Its good to see you, 2009.

The new year is upon us yet again and I can’t believe it. That means its time to reflect and time to set new goals.

Reflection: 2008 was a lovely little year for me. For one, PaperMichelle actually got off the ground. It had been a distant goal for a few years, but its finally an actual thing. I’m most satisfied with that accomplishment. This year also brought about some personal changes: evolved style, more worldly musical pallette, friendships like the changing of the guard, short hair, long-ish hair, skinny jeans, some writing, some reading, much cooking, a finer appreciation of wine, an appreciation of stability in people, a need for beauty always. Yes, indeed, 2008 taught me a great deal and I think it was put to good use.

Resolutions 2009-style: Ahh, goal setting. I generally don’t like to set static goals, because disappointment is…well…disappointing. I do value striving for something, but my “goals” are usually lofty and abstract things like “be happy.” Thats really what I want. Am I itching to get another piece of paper (degree) that declares my competence? Nope. How about to lose five pounds? Not really. I do have a couple things that I would like to happen in 2009 but they come after being happy, being healthy, being a nice person:
1. PaperMichelle will continue to exist and I’ll be happy facilitating that existence.
2. I will learn to sew on the darling little sewing machine I acquired at Christmas. (I really want to make flouncy, colorful, uber-girly skirts…)
3. Pay more attention to my surroundings…be it person, place and/or thing.
4. I will pick up a camera from time to time to better document my little life and promptly post the good times on Facebook. I’m kidding, but I would like to take more pictures.
5. Travel more.
6. Complain less.
7. Get frugal…but do not buy cheap things.
8. Cook better and more frequently.
9. Spend as much SPF protected time outside as nature allows.
10. Be as youthful as possible.

As always, music says things better than I can. Here’s a strange little video for your viewing pleasure. I hope 2009 feels like this video…a little strange, a lot colorful, mostly interesting and always a journey.

(”Mirador” by Efterklang from Parade, 2007)

Happy 2009. Love, PaperMichelle