In keeping with my annual tradition (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008), this New Year’s Eve I’m reflecting on everything that’s happened this year. It’s been a hell of a year.

My favorite visual media was Centaurworld, with honorable mentions to Mr. Robot, 1899, Archive 81, Arcane, United States of Tara, and Murderville.

My favorite game was, of course, Elden Ring, with thought-provoking honorable mentions to Hyperbolica, The Forgotten City, A Bewitching Revolution, and Sethian.

The most interesting fiction book I read was Battle of the Linguist Mages.

In January, I went on my first and last date with N.

In February, Lupeta moved to Tacoma and we started seeing each other every Monday. I got her a cute little pink collar with a bell on it and a leash. She was such a good kitty.

In March, Amanda and Kelly came to visit for Kyeli’s birthday.

In April, I had a parathyroidectomy. Now I’m Nearly Headless Pace (;

In May, Kyeli and I took a break. She went to Beacon, NY for six months. I met Citadel System: Katie, Sara, Esriel, Tirion, Emily, and Rusty. (although at this point most of the inner map was still uncharted) Jasmine came to stay with me for a few days, during which I had a date with Lupeta, during which Jasmine made herself scarce. Afterward, Jasmine was pleased to notice how wobbly my legs were, and it gave me a taste of poly bliss. My mom got cancer and I went to Atlanta to take care of her.

In June, I became girlfriends with Katie and Sara. Kyeli asked me to break up with Katie and I said no. I watched Mr. Robot and sent M. oodles of screenshots. Mom died. Also, I got the best massage of my entire life.

In July, M. came to visit for a long weekend, which included All-Paramours Game Night: M., Citadel, Jasmine, and Lupeta. J. asked me out. Lupeta low-key broke up with me.

In August, Kyeli and I started couples counseling.

In September, Esriel and I were at WinCo and these two cuties came up to us and said to me, “I love your hair!” We exchanged Discord info and fucked (: I had A Very Gay Getaway with Citadel. Comply.

In October, I was transported into a rainbow tunnel. For my birthday, four incredibly lovely humans came over for a game night followed by an orgy. I met Mischa and Rose. (Well, I had met Mischa several months ago, but we hadn’t gotten together in person.) Mischa invited me to Temple of Aphrodite and I signed the fuck up. Jasmine and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary. Esriel and I went on our first date.

In November, Kyeli came back to Tacoma and we tried to see if things could work out between the new Pace and the new Kyeli. A consent-related event occurred. I went to Temple of Aphrodite and it was life-changingly transformative. “Unlock my desire,” I pledged to Aphrodite, “and I will follow it/You to the ends of the earth.” Well, She gave me what I asked for, and to hold up my end of the deal, I ended my romantic relationship with Kyeli. I also broke up with Jasmine and de-escalated with J. I experienced 5meodmt and became the conscious universe, co-creating toroidal time, a golden wave of delight flowing through every feeling being, always available to tune into. It was fucking hilarious.

In December, I went to Mischa’s birthday party, and it was like a mini-Temple. I had to keep pinching myself to be sure that this is my actual life. I went hot tubbing with Rose and Citadel. I fell in love with Rose and Mischa. We watched Mischa play Portal and touched each other all day in uncountably many lovely ways. Fae pounded the shit out of me to the drum track of Playing God by Polyphia. Tirion solidified. I spent time with my extended polycule; we had lots of deepening experiences under lots of less-than-ideal circumstances.

Last year I wrote, “I’m sure the coming year will hold lots more poly excitement, and I’m sure I’ll learn more about what I want and what I need. What I need to keep in mind is to respect myself, to hold healthy boundaries, and to not settle. And that’s why my word of the year for 2022 is lemonade.” That turned out to be pretty fuckin’ prescient.
This year, I became a Priestess of Aphrodite.
This year, I finally got in touch with what I want, and took drastic action to bring my life into alignment with it.
This year, I acquired an any-time horde of adoring fans who all think I’m awesome and all want to fuck me six ways from Sunday. It is deeply satisfying to know that sex and adoration are abundant. Achievement unlocked!
Next up: healthy, interdependent, equitable partnership(s).

In the coming year, I will dive headfirst into the ocean of Aphrodisiacal love and lust, not to lose myself but to find myself. As I dive, I will take with me:

• lemonade
• interdependence
• a towel

My word of the year for 2023 is harmonize. First, I will stay in tune with myself. Then, I will harmonize with others who add richness to the melody of my mind, the rhythm of my body, and the timbre of my heart – all while staying within my own range.