Finally, 2012.

We started off the new year with an intimate gathering with some close friends, followed by a relaxing getaway. After the most intensive semester yet, I took a short but much needed vacation with my boyfriend to The Poconos this week, where we rented a small creekside cabin. It was extremely secluded, but well-equipped with a retro kitchen, a charming fireplace and lodge-style furniture.

A chance to curl up on the couch to read leisurely by the crackling fire was just what we were looking for, but this cabin was extra special as it had a room with a banquette facing the creek, which was perfect for napping as the water rushed downhill outside. We spent our time being relaxed and indulgent–sipping red wine, apple cider, hot chocolate with Bailey’s and cooking up hearty homemade beef stew and torellini carbonara. Given the beautiful surrounding landscape, we also took a long walk one afternoon to find a frozen lake, baby evergreen trees, creekside swings and a hammock.

Next Monday, I will begin my last semester of D-Crit. It’s hard to believe that when I prepared my grad school applications in 2009, I hoped so much to be a part of Class of 2012. And now in only a few months, I will be graduating at Radio City Music Hall with my MFA!

There’s so much uncertainty about this upcoming year: will I find a job to stay in New York? Will the new Dark Knight movie live up to its hype? Will the world end? Either way, I will find a way to enjoy 2012.