In hindsight, 2012 was quite a… different year for many different reasons. For one thing, I got married in 2012, which was the big highlight of the year for me, but there were other a whole bunch of things which weren’t, well, that good. But let bygones be bygones and let’s start a new, fresh 2013. Today is actually my very first day at work after a well-deserved 2-week break – and I really mean it when I say I needed that break.
mappa_blog (Photo credit: francescopozzi)
One of the things that got me thinking was how often I visited the blogosphere in 2012, and mainly in the second semester of the year. It all started when I read a blog challenge and I thought to myself that I give it a try, but then, as usual, time and work got in the way. In addition to that, it made me realise how much time I’d spent blogging and around blogs in 2012… very little!
No, I honestly don’t think that was a serious issue or anything like that. However, the few times I blogged last year I could certainly feel how good it was to put into words what I was reflecting upon, and how things simply piled up when I stopped doing that. Well, I guess I could say blogging does the same for my mind that going to the gym does for the body and the mind – and I haven’t done much of either last year.
So, it’s now time to resume the activities, and the very first thing to do is coming up with a regular schedule for posts. Even though I’ve never really thought this to be mandatory, I guess it would be good to get my weekly dose of medication for the mind (or monthly, or daily… I honestly still haven’t decided on that yet). But what I’ve decided is that I want to resume blogging even though there are some rumours on Facebook that ELT blogging is something of the past. Is it really? Well, fortunately, I don’t really care much about trends, fashions or fads. If it’s good and it feels right for you, do it, I say. Isn’t that right?
This also means fixing a couple of things on the blog, checking the blogroll, updating Google Reader, posting more comments and… that’s pretty much all I need to do really. Oh, and, obviously, reconnect with a whole bunch of people I had to leave aside for a while. And if there’s nothing to write about, I can always use Leo’s tips for new bloggers, which, well, was a response to the blog challenge I couldn’t take up! When do you stop being new at blogging, by the way?!
And if after all this time being inactive you’re still following this blog, HAPPY 2013!! I hope you enjoy what I have to say, and I certainly do hope to be able to write much more this year! Perhaps I’ll have enough posts to join Adam’s 13 of 13 blog challenge! See you around!!!
Henrick Oprea 
Of course we’re still here. With you and Scott coming back to the blogosphere, 2013 seems really promising!
Oh, you flatter me by putting my blog and Scott’s on the same sentence! 🙂
Good to hear that you’re still out there! I’m really looking forward to interacting with you more this year. So whenever you have the time and the will to do so, write a comment or two! 🙂
Cheers!!! 🙂
Hi Henrick,
I don’t think we have been properly introduced. 😀 Nice to connect with you and I hope we can exchange and collaborate during 2013!
It seems like 2012 was a busy busy year for you.
Like you, I am finding blogging quite an exercise for the mind and really powerful tool for personal teaching development & I also don’t care for trends either. 😉
I wish you a great year of blogging and personal/professional achievements. I look forward to your posts.
Rose
Hi Rose,
Even though we haven’t properly been introduced, I’ve already made acquaintance with your blog. Thank you for this first comment here. 🙂
Isn’t it funny how similar things are for so many people who share a common interest?! Well, come to think of it, it isn’t funny, it’s only natural. I started blogging about ELT and education out of sheer interest and without having planned anything. And, as you’ve well said, blogging is quite a powerful for PD – isn’t reflection what matters the most? And, let’s face it, it’s much better when you have others to share and learn from. It’s like blogs are the like bars, but for very topic -oriented conversations. The good part is that when we meet face-to-face we actually end up NOT talking shop as this has already been done here. 🙂
I also hope we can share a lot in 2013! Looking forward to your posts and comments!
Cheers!
Well, we have a deal then. 😉
Glad to hear you’re turning over an old leaf, so to speak. 😉 There’s a group of old bloggers that are vowing to come back (I’m not one of them though since I actually never left) and I’m happy to see a renewed interest. Of course, I do hope you comment more, particularly on your posts that I comment on. 😉
Hi Ty,
One of us, the old guys, had to stay strong and hold our ground, right?! 🙂
The interest has always been there, but sometimes the mind gets so clouded that we end up losing sight of what we enjoy doing on the lame excuse that there’s no time… Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right?!
And I have also made the decision that I’ll be commenting more often, here and also on other blogs around. Phew, hope I can make it! 🙂
Cheers and a big hug all the way from my-god-it’s-hot Brazil!
🙂
Hugs back to you, but not to much since you’re probably sweaty.
Looking forward to your 2013 list, Henrick!
BTW, do you know who Leo got his list of blog ideas from? 😉
Thank you for the mention, Henrick.
I should also fix a few things on my blog and comment more on your entries.
Adam, who did I get my list of blog ideas from? 🙂
Best wishes for 2013!
L
A blogging genius who wishes to remain nameless!
It’s funny that you guys mention inspiration and genius… yesterday I came across a blog post completely unrelated to our field that was exactly about that: http://dainasbook.com/2012/11/08/the-undiscovered-idea/
Leo, commenting more on blogs is also something I’d like to do, and Adam, we can keep the genius nameless! 🙂
Happy 2013 to us all!! 🙂