This is the End, Lets Sing as We’re Reborn

I’ve spent the last couple days in a loop. I would wake up and make tea or coffee. I would then do some reading, converse with any friends who were around and following that I would meditate for an hour to an hour and a half. Before sleeping I’d so some chores and light exercise before sleeping again. I made it through this about 5 times before now. It’s been energizing and has allowed me to be inspired.

Last night I upgraded to ObjectDock Plus and am now entirely done with the windows taskbar. I had been using ObjectDock for months but the free version didn’t support the systems tray (that area on the taskbar where instant messenger icons show up, where network connections are indicated and other icons reside). Oh, how much more pleasing my desktop looks and feels now. I’m very happy with this software.
The wallpaper I used in the screenshot of my desktop I linked to above was grabbed from a really wicked Jewish art site that I can’t currently remember the name of or find. I’d very much appreciate it if someone could clue me into who the artist is and the gallery I found it at. I’d love to take another look at the other pieces.
I was reading Steve Pavlina’s Personal Development for Smart People this morning and nabbed a workbook by Tony Robbins that he linked to. “The Power of Momentum: 7 Steps to a Fulfilling 2006” is a way to plan and focus on change for the new year.

Having glanced through it, it seems to me like a simple yet useful way to make a resolution. I plan to complete it before heading out for the evening as a close to my transition thinking of 2005. I may share it tomorrow.
For now, I’ll do a 2005 summary that my friend Mandy posted in her journal.

1. What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?
I spent a night wandering around the city, became a vegetarian, began working in the hospitality industry, adopted a cat and began a holosync practice, among many other exciting things.

2. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
I’d like to have more dedication to my goals and work more diligently in the areas that I wish to improve in my life. I’d like to fall into a passionate and devoted romance, but I’ll settle for evolving in other ways.

3. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 28, the date that Susana arrived here in Halifax. Her visit was one of the highlights of my year and a catalyst for all the change that came in the final third of this year, and for that I’ll be forever thankful.

4. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting an ITP, because it’s going to change everything so much.

5. What was your biggest failure?
I had my share of failures, but the one that stands out most is not being dedicated enough to my writing.

6. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Other than some scratches from Mithra, nothing I can remember.

7. What was the best thing you bought?
Definitely my laptop; it’s been good to have such a cooperative machine.

8. What was the worst thing you bought?
Some sorbet that was melted before I bought it and ended up spilling across a floor.

9. What song will always remind you of 2005?
Without a doubt it will be Stars’ “One More Night.” The album it is from, Set Yourself On Fire, is my favourite of the year.

10. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Definitely happier! I’ve been through a world of change in just the past three months.
ii. thinner or fatter? I’m pretty much the same, though I’d like to think I’m a bit more fit.
iii. richer or poorer? I’m a bit poorer if you look at my bank account and the value of my possessions, but richer in nearly every other way.

11. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I’d have liked to get more reading done, spent more time with the people I love and have written much more often.

12. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being stagnant, pathological and unmindful.

13. What was your favorite TV program?
The only show I watched faithfully was the new Doctor Who series, so lets say that.

14. What was the best book you read?
Ken Wilber’s The Marriage of Sense and Soul.

15. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I’ve had too many to count, but The Cruxshadows, The Arcade Fire, Death From Above 1979, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Matt Mays and El Torpedo come to mind.

16. What did you want and get?
Peace, art, a cat and evolution.

17. What did you want and not get?
Financial security, a chance to travel and fierce, lasting, mutual love.

18. What did you get and not want?
Scratches from Mithra, heartache and a red racing t-shirt (the oddest Christmas present I got this year).

19. What was your favorite film of this year?
Samsara.

20. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
It’s been evolving. It’s black, as always, but now more experimental and transparent to who I am. I also have a more jewelery, which would lead me to say it is more accented.

21. What kept you sane?
Meditation, dear friends, art and good food.

22. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
M.I.A. and Neelesha BaVora come to mind.

23. Who did you miss?
Everyone I love at some point.

24. Who was the best new person you met?
I have to say Susana.

25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“And after changing everything they couldn’t tell we couldn’t sing,” from Stars’ “Soft Revolution”