporadically in the past, but never as much as I wanted.  I can blame this on being busy or not knowing what to write, but the truth is that I'm scared.  I'm a perfectionist, always have been, always will be.  I like everything sorted into neat little boxes with little ribbons and probably glitter.  But writing is chaotic and messy, and I need to accept that and just write.


Read More


This shouldn't really require an explanation, should it?  I mean, reading is my life. Reading is to me as ice is to Kristoff in Frozen (and yes I am still referencing that movie).

Get Organized

Again with the titles, this would more accurately be dubbed: freaking organize my life, like dear lord it's a mess.  As much as I like to think I am an organized and efficient person, the evidence points to the contrary.  8 hours of sleep, Erin, that's not just a suggestion.  And waiting until the night before to do your homework?  Stop that, right now, it's stressful and no, winging everything is not a solid plan.


Experience More of Life


I realized this year that although I am alive, per say, as my heart is beating and I have brain waves and all that jazz, I do very little living.  Sure, sitting in my room reading and watching Netflix doesn't negate my Alive status, but it's a rather static existence.  I want more experiences and adventures and stories to tell, and I don't really want to wait any longer.

Get a Job

Can you hear that far off sobbing?  Yeah, that's me crying over how much college costs. Seriously, what the hell, America?  

***

So, 2017.  I have a feeling it's going to be one hell of a year, for the best or for the worst.  In the words of Neil Gaiman, "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."




12 comments:

  1. WELCOME BACK ERIN!! It's so nice to see The Book Archive alive again. I know right?! 2016 was just a big mess altogether. I'm so glad it's over. Yesss Stranger Things! I loved it so much and I need season 2 asap.

    Wishing you the best in 2017, Erin!

    anna | annaish

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    1. Thanks, Anna! I'm glad to be back. And yeah, even though 2016 was a mess, at least we had Stranger Things. Happy 2017!

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  2. I can relate to the vast majority of this post, it is so accurate. I could probably do with taking up those resolutions you listed also... OMG I'VE MISSED YOUR BLOG! I can't wait for your next post of 2017! Best wishes for the New Year, Erin - we'll survive this one together and hopefully it will be a good one! ❤

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    1. I've missed it too, Rebekah. But school is tough, isn't it? I can't wait for it to be over with... Happy New Year!

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  3. Yay you're back! I've missed you!!! Who didn't watch Stranger Things in 2016?! I feel like if you didn't watch it, you weren't properly alive in 2016. It was one of the only good things in such a horrible year. Good luck with school, exams, work, college... and getting 8 hours of sleep. What sort of superhuman can get that long a night? I would probably have to go to bed at 7pm or something.

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    1. Oh I know, it seems as if everyone has seem that show by now. Which is great, it deserves all the attention it's getting. 2016 was...well, let's not talk about that. I'm glad to be blogging again, but I make no promises about getting 8 hours of sleep. Happy 2017!

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  4. This is a beautiful post, and I missed you tons Erin <3 you have no idea! I've been busy these past few months as well, especially with the semester kicking up all the stress. Haha. I hope you had a great time with your family and friends :)

    And I love reading through your resolutions -- they look so good! I also hope to write more, which is why I did a major re-design at my blog and changed its focus a bit to pave way for photography and personal writing. I've always loved your blog and I hope to see more of you soon in this blogosphere. Good luck with your resolutions! And I wish you luck this 2017 <3 Happy New Year!

    Jillian @ Jillian's Books

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    1. Aww, thanks, Jillian! I missed blogging a lot. School just gets in the way of everything, doesn't it? I am super excited about the new redesign on your blog! I also love photography and writing, so I can't wait to see what you'll be posting. Happy 2017!

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  5. Welcome back!! Glad 2016 is over and hope 2017 is much better. I love that you said you want to get out living - such a great goal! Happy New Year!

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    1. Thanks, Grace! 2016 was one hell of a year, wasn't it? Here's hoping 2017 will be easier. Happy New Year!

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  6. Happy new year, Erin!! *cheers and gives you welcome back cake* Sadness that college is eating you alive, but I hope it's worth it in the end. *nods* And YES to writing more! I actually am making that more of my goal this year too, because like I want a career, so I should probably make writing the priority over reading.😂 I need to work on that haha.
    GOOD LUCK WITH ALL YOUR GOALS. THEY ARE FANTASTIC.

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    1. Cake is definitely the best welcome. And you're right, school is EATING ME ALIVE. I think I died a while back and am just a walking skeleton by now. And write MORE? Is that even possible for you? I mean, how many novels did you right last year? Happy 2017, Cait!

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