Memo From My Future Self

As a goal-setting exercise, I got a jump on my year-end holiday letters, writing this one five-and-a-half years early. Listen in on this missive from the future. And if Future You has some news of her own, I'd love to hear from her.

Memo from my future self

December 31, 2017

Hello, my lovelies,

Bright blessings to you as the annum odometer rolls over another year. I continue to be amazed at how lucky I am to be able to count you among my friends. I am energized and inspired each time I meet one of you in person. Your energy, your passion; your sadnesses, your triumphs; the small doubting voices and the quiet pride in an accomplishent; your fears, your hearts, your courage: These are all beautiful to me. Rock on with your excellent selves.

I have so many stories to share with you. In no particular order...

Downloads of Fifty States, Fifty Stories continue at a moderate clip. Word is spreading, thanks to your help. Keep it up! As more people read it, more realize the strength and beauty of their own stories. Tell us your story. I'd love it if you came over to the website and shared your voice. I want to hear from you.

The most exciting outcome of the book for me, and it sounds like it was for many of you, too, is how much I learned writing "Appendix A: Puerto Rico." One enterprising reader was so moved, she has set up a foundation to effect change. Melissa Emory has a place for you on her team. If you also think we have important work to do there, go to her site and get involved.

The interview with Chana Joffe-Walt was too much fun. I even got to meet Ira Glass, and I can confirm: Yes, he is a nerd. I can't wait for you to hear the show. Look for This American Life episode 759, "Stories of the Storytellers." You'll find I'm in very good company, but that's all I'll say for now, terrible tease that I am.

Cities for 2018's Socketwrench Series are filling up. These classes are a blast—hands-on, high intensity coding, for those who want to truly understand what's going on. If you want me to teach a class in your town, get over there and tell me you're out there. And remember, computers are tools for our convenience. Don't let the robot overlords push you around. Come to a Socketwrench class and master the blighters.

Remember that conversation I had with the AlphaSmart people, about responsive keyboards and blogging from the road? Exciting projects are afoot. I wish I could tell you more, but I think this prototype would self-destruct in my hands. Oops!

Ha ha, guess that was okay. Not pushing my luck, though.

It has been an exciting year, and I thank each of you for your part in it. Keep being awesome.

See you on the flipside.
Love,
Sharon