Goodbye 2010

Dear 2010,

     You and I are through. You've shown me some amazing times, times I never thought I'd actually get the chance to experience and some pretty shit times. Nothing too terrible though, the equivalent of terrible would be getting my leg mangled by shrapnel, one of the worst things, you're not in the direct line of fire but you're within ricochet's distance.

      What have I had the pleasure to experience this year? Well the new year started off with wonderful family times as both my parents have birthdays in January, Barbie came to live with me, three weeks? We did a few performances during the Olympic Games. I choreographed thirteen Recital dances, only two of which I think were bad. I directed the Apprentice Dance Company into their Season Finale, I loved my co-workers at Arts Umbrella, always so supportive and ready to laugh. I think because I knew I was leaving I got even closer to some of the wonderful people in my life. Agata and Rob, Joyce, Bonnie, Leigha, Jane, Liz, Vanessa, Meaghen, Arty, Heather, Lynn, Jennifer, Adriana, Kim, Molly, my parents, my beautiful Grandmother. The list goes on.

     Then came the day that I was going to do what I had wanted to do for years. So many years. I got on a plane with a one way ticket and six thousand dollars. Some of my stops were useless and unnecessary, but some were just stunning and awe inspiring. I came home with three weeks left of you, 2010. I have created two pieces that I am proud of, they need work and I hope I get the chance in your next incarnation as 2011, I have worked shifts at Cheescake Etc, reconnected with old friends, made new friends, introduced two friends and had a lot of wine, but not as much as in Germany seeing as here, it is about three times the price. Today, I slept in and awoke with the most wonderful feelings of warmth and satisfaction, baked some delicious fluffy rosemary bread, had a bubble bath with a book, then slow roasted some sweet potatoes and carrots for dinner. Tonight I will ring in the new year with friends old and new at Cheesecake Etc. Just for old times sake. I am sad, however, that I am missing schezuan with my parents.

       I normally hate New Years but tonight I am excited to find out what this next year has in store for me. If it's as good and educational as last year, I look forward to it.

                                     -Lina