2011 was incredible. One of the most challenging years in memory, but also one that really transformed my life in some pretty wild ways. And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for anything and now, looking back, I’m the happiest I’ve been in quite a while*. Cheers to that.

• Keep climbing. Go on a bike/climbing trip this summer. I’m a complete and total climbing novice at this point but it is probably the most empowering “sporty” thing I’ve undertaken since bicycling. Let’s do both!
• Get back on my own two feet. Regain my independence, live on my own again in a place of my own choosing, be gainfully employed.
• Don’t lose touch with Senegal. Sometimes, too often, I make excuses (the time difference, the phone connection is always awful, “I’m busy”) for not calling (friends, loved ones, host family) as much as I should. People who were a defining part of my life and looked out for me every day for two years - and I’m “too busy”? Plus, those conversations fill my heart right up faster than most things can.
• No bad blood with anyone. Erica’s recent story combined with the unexpected death of a close but estranged friend in Jan 2011 are propelling this. This doesn’t mean being best friends (it might mean NOT being best friends), but being on good terms with people. It’s human decency. Everyone deserves that! Show your love (in whatever way you are comfortable)!
• 2010 and 2011 were years full of travel. Don’t lose this ambition. Take one trip per year. It doesn’t have to be exotic, but it does have to be a place new to me. 2012’s goal? No Joke Grand Canyon Hike.
• Keep Growing (Things)

* I’ve also gotten sentimental in my old age and I make no apologies…I love the cheez! (…and the cheese)