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End of 2013

2013 was not a great year, but there were a few exciting highlights, such as my great trip to Ecuador. As I expected, I loved this small South American republic. I stayed nearly the whole time in Cuenca (except for the first night in the capital city of Quito), which is rapidly becoming a major haven for ex-pats from the U.S. and Canada. It is a charming small city, about one-third the size of D.C. I can easily see myself retiring here in a city with several museums, where you can buy fresh produce from an amazing farmer's market, and have a three-course lunch for under $3. Where you can relax in a nice park next to a huge cathedral for hours and then wander the streets until you find a quaint cafe where you can have a cafe con tinto for $1.50.

2014 will be a better year. I am sure of it. After seven months of unemployment, next week I will begin a digital archives job in downtown D.C. I also plan to begin yoga regularly and continue to live frugally in order to save some money for my next trip to South America. I am very glad I am getting back into the field I want to continue with (archives), and I am also on the host committee for the Society of American Archivists 2014 Conference, which will be here in my hometown this year.

I won't be as stressed out about bills and transportation costs. I think Bruno and I will continue to be happy. Activism will still be around, but it won't dominate my life. Look forward to more gaming and more healthy living!

Here's a great recipe that went over well for Christmas when I made it... Cranberry & Quinoa Bread!

While I continue to worry about the people of the U.S., I am generally happy with the direction my life is going in. But I think it is terrible, and a crime, that unemployment benefits were suddenly cut off for 1.3 million of my fellow citizens over this past weekend. And I am aware that between 50 and 60 million of my fellow citizens are living in poverty. Meanwhile the richest 1 percent owns more than 40 percent of the wealth. Here's a great data visualization illustrating the wealth inequality. A significant, and revolutionary, change is over due.

Now I am looking forward to ringing in the New Year. And having brunch with my buddy Steve and a couple other friends on 1/1/14! Cheers.
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