12 Hopes for 2012

I don't do resolutions, at least not New Year's resolutions. Here's the thing: I can't just decide to make a life change; I have to feel inspired to do so. I know some people flip a switch January 1 and march their way into the nearest gym to lose that five (ahem...fifteen) pounds that they've been talking about losing. With me motivation doesn't follow the calendar. It may be that February 3 or May 17 that is the day that I throw on my big girl sneakers and get serious. I might not even know it the night before. It just hits me. And so, here I am at the start of a calendar year and instead of offering my resolutions, I will instead call them my "hopes," the things that I hope to accomplish this year...until I wake up inspired to do something completely different.

12 Hopes for 2012
1. Empty out the tea cabinet
I have always completely ignored all rules about discarding spices and I find I do the same with my tea. I know that there is a particular window in which tea is the freshest. I know that aroma and taste degrade, yet I find it painful to discard teas, even mediocre ones. Thus, the teas pile up in the cabinet and the onslaught of tea samples that find their way to me only intensifies my problem. This year I hope to find the fortitude to rid the cabinet of teas I don't love, clearing space for the truly special ones that I do.

2. Begin Level 3 certification with the Specialty Tea Institute
I found the Level 1 and 2 Specialty Tea Institute classes to be an outstanding experience. I reviewed information I had already learned, gathered new knowledge, and gained valuable experience with tasting and cupping. Level 3 is a whole different animal - far more intense, a much bigger stretch for me. Because there are number of classes required for Level 3 certification and they are held across the country, I expect it will take me a few years to complete. It is with excitement, and a bit of trepidation, that I say that I hope to start my Level 3 certification.

3. Attend at least one or two more trade events
I had the chance to go to NY Coffee & Tea Fest back in 2008 and then didn't attend another trade event until this year's inaugural World Tea East in Philly. In 2012 I'd love to get back to the NY event (an opportunity to start that Level 3...) and maybe, just maybe, I'll overcome my aversion to Vegas and make it to World Tea Expo. Philadelphia too? Time will tell.

4. Become more comfortable with tasting sets
This might seem like a funny thing to list, but it's something I think is important. I'd love to get to the point where the mechanics of cupping come easily and smoothly, so I can be fully focused on the tasting and not the logistics.

5. Continue to participate with ITCC
I mentioned my great experience in 2011 with the International Tea Cuppers Club. I've already registered for the Assam tasting in 2012 and, if finances allow, I may try to do another this year. This program is another important way for me to hone my tasting skills.

6. Rework the blog to focus more on experiences and events rather than specific tastings
In the early days of my blog I spent a lot of time reviewing teas. It was my way of documenting my experiences and keeping track of what I liked. After four years I've placed less emphasis on that side of the blog. I prefer to focus on general impressions of the offerings of a company, rather than a specific tea. My tastes change season to season, even day to day, and teas, particularly single estate teas, can be quite varied over time because of weather, processing, picking conditions. In the future I think I'll be more likely to talk about the companies that show consistently solid and interesting options, as well as tea events I attend and experiences I have.

7. Explore some new vendors
Because so many samples arrive from vendors I have become a bit complacent in actively seeking new tea sources. This year I want to take better advantage of the wonderful tea community I know and call upon their expertise to point me to those gems that I may have missed.

8. Continue magazine work
I hope to continue to grow my magazine writing and copywriting work. I find the work challenging and a great way to strengthen my writing skills, because of the input of great editors.

9. Continue with readings and book events
"A Tea Reader" was such an important part of 2011 that I sometimes forget that the book has only been out for a few months. There are many audiences to reach yet and I look forward to continuing to do readings and other author appearances.

10. Complete proposal for new book and find a publisher
Yes, I have a new book project in the works. I'm in the process of writing the proposal and I'll start sending it out in the next couple of months. I'm hoping the publisher of my current book will bite, but if they don't, I'll work hard to find the right home for it.

11. Make it out to the west coast to explore some new tea spots
We haven't done nearly enough travel since the kids were born, for a whole host of reasons. I hope that this is going to be the year that we make our way to the west coast. There have been so many tea spots out there on my list that I look forward to diving in with both feet.

12. Relaunch the Tea Pages website
It is time. Before the blog was the Tea Pages website.

And now, as I fall asleep (quite literally) on my keyboard it is time for me to bid adieu. Here's hoping for a productive 2012 for all.