So, in 10 minutes, the year 2011 will come to an end.

 

How has the year been to everyone? Cool? Not so cool? Cool enough? Okay?

 

For myself, 2011 has been a year of learning. I have learned a lot this year and I am planning to learn more next year and the year after that, if we survive past December.

So far, I have written 10 short stories, 3 novel, 142 blog posts, and 24 ideas. I’ve learned a lot from them especially what works and what not (at least I could tell to certain degree). It weren’t always sunshines and rainbows, but they were fun at the very least. I’m already working on a new novel/novella/novellete (I’m not sure yet) so, look forward to it next year.

2011 has also been the year of action for me. Being an introvert, meeting people is not one of my forte. But this year, something in me craved to change, to go out and meet people. So I did. Albeit not that much. But I did. So it’s a progress. Is it a good thing? I don’t know, but it does felt good to see and talk to people in person rather than in front of the monitor.

What else changed?

Oh yeah, got myself a new job. Still a translator though, only I’m working with a new studio and work seems to be going well for the moment. I hope 2012 will be a better year for me job wise.

2011 has also been a year of revelation. Plenty of stress and turmoil, but somehow, everything still stands as of this writing. I hope nothing crumbles next year.

2011.

A lot happened in a year. Stress, turmoil, happiness, sadness, conflict, humor.

But now all of that is just another memory.

 

Enough reminiscing. Time for joy. 2012 is coming. December is approaching. Will we embrace the coming of 2013 or will everything comes to a halt coming December 2012…

 

Time to find out.

 

Welcome! 2012!

 

and Goodbye 2011!

 

 

Arief Zainal

 

*picture courtesy of 9gag.com