So let's reflect! What do I want to remember about 2013?
NEW JOBS
In addition to continuing my internship at Zest Books, I also interned at Chronicle Books this year for six months and started working part-time for No Starch Press. Not only have I learned so much, but I also met a lot of fantastic, talented people who I have actually become good friends with. I love the publishing industry and am so happy I got the opportunity to attend some parties and shows this year, where I was surrounded by people who share the love of books. Hopefully this coming year, I'll be able to further my career in publishing and continue to do what I love.
BOOKS I READ
I started blogging about books more in 2013 to keep track of what I read and what I think of the books. I loved my college English classes because discussions and lectures made me think more deeply and appreciate the book more, regardless of whether I liked it or not. Writing reviews helps me remember what I read and how I react to the books. This past year was also the year I discovered new books through blogging and booktube communities, so I read more than I usually do.
MUSIC AND ART
Who knew music would be so important this year for me? Everyone loves music (or at least everyone should), but this year I went to more concerts than I ever have in my life and now I appreciate musicians and singers so much more. I'm talking particularly about Muse (thanks to Odona). We went to see them in concert in LA, and it was amazing. Honestly, I was blown away by how good they are.
As for art, I discovered a love for finding talented artists through my internship at Chronicle, where I worked on art books. In fact, during NaNoWriMo one of the primary inspirations for my stories were drawings made by Yelena Bryksenkova, who has a very distinct aesthetic that is totally right up my alley. And I didn't even know I had an alley. Anyway, love her work and found so many other talented people through there thanks to art and design sites.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I wasn't going to mention this because it goes without saying, but my friends and family have a huge part in shaping who I am. For anyone who has come in and out of my life this past year, thank you for your friendship and love. I am grateful to meet and know you. Some people I hang out with infrequently while others I see on a weekly basis, and some others I met and interacted with every day before we moved on to our separate paths. It doesn't matter, because you all have a place in my experience this past year and make me who I am in small and large ways.
In speaking about family, all I can say is that every year I grow more and more appreciative of them. How is that even possible when they take up almost my whole heart? But every year they are different and change, and that also affects me and makes me change as well. That is neither good nor bad, but it's important that we grow and develop together, even when we're physically apart. I saw my family a lot more in 2013 than I did in previous years since I moved away for college. Eventually, I do want to move back to Los Angeles, but for now I'll make due with whatever family time I get because it's always fun and interesting (even if all we're doing is sitting in a room, talking about what we should do for the upcoming weekend).
Aside from these, here's what I want to say goodbye to:
THE THINGS I CAN'T CHANGE
Actually, I want to say goodbye to the anger I feel about this. Along with the good came tough times in 2013. Much of these are things beyond our control unfortunately, and though they remain with us to this day we cannot do anything other than move past it. Despairing won't make things better. The most we can do is keep our chins up and have hope in our hearts. I have been touched by some events that are tragic and cannot be forgotten, but I am learning to accept them and approach with a more helpful attitude than just one of anger and frustration.
I'm really excited for this new year. It's bound to be better than the previous year if we all just work towards a better and happier future. Happy new year!
