This year was one of the most tumultuous in recent history around the world, from protests to occupations to “mobilizations of dissent,” as Chris Hayes accurately put it.
But for me, it was a year of many triumphs and tribulations.
I wrote 828 blog posts on WSJ.com, got my first major scoop in the print edition of the Wall Street Journal on page B1 and was interviewed about it on the WSJ NewsHub. I covered a corruption scandal in international soccer that has taken more twists and turns than any soap opera ever could. I had a hand in covering an under-discussed part of many countries that faced Arab Spring protests: the freezing and hunting down of stolen state assets. I was named to the list of top-100 influencers of business ethics by Ethisphere Magazine.
I went to more shows than I can count and saw more bands than I’ll ever be able to remember. I had the time of my life at my first-ever Fest. I saw a band live that I’d never heard of before 2011, but released my favorite record of the year in Obits. I also saw The Black Angels, who put out my favorite record of 2010. I jumped around to two-dozen shows in five days during my first CMJ. The best performance of the year, however, was still Hot Snakes. (Like I said last night, Rick Froberg won 2011 in music for me.)
In terms of travel, I again expanded my horizon, having gone on a short vacation to Houston that included day-trips to Austin and San Antonio. The temperature hit 105 degrees or higher every day I was in Texas. There were several trips to Maryland, for things ranging from a wedding to a funeral (cookout). I almost got trapped in a snowstorm trying to leave Binghamton, N.Y., but coincidentally boarded the only New York City-bound bus leaving that day. Nothing will top the road trip to Gainesville, Fla. for Fest.
My main regret is not having read enough books this year, but the ones I did were modern-day classics like The Ask by Sam Lipsyte. I spent too much time reading news on the Web, magazines and other long-reads, but I don’t regret a minute of it.
I started and ended 2011 single, as I said to an anonymous inquirer earlier this month. No progress of any kind on that front.
That being said, I’ve become less of an obstinate person in the eyes of people I trust. It has not been easy, but it’s helped me with my journalism, be a better friend and a more caring member of my family. I credit my evolution to a growing sense of maturity and a knowledge of the world beyond my own.
