Happy 2005. Let’s hope there are fewer wars and natural disasters in this twelve-month cycle. For those who want to help victims, check out a local group that does a good job of actually delivering aid to victims: http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Also, if you are employed by “the man,” see if your company matches donations, that makes your dollar stretch even further.

Onto less serious matter: Music. I am in love with the soundtrack of Garden State (the movie also impressed me) – especially “New Slang” by the Shins, and a rediscovered favorite, Simon+Garfunkel’s “Only Living Boy in New York.” More soundtracks? Don’t hate me, but The OC Soundtrack (Mix 1) was my favorite album of the year. Hey, you’d be surprised by the indie cred on this collection. I just loved everything on it (except for Phantom Planet’s “California” – that gets annoying if you listen to the chorus over and over.) I wish Rufus Wainwright’s “California” had been on it – that song is genius. And Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah.” Both these songs were featured in the first couple of episodes, but aren’t on there.

I also have to admit a certain excitement about the beginning of the new season of “Alias” – my current “Buffy” substitute. It is supposedly much better than last season. This is really the only television I watch religiously these days, unless you count “The Daily Show.”

In the middle of my move and packing up for school. My brain is fried and I feel unable to focus on anything for more than five minutes. This could also be because I am recovering (slowly) from the flu. Our new place is walking distance from a library and a grocery store. I haven’t lived anywhere that was “walking distance” to anything since I lived in Cincinnati.

Feeling very grateful right now for many things. Good friends, kind acquaintances. One special thing to be thankful for? A very nice note from Rhino, announcing they had accepted a poem for their Spring 2005 issue, which I received on New Year’s Eve. I’ll take an acceptance over champagne any day 🙂

New year’s resolution? To have better health. And to appreciate stretches of non-acute-illness or injury more. I am also resolving to tackle some health-related topics in my magazine writing, which have mostly been limited to food or technology. I read so damn much health research for my own stuff, someone else should benefit from it without having to dig through doctor’s journals and academic papers etc. Will send queries after I’m done with graduate residency.

One exciting thing: I have started working on a second poetry manuscript. It feels good to work with some new subject matter, try out some new styles. Yes, I know the first one hasn’t gotten published yet. But fussing with it anymore feels wrong. I don’t write much in the middle of a move – like many Taurus-types, I’m happy when my routine and domecile are firmly established – but I am collecting and tinkering, which still feels like good work.

Also: I rarely find something in American Poetry Review that is absolutely essential reading, but the new issue’s essay on Ecclesiastes by Alicia Ostriker was not only stunning in its intelligence and compassion, but gave me a feeling of…dare I say it…hope? faith? in the powers behind the universe. Good reading for those who, like me, turn on the news only to be deluged with spiritual angst.