I can't decide which was more fun: doing the interview or seeing the "Fast Draw" segment created by Mitch Butler and Josh Landis. My only regret: not smiling more. (I am really not that serious!)

When 2012 started, I was looking forward to the publication of "Pink and Blue" -- a labor of love and curiosity that was over 30 years in the making. I had a feeling that many parents were wondering, as I had, why choices for our sons and daughters seemed to be so limited. Thankfully, I found a publisher capable of both academic rigor (much needed!) and broad public marketing. (Hooray, Indiana University Press!)  My family and friends gave me space and time to write and revise, and  a weekly break at our local brewpub. My church community helped me connect, mind, conscience and spirit. Peggy Orenstein, Daniel Thomas Cook, Hanne Blank, Susan Kaiser and Anne Fausto-Sterling provided inspiration and feedback.

But best of all, people read the book -- people I didn't even know! Thank you all for your support, which means more than I can express. May 2013 treat you kindly.

How have you all been? For me, it's been a busy semester, embedded in a busy life, situated in a chaotic world. I'll spare you the gory details, and instead accentuate the positive.

Good things happening this year:

• the book is selling well, getting positive reviews, and (I hope!) changing minds about the immutability of "traditions".
• the research for my next book (Sex and Unisex) is nearly done, and has taken me to new discoveries and insights about the sexual revolution, the women's movement and our gendered culture.
• the arrival of my grandson, Solomon, on Election Day. 

The best news on the gender front is something I have been advocating for and predicting: greater consumer demand for choice in children's toys and clothing, and a growing preference for inclusive, adaptable, ungendered options. Hasbro's announcement of a black and silver Easy-Bake Oven is just the latest example of manufacturers responsiveness to consumer preferences. 

Want to see more change? Add your name to this petition on Change.org to ask Target to stop segregating toy aisles. The petition is the work of young leaders Molly Culhane, Phoebe Hughes, and Autumn Lukomski-LaPolice of New Moon Girls (a safe, ad-free, girl-positive website you need to check out if you have a girl aged 8 and up in your life).