In 2022, I moved to Brooklyn. I traveled to Seattle and Croatia and the Netherlands and Ireland, and knew I needed to see even more of this world. I got bangs and assured friends that getting them didn’t mean I was mentally unstable. I started a newsletter and wrote essays every week. I found out I was going to be an aunt to a little boy. I met new friends who I can count on for fun and turn to for advice. I showed many visitors around the city I love so dearly. I cried sad tears and even more happy ones. I threw a birthday extravaganza with my two best friends and sang Britney Spears karaoke. I walked to my brother’s Brooklyn apartment and felt like a whole new person. I got Covid from a Lorde concert. I welcomed my family to town for Thanksgiving, and many other visits throughout the year. I stayed connected with my lifelong friends. I got two new piercings and one new tattoo. I was ghosted twice. I bought a really comfortable new couch. I hosted many parties at my new apartment. I watched two dear friends get married. I became the mother to three new plants. I ate so much great food and probably too much popcorn. I played Wordle every day. I read 13 books. I walked 1,400 miles. I started yoga and learned how to slow down a bit. I loved myself even if I didn’t love every second of this year.
And, I knew I was ready for 2023.