Opinions of a Wolf

Hello my lovely readers!  Today is the last day of 2010, and it feels to me like it just flew by, in spite of everything that happened during it.

As far as this blog goes, 2010 was my first full year of blogging.  I really think I’ve solidified what I want my blog to be and look like this year.  My layout and sidebars really reflect who I am, and I think I’ve finally got a solid style going for my reviews as well as weekly schedules.  I hope you guys think so too!  In 2011, I’m hosting my first reading challenge (sign up here!) and now that I’m out of grad school, I expect my non-review posts to be slightly less librarianship focused.  But you never know.

On a personal note, 2010 was the first year I lived entirely in one place since I was 15 years old.  It’s been kind of amazing, and I’m loving having the feeling of having roots somewhere.  As my first full year living in Boston, I’ve been able to fully experience all the thrills of living in such a historic, academic city.  I enjoy every aspect of it–even the ones I complain about.  I love it that I can eat any variety of foods pretty much anytime I want.  I can’t get over the fact that I can get a veggie burger at pretty much every single pub.  I learned how to ride my bike in city traffic and experienced the joy of riding to the park to spend the day on the grass reading while others read, toss a football around, or play volleyball, and cap the day off with a walk to get some bubble tea.  I discovered local independent bookstores and their fabulous used book basements that have killed my tbr pile.  I went to a free Dharma and meditation session for the first time and found out how awesome it is to be quiet in a roomful of people.  I’ve had the bonding experience of struggling with public transit on rainy days and in blizzards.  A recent immigrant who barely spoke English once shared her umbrella with me when waiting for the bus, and it was the highlight of my day.  I tried container gardening for the first time and encountered the community of urban environmentalists.  So many new experiences in so little time.

This year also saw the end of my first real relationship.  It’s been sad and a struggle for me, but I view the entire relationship from beginning to end to now as a wonderful experience, and I wouldn’t undo it for anything in the world.  My only regrets are some of the mistakes I made, but how else can we grow and learn?  Now that I know what a relationship *can* be, I’m working on being ok being alone until the next one comes along.

This year also saw me complete my Masters of Library and Information Science!  The last two weeks have been the first time since I was….what?  Four years old?  That I haven’t been a student.  I’m thoroughly enjoying having time to myself to do more of what I’d like to do.  I’m nervous about the next step of my career–hunting for a higher paying job with the blessings of my current employer–, but I’m also thrilled to see where I end up.  Part of me still can’t believe that I’m a white collar, highly educated, young professional living in a city.  Someone pinch me!

I also hope in 2011 to really get down to business with my writing.  I want to finish at least one novel, hopefully two, and start shopping them around to publishers.  I have faith in my writing, and it’s time to start acting on it.

Don’t worry; this blog won’t suffer.  It’s so closely tied to my favorite hobby of reading that I have a hard time imagining ever not blogging again.  I’m looking forward to 2011.  I’m eager.  I will strive for my goals and take everything life throws at me.  Anytime I start to struggle or feel down, I just remember how shocked and proud 14 year old me would be of 24 year old me, and I smile.  I can’t wait to see what 2011 brings.  Everything is a learning experience, and I truly feel that I am beating down more and more demons as I get older.  Bring it on, 2011.  I’m ready, and I’m not afraid.