I don’t usually make formal new year’s resolutions, but I do like to spend time at the end of the year reflecting on the outgoing year and thinking about what I want for the next year. I recently discovered REBERB10 — a website featuring daily prompts for reflection throughout the month of December. Here are a few of my answers — reflections on 2010 and looking forward to 2011.
December 8: Beautifully Different
I use big words and quote Polish dissident writers in everyday conversations without even thinking about it. (My friends tell me this is one of my unique traits.) I have a great smile.
December 17: Lesson Learned and December 24: Everything’s OK
In early October, I had a horrible weekend in my Vilnius apartment. I wanted to move out as soon as possible but I didn’t know where I could go. That Sunday morning, a new acquaintance at the International Church asked me how I was doing and I blurted out that I needed to move out of my apartment. She immediately invited me to come stay with her for two weeks while her husband was out of town. I am so glad that I accepted her offer — not only did I have a home for two weeks when I needed one, it was also the beginning of a good friendship. In that moment of asking for and accepting help, I realized that everything was going to be okay — and I learned the valuable lesson that sometimes I need to let go of my need to do everything myself and allow someone to help me.
December 22: Travel
Given that I am living in Lithuania, this may seem an obvious one, but this year featured three significant trips. 1) Krakow, Poland — this was on my list of must-see places and I loved the city. 2) Italy — Venice was amazing and the food was delicious. 3) Oxford/London – my first trip back to the UK since I lived there 20 years ago reminded me of how much I like the British.
In 2011, I am looking forward to a trip to Stockholm to attend the Baltic Studies Conference in Europe and visit a former professor. And who knows what other weekend trips might pop up along during the year!?
December 25: Photo
This photo of me with my niece and nephew at the beach was taken by my sister when I visited them last June. It represents two things that are important to me, but aren’t as much a part of my life as I would like. Although I am fascinated by the history of cold countries (here I am in snowy Lithuania, after all), I love the beach and warm climates. Even more, I love my niece and nephew. In 2011, I’m hoping for some beach time and looking forward to staying connected with my niece and nephew, despite being so far away.
Amanda in Lithuania 
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