Happy New Year! I hope you have all welcomed the new year with family, friends and loved ones. Although it’s cheesy, it’s important to reflect back on how this year has changed us and how we can become better people in the future.

The year 2012 has been one of the craziest years of my life. I’ve grown as an artist, thanks to many referrals by friends and past clients. I got a sweet new car to replace my beloved beat-up Toyota Camry, which I have had since I was 16-years-old. I’ve fallen in love, immensely, this past summer, only to be heartbroken. It’s cool, really. I like to think of it as a defining moment. I then shaved my head semi Rihanna-style and faithfully took up yoga. Finally paid off my stinkin’ student loans. Whoo hoo! I’ve become even prouder of being multi-cultural. I’ve made some interesting new friends who are talented and sweet. I’ve worked every single day for four months straight to build up a small travel fund. It’s a good feeling to be productive.

As for being a better person? I’m always passionate and will continue to be that way. I feel music, art and literature so deeply. There is no need to change that. Live and love fearlessly. Spend more time reading books than watching movies or TV. I’d like to be more informed and aware of the world. Eat healthier. Live with a positive outlook. In a nutshell, I want to be a (good-smelling) hippie who knows her world, national and local issues and does things to contribute to the many islands I call home. I’d also like to be more patient with my family. They drive me insane yet keep me sane at the same time. I guess it’s part of the whole multi-cultural thing. We all don’t know which way to go. I’d like to fulfill at least two things on my bucket list and knock out one country on my dream destination list. Lastly, I believe that the key to being a better person is MORE SLEEP! Sleep keeps you looking younger and healthier, it even makes you nicer to your colleagues. It’s proven. Google it. The power of sleep.

…and sleeping is exactly how I will start the new year.

Peace, Di