Moving halfway across the country this year has been the most rewarding decision I have ever made. Even though I feel pretty nostalgic at times, I am intrigued by this place, the people, and the land.
Some pretty awesome things have happened this year that it seems to be impossible to me that it actually all happened in 2012. Where do I begin?
Favorite Presentations in 2012
1. In March, I visited the University of Rhode Island for their interdisciplinary graduate student conference, and it was awesome. I met some really amazing people and listened to some fascinating talks by some of the most brilliant graduate students in the country.
2. In October, I traveled back to Pennsylvania for my last Pennsylvania Library Association annual conference. It was bittersweet, to say the least. I have some of the most amazing contacts, former co-workers, and friends in Pennsylvania. This was also the first conference where I could actually do the fun stuff 🙂 Erin Dorney and I presented on Course and Subject Guides – which was probably our last presentation together. Stay classy, PA!
Publications in 2012
This year brought me lots of published poems, too. I’d like to thank Visceral Uterus, Sundog Lit, (In Parentheses), Curio Poetry, and The George Street Carnival for considering my work.
Photography in 2012
I actually won 2nd place in a photography contest on campus early December. I had never entered my work into a contest before, but I think that it was an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Currently, I have a photograph in a contest at the Palo Duro Canyon state park – results will come out in January!
Favorite books I read in 2012
1. A Thousand Deer by Rick Bass
2. Surfacing by Margaret Atwood
3. At the Point by Joseph Massey
4. A Beautiful Marsupial Afternoon by C.A. Conrad
5. The Bruise by Magdalena Zurawski
I’ve read over 100 books this year, and these are just some of my favorites that are currently sticking out in my mind. Do read these, they are all amazing!
Goals for 2013 (I’m not into resolutions)
1. Learn how to hunt. Yes, next year, I would like to go down to Hill Country and get a deer.
2. Write more, publish more
3. RELAX. I only have 1 job now. I think I’ve forgotten how to do that.
This year has been filled with amazing opportunities and events. I started playing my clarinet again in the Amarillo Wind Ensemble and have made some fantastic new friends there and at the university 🙂
Cheers to 2013!
Amy Pajewski 