This has been a good year,professionally at least. I got an internship in April and as at December I had both a promotion and better prospects in the coming year. That is a big step in the right direction and I am fortunate to work in an exciting and highly creative space.

I sold two short stories courtesy of StoryMoja and I also came second place in a ‘Vignette’ short story competition run on their blog. Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate competition,so to come out among the best is a feat that I take both joy and pride in. Oh and they added my profile to their list of writers

I had my first one-woman poetry show and also performed on telly. Another thing about me is that I hate the limelight. Sure I enjoy it but only when I control it so to be in a situation where I had to give myself over to ‘their’ control…hard but rewarding.

You see,midway through this year I claimed it as the Year of the WRITER since as the ‘Year of the Tiger’ it would be marked by bravery and confidence in pursuing goals. Traits which I willingly admitted were not part of who I am but that I wanted to claim. And I’m proud to say I met my goals!

Personal achievements? Well, I think maintaining this blog ranks waaay up there. I’m not big on sharing and the critique and/or compliments that come with it. I am conservative and tend to take either things too personally. That said, its lovely to have a place to call my own,to dream and doodle in.

But this has been a trying year emotionally to the extent that it affected my *ironic use of term * ‘love affair with words’. I made bold steps and declarations to try and find my mojo but I hadn’t factored in the whole ‘I am human’ bit. Its hard to accept that going back on our resolves is not a sign of weakness and naivety but really an acceptable part of life. We are not perfect. We can only aspire to be the best versions of ourselves in the full realization of our shortcomings. As things stand, I think I’ve realized that my biggest asset is speaking my mind honestly.

To sum up this ‘year in perspective’ post I feel I should share a few other things since they also rank as achievements to me.

I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo. I had an idea for both design and position. I’ve also always wanted to paint and graffiti my room. I told myself that I must achieve these two goals this year. Oh how I talked and talked and theorized about this! Until one day I just ‘kasirikad’ and got things done…Funny thing is that I ended up getting two tattoos,the second one being the very word I wanted graffiti’d on my wall! And the graffiti I do intend to have ‘up’ is more amazing than I could have ever dreamed. Oh and as for the tattoos I basically got them for free when the 1st one got botched.

So here I am close to the year’s end, looking back at all its promises and hidden lessons and all I can think is…’You can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need’!!!

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I’d like to thank you for all the love and support shown through this blog and elsewhere. God Bless! May 2011 bring us all greater achievements.

Wanjeri.

[Live.Love.Laugh]

*UPDATE*

Got the graffiti on my bedroom wall done on December 31st 2010!!! *Phewx* its a tribute to my late parents..