The Native Hue of Resolutions

Ah, yes. So it is that time again - year end. And this time trying, in its final moments, to fill out the time as to finalize the case for the maximum feasible bonus. Shameless, but there you have the priorities. Just be sure to follow through on what's unrecorded on the 2nd.

It is day 364 of the year, an opportunity to get a bit nostalgic as well. Looking back through previous postings on the eves/morns of 2006, 07, 08, 09, and 10, it is hard not to smile. 'Tis the reason why keeping track of such instant thoughts and feelings is so worthwhile - the way it seems to freeze time and memories even as they normally prove so fleeting.

It is also a day for resolutions, which have been building in the mind in the last month. Not that these will be easy ones to keep, but perhaps there is value at least in writing them down (or so saith the Mail). Struck out mostly in 2006 when the list was longer, but the more recent resolutions have seen better luck - South America and Africa both touched in 2008, the Camino conquered in 2009, and - though not expressly said - the ancient loan paid down faster than expected through the year now gone. Not a year of many posts, but those that did register (which I've just skimmed anew) remain timely reminders and add colour to the long road taken to arrive at this point. You owe the bank nothing, McMahon. That's an accomplishment worth repeating.

Which opens up possibilities for the year upcoming, of course. First, let's put two straight-forward goals for the first half (before the 6th tape on the 32nd) on the table: the marathon, and the novel. Ambitious, to be sure, but doable, especially as a decent enough start has already been made on each. I like the boldness.

That leaves the second-half, larger and more "impactful". Much may depend on how any February travel plans get divvied up, with the possibility of starting something new in Cuba versus a return to Europe to atone for past mistakes. January planning should be most interesting in this regard, I would think.

Regardless of how that plays out, though, the city looming largest, as long foretold, must be London. As Ms. Oliva so sweetly puts it in the email exchange of just today, "Will you travel in 2011? unbelievable! ahahah! You are a really traveller, always walking around the world (I'm so jealous!!). It's a very good thing if you go to life in London". I so agree, and couldn't express it any better girl. Walking around the world indeed, and what better home than the capital. Whether it is to serve as a base for wandering further afield, hopefully as far as Yang, and/or just to refresh the career in general, there is a sense that the first part of '11 is sure to be spent in exploration and consideration of options back to the magical Thames. In some real ways, my head is already there - the when and the where the more intriguing questions.

Well, that is all. A merry new year (come and gone) to ye. 2011 to be an epic one, grander still than 2009? Here's hoping. Or further, here's to fucking just making it happen. Champagne toasts tonight to a' that. And may good luck go with thee.