Done List

[vaneramos]

My writing coach, Jodi Helmer, encourages people to write a Done List. Before even worrying about New Year's resolutions we should look back on our accomplishments in the previous year. I posted something general about what an awesome year 2012 was on Speed River Journal, but apparently neglected any specifics. Since I've already plotted some goals for 2013, it's time I gave the previous 12 months some proper credit. My memory is sketchy at the best of times, but here are some things I did:

1. Set up a vermicomposter in the basement.
2. Wove some awesome scarves.
3. Dug, planted and maintained an organic vegetable garden for the first season since 1995.
4. Participated for the first time in the Baillie Bird-a-thon, had my biggest day of birding ever, observing 90 species in my home county during breeding season, and raised some money for conservation.
5. Attended our second Men's Spring Knitting Retreat with Danny.
6. Learned to handspin and got lots of practice.
7. Finished the WordCount Blog-a-thon, blogging every day in May, and committed to blogging regularly through the rest of the year.
8. Hired a writing coach.
9. Began pitching story ideas to various editors.
10. Landed my first writing assignment in 16 years for publication in Edible Toronto.
11. Lined up three more writing assignments for publication in 2013.

2012 was a year to feel good about, and I look forward to what comes next.

Comments

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

That all sounds amazing. What are the writing assignments lined up so far for this year?

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I've finished an article on quinoa to appear in Gluten-Free Living in the spring and am working on a feature about agritourism for the spring issue of Edible Toronto. The same editor has requested an essay based on this blog post for next winter.

[bixie.livejournal.com]

Amazing changes and some truly life-affirming accomplishments! I'm happy for you and looking forward to seeing what the new year brings us all.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[hankdmoose.livejournal.com]

An impressive list! I can't wait to see how 2013 pans out.

Also, now I really want to try vermicomposting. It's unfortunate night crawlers aren't better-suited for it, because I have an Eastern Box Turtle who is rather fond of them.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't the turtle go for red wrigglers?

[hankdmoose.livejournal.com]

I imagine he would, actually. I just never really thought to try it. What better time than the present? :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Bon appetit!