30: bring it on
I can't say 2002 was the greatest year in my life. I am not too happy to say that I still have a notion that my second-grade year is still the best overall time I have ever had.
Still, my last job (despite its ignominious end) was enjoyable, I had great trips to Pittsburgh, NYC, and Normal, IL (for Friends General Conference (FGC)).
Some highlights: I was able to spend a day alone in New York City. I befriended people who are more aligned with my interests and fun to hang out with. I have a better relationship with my parents, though that still needs work (and as with anything so deep, that will likely take a lifetime).
I leave 2002 with a somewhat clearer idea of how I will approach living, though I am not sure how to articulate that right now!
I have gained new friends and I hope to give back to them, in whatever manner appropriate.
I need much work on my short-term memory.
I need to stop thinking I must show to friends that I am progressing in life or otherwise fall out of touch with them because I do not feel I have improved my lot. In this regard, I thank Ellen for her ability to pluck interesting stories from a seemingly ordinary life experience.
I need a job within the month, or at the very least a steady source of income, hopefully derived from a positive source (and not from someone dying). This may be the year when I learn to go into business for myself. I think this would be the most liberating knowledge to have.
This shall also likely be the year when I return to undergraduate studies, likely at Temple. I feel I need to have a degree, likely in English (journalism focus). This is primarily so I can get a job I will enjoy more, whether it be in editing or a job displaying my newfound writing discipline (when that comes).
Wildcard: I may yet travel this year, on a cross-country trip with itinerary yet to be arranged. I know people in Seattle, California, Iowa (relatives), Chicago, Atlanta, etc., so I would like to, er, ask them to extend hospitality my way. I do love this country, I love my friends, (I love baseball,) and I still have half a notion to make travel my occupation (as in focus, not in job, though that's a thought). I have never felt entirely rooted. For example, I would rather not be a member of just one Quaker meeting but of several, or of the entire yearly meeting. I would rather be a citizen of the world than of just one country.
I also love my friends here, however, and I love Philadelphia. I like my apartment (mostly because it's cheap). I still don't feel as though I have raised myself, either with skill level in activities that would raise me money, or in skill to be able to live with very little (I am something of a hedonist).
May all of us grow a little and enjoy the coming year (though the two may be mutually exclusive!).