As is typically required, one looks back at the last year and then forward to the next year.  This is usually done under the guise of self-review, but actually done to guilt-trip and brutalize oneself for all the things one did not accomplish last year and make new goals to do them this year.

I’ll have none of that.  I’m going to look at all the accomplishments of last year, and then I’m going to talk about what I’m NOT going to do in the coming year.   Ready?  Here we go…

2008 Review:

• I left and ended a painful and unhealthy relationship.
• I found a fabulous and wonderful relationship.
• I went to TribalCon in Atlanta for the first time.
• I went to TribOriginal in Asheville.
• I had a fabulous Pennsic War experience, made friends, and danced till the sun came up.
• I can’t say enough about Pennsic War 08.
• I saw Man Man in concert with Jason, Kristel & Brian.
• I saw Gogol Bordello in concert twice - with Jason, Kristel, Brian, Kelly at the first, and Jason, Kelly at the second.
• I saw Scarring Party in concert with Jason.
• I saw Martha Wainwright in concert with Kristel.
• I saw Kids in the Hall live with Jason.
• I saw Shiny Toy Guns in concert with Andrew and Jason.
• I went to the Madison Farmer’s Market with Jason.
• I went to LaCrosse with Jason.
• I saw DeVotchka in concert with Jason.
• I saw Bon Iver in concert with Jason.
• I saw KT Tunstall in concert with Kristel.
• I joined a band and met some really awesome people in the mean time.
• I got more involved in my blog.
• I performed with Kelly for the first time on an awesome comedy piece.
• I organized my first bachelorette party, and it went well.
• I stood up in a wedding, and at one that I felt was important!
• I performed in my cabaret gear (after which, it promptly broke!)
• I performed at Tribal Revolution Hafla in Khivan.
• I got involved in the election campaign of the century. 
• I danced solo at Shaia’s event in November and December.
• I visited Ann Arbor and Defiance, Ohio.
• I canvassed for a political candidate.
• I went to Seattle.
• I went to Portland, Oregon.
• I went to Fort Flagler.
• I expanded my friends in family and my family of friends.
• I went to a laid-back New Year’s that was fun and welcoming.
• I took a workshop with Mardi Love, thereby completeing the trifecta of workshops (thanks Kristel!)
• I feel like I am myself for the first time in many years. 
• I am sure there is more!  I will add to the list.

What I am NOT going to do in 2009:

• I am NOT going to choose immediate pleasure over my goals.
• I am NOT going to fool myself and believe that some other time is better than NOW.
• I am NOT going to schedule my weeks too tightly or my life too much.
• I am NOT going to mistake “busy” for “productive.”
• I am NOT going to pass by opportunities for growth just because they demand effort, emotional involvement, or time.
• I am NOT going to value Things more than Experiences. 
• I am NOT going to undermine myself.
• I am NOT going to wile away my life on Facebook, no matter how much my actions speak to the contrary.
• I am NOT going to forget to take photos.
• I am NOT going to let others undermine the meaning of “community” for me. Despite the fact that others may use it in order to appear supportive, I am going to mean it.
• I am NOT going to be taken advantage of.
• I am NOT going to ignore the means or the path, despite the fact that I might not like either as much as the goal.
• I am NOT going to spend more time beating myself up for what I didn’t do than DOING the things I want to do.
• I am NOT going to avoid a chance to be honest and connected with others, and telling them how much I appreciate them.
• I am NOT going to avoid a chance to give when I want to and I can.
• I am NOT going to underestimate the power of presence.
• I am NOT going to take family for granted.
• I am NOT going to be someone else for anyone else.
• I am NOT going to keep digging this hole instead of digging out of it.
• I am NOT going to let fear of substandard achievement keep me from trying new things.

Special thanks to the people who made this year what it was (complete with handles):

• Jizosama
• Stupidfish
• K-Co
• Anexia
• Rannadanna
• Livie
• RaksChristina
• Baseema
• Downright Amazed and MercySkye 
• Onca Ponnatime
• August
• Danielle 
• Beese and Sharbaughs across the world
• Obama

Thank you!