I decided that today was a good day to restart my life, so I went back to work.

Five days in Michigan, two days driving, and two major holidays can take a toll on a person. My early sleeping/early rising pattern is shot. No exercise + unlimited cookies has left my body feeling a bit abused. My laundry isn’t done, I haven’t completely unpacked, and I’m not sure what’s for dinner tonight.

But last night, I decided not to delay 2012 any further. It has arrived. I’m terrified/excited/in denial about a lot of what is in store for me this year.

• I start an internship next week.
• I turn 27 in March.
• I finish graduate school in May.
• I become unemployed in May.
• I will job hunt.
• I will, with any luck, find my first career-job.
• I will move.
• I will say goodbye to friends.
• I will likely begin 2013 in an entirely different place than where I am right now.

I’m trying to stay upbeat. This is my life and I am doing a lot of fun things and meeting all sorts of great people and look forward to lots of cool opportunities. I have not always been able to say that. I am happy I can say that. Yes, I’m going to obsess and over-prepare and probably cry a lot in 2012, but there will be fun things, too. The things I’ve been waiting for for a long time.

So hello, 2012. Hello to you.