Capstone, Stages, Closing, Christmas Crazies and Resolutions

As 2010 winds down and closes out, I thought I'd take a moment of reflection and pontificate on the goings on of my year. And it has been a year. A lot has happened and some of it certainly deserves mentioning.

#1 Capstone

I know I've already blogged about this, but I'm gonna do it again. It is THAT important! In the spring, I finished work for my MLS (Masters of Library Science) and the final piece of the degree is Capstone. A massive, frightening, potentially harmful test that scares the bejeezus out of all graduate students. For that week, I was a paper writing machine, staying away from work and everything else in my life, totally devoted to my iMac and the three in-depth research papers I was to write. It all turned out fine (CHEERS!) and I am now able to say, "Yes, I have a Masters degree." Sadly, this is not as impressive as a feat as I had hoped seeing as how lots of people have Masters and many jobs want more than a Masters, but nonetheless, I was thrilled. I could have opted out of walking the stage, but heck no! Which brings me to exciting moment #2...

#2 Stages

For the third time in my educational life, I walked across a stage following a great deal of work. They say the third time's a charm, and I agree. I was happy to finish high school, thrilled to graduate from college, and proud to finish graduate school. It took half the time to complete, but I think it meant more because I know I put in a great deal more effort and hard work. Oh, and I didn't fall on my face either. :) And seeing my Dusty out there smiling at me, really made it even that much more special. And the not falling on the face thing too...super special.

#3 Closing

Dusty and I tend to be behind the norm when it comes to milestones in a married life. It's the way we've always worked and we're okay with it. We were both late in finishing school, late in moving out of the "apartment phase" of our lives, usually fall asleep before the ball drops at midnight, and no we haven't even begun to consider kids. But, this year we did reach an important milestone. We are homeowners. After a great deal of negotiation, nail biting, and phone calls we signed our lives away under a small mountain of paperwork. We own a home. It's not very big, but it's cozy and homey and ours. Best part? The backyard! It's massive and Naia loves it. Seeing her running around happy (and later collapsing in a tired heap) warms my heart.

#4 Christmas Crazies

I think it's because the memories are so fresh in my mind, but the Christmas holiday will be one I remember for quite a while. Remember our little house mentioned in #3 big moment above? Well, it was at capacity for a week. Dusty + Alicia + Naia + Gifford + Oakley + Austin + Mom-in-law = very full and happy home. We all bunked in together, some sleeping on couches and blow up mattresses, but all happy to be together. After all, what's Christmas for if not for squeezing together with the ones you love!?

Who's Austin you ask? Well, he's the 2-year old that was here for the holidays, Giff's boy. He's more than precious, but he's...well...he's 2. And that was a huge change for Dusty and me. But a good one I think. It's good to see what life's like "on the other side" so to speak. I colored, played Peek-a-Boo, played with Play-Doh, threw a football in the front yard, and ran cars in the hallway. It was greatness!

Don't get any ideas friends. As mentioned in #3, Dusty and I haven't even begun to consider a 2-year old of our very own. Hush up now...

Oh...and for your puppy enjoyment...enjoy the following examples of Christmas Craziness. I love these pups!

Outside Christmas Crazies

Inside Christmas Crazies

#5 Resolutions

I wrote about New Year's Resolutions last year. Basically, I was against locking myself into a crazy resolution that I would only later feel badly for not reaching. Well, I stand by that, but I want to add a little extra importance to the idea of resolution making. In 2011, I resolve to do just one thing...TRY. Just try! Try to do things better for myself and try to be the best I can be. Making an effort is all we can really promise to do right? It seems that if we promise to try, we can't be disappointed. At least we tried! This is not a free pass to slack off and say, "Well, I tried!" No ma'am! (Remember this Alicia...you know you're the absolute worst with traditional resolutions).

Well friends, 2011 is on its way out. I hope it was a tremendously wonderful year for you and your family and I wish the same for you in the new year.

Much love!

Alicia :D

#24

#24 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Millennium Trilogy Book 1)

Umm...wow friends. This thriller/mystery/suspense story was exactly that: thrilling, mysterious all the way to the end and fully suspenseful. Parts were tough to take believe you me...faint of heart shall not proceed, but I'm so glad I finally got my hands on a copy. I certainly will be searching for the next two in the series.

It always amazes me when a writer can create such an enormous story; in this case it was a complete family hierarchy with full detail of each character, all unique and many crazy. In stories I have attempted, I can come up with one or two semi-interesting characters and I'm tapped. It is too bad Larsson did not know of his writing success as the series was published posthumously.

I don't want to give much away regarding the plot as so many details must be experienced in context, but here's what I'll share. Harriet Vanger has been missing since she was 16; 40 years later, her mysterious disappearance remains unsolved . Reporter Mikael Blomkvist is charged with trying to discover what happened while also dealing with being found guilty of libel against a huge business mogul. Mikael does as he is hired to do, but uncovers so much more than he set out to. And just where does the girl come in? You know, the one with the dragon tattoo? Well, she's there. Her and Mikael's stories collide along with Harriets. A wild ride friends...Hang on tight!

Sidenote: I was curious about the movie version of the book, so I "On Demanded" it and watched it today also. It is in Swedish with English subtitles. That doesn't bother me, but some people don't appreciate that. I'm often disappointed with books as movies, but not with this one. It was very well done and while a lot of the story was taken out, the most important pieces were left alone making for a very complete story.

Onto #25! I'm nearly a quarter of the way done with my book quest this year!

#23

#23 Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

For those of you who think all Nicholas Sparks books are pretty much the same, I say to you, "Yea...so?" If want an easy, Christmas break, lay around the house, feel-good-at-the-end kind of book, you've got the right author. Yes, you can predict the ending and yes the good guy wins, and yes I have another Sparks waiting for me on my bookshelf, but who says that's a bad thing? Not me friends.

Katie/Erin is attempting to begin a new life in Southport, North Carolina, after leaving an abusive husband. She changes her name, changes her look, and changes her home, but can't change the past. She must learn to trust again, love again, and not look back. There are one or two surprises along the way, so don't think Sparks won't give you a few "ah-ha" moments. I recommend this one if you are enjoying a holiday break like me. Lay on the couch, turn off the TV, and lose yourself in a "Safe Haven."

#21-22

#21 Slob by Ellen Potter

Don't let the title fool you...this book may not be what you expect. Owen is a 7th grader in New York. He is the fattest kid in his school and probably the smartest. He has a sister with an identity issue and as you may expect, he is being bullied. Owen is a kind of inventor and puts his brilliance to use as a distraction for his school problems. Unfortunately, Owen is also dealing with deeper issues that he and his sister have attempted to bury in their memories.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and appreciated the twist included in the story.

#22 Forge by Laurie Halse-Anderson (Seeds of America series Book 2)

Two words: Incredible Brilliance. Anderson is a master of historical research and does not disappoint her Chains fans one bit. She continues to be one of my favorite YA writers. Forge is the second book in the Seeds of America series. It follows the lives of two former slaves: Isabel and Curzon, intent on living freely in 1777. Anderson puts the reader into the middle of Valley Forge and all the miseries contained there, the lives of soldiers truly fighting for the United States citizens' freedom, and into the minds of African American slaves believed to be the property of masters. I almost felt guilty sitting in my comfortable home reading about the atrocities unbelievable circumstances the men and women faced. Isabel and Curzon are quiet heroes that young adults should learn about. This would be a great series to share with young people in a book club or lit circle setting.

#19-20

#19 Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor

Last year, when I had the privilege to attend the National ALA conference (American Library Association), I couldn't get away from this book! People were talking about it everywhere, and I knew I had to read it. Well, I finally did. I really enjoyed it and have already recommended it to some of my boys. Don't let the title fool you...it's not what it seems. If you know a young boy reader into zombies and monsters and other things that go bump in the night, or if you were a Goosebumps fan back in the day, this may be just the book for him or you! Entertaining, often funny, and overall enjoyable!

Toby Magill is 14 years old and finally has his first summer job - a cook at Killer Pizza. It doesn't take long for him to realize this is not your typical pizza place. In fact, it's hardly a pizza place at all; it's a front for a monster-seeking organization intent on ridding the world of monsters. Toby has to decide if this summer job is for him or if he should find somewhere new to work.

#20 A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Toby/Bailey/Ellie/Buddy is a dog trying to fulfill his purpose in life. He is reborn into different dog lives all the while searching for his reason for living. Each life he is born into teaches him important lessons that will serve him in the future. Even though the love for "his boy" Ethan is stronger than any other human bond, he is determined to do what he can for each life he touches.

This book touched my heart. Cameron put into words what I've often wondered about my dogs. How do they know when we are upset? How can they sense when something bad is about to happen? What goes on in their heads when we are talking to them? How much of us do they understand? I believe humans do not understand all there is to know about dogs, and this book brings more of those ideas to light. This is one book that I know will stay with me for a long time. I recommend it to all my fellow dog lovers. You may never look at your pet in quite the same way again.

#18

# 18 Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell (Kay Scarpetta series Book 1)

Do you like CSI? NCIS? Law and Order: SVU? I do! And I could see this book being an episode on one of those shows. Dr. Kay Scarpetta is the chief medical examiner in Richmond, Virginia. She's not only dealing with the difficulties of her job, but also the challenges at home including a niece who wants to spend time with her, but a job that demands her close attention. A great read and I'll certainly be checking out the next in the series.

#16-17

#16 This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Last Survivors series Book 3)

Well, I'm an idiot. I just looked up this image to add to this blog posting and discovered it is book 3 in a series. I repeat: I am an idiot. I am the kind of person who likes to read books in order and will forgo a book further along in series until I get to it. It's almost like you haven't put in the time with the series and shouldn't peak at the ending. But, I did this unknowingly so I need to just get over it.

So, a meteor hits the moon and knocks it closer to the Earth making for some massive changes on the planet. Vegetation quits growing, the air is tainted and oh yea, lots of people die. This is the story of the Evans family, trying to survive in this new world. The main character Miranda keeps track of the daily events in her journal. Even though this is the third book in the series, I didn't have much trouble following it and didn't find myself feeling lost wondering, "What the -?" I thought the idea of the book was very cool and I did enjoy reading it. I encouraged my students to read it, but I'm hoping they forget the title and just happen upon the series so they can actually know the whole story.

#17 Bulu: African Wonder Dog by Dick Houston

I have a love/hate relationship with dog books. I love them and want to read them all, but I hate them just as much for all the obvious reasons fellow dog book readers well know. (Remember Old Yeller? Yeah, of course you do).

Anyway, this book was a bit different from my typical dog books choices, but in a good way. This is a non-fiction story about a husband and wife who left their home in England and moved to Africa. Zambia to be more accurate. They are working to open up a wildlife education center for the children living around them in local villages. Once there, they find some pups and fall in love with Bulu. Bulu is spirited, empathetic, and so sweet, readers instantly fall in love. (As is the curse with all dog books) While living in Zambia, Anna and Steve not only have Bulu in their home, they also end up adopting monkeys, a baboon, a bushbuck and warthogs. So maybe this book isn't so much a dog book as an animal book. It is of course filled with African adventure, wild animals, floods and many other exciting events, all of which seem to involve little Bulu.

#14-15

#14 Gone by Michael Grant (Gone series Book 1)

Finally, I've read this book! I see it all over my library at school and have wanted to read it for some time. In the story, everyone over the age of 15 disappears, leaving all the children in the town to fend for themselves and learn to survive. Not only do the kids have to deal with this craziness, but some of them begin showing signs of strange unexplainable powers and a mysterious barrier is found around the town too. A great read and I've got my name down to get the second in the series next.

#15 The Rapture of Caanan by Sheri Reynolds

This book was incredibly powerful. This is the kind of book you hope your friends read so that you can talk to them about it. A young girl named Ninah narrates the story and we follow her through her life living with followers of the Church of Fire and Brimstone and God's Almighty Baptizing Wind. Her grandpa is the leader of this church (think Pentecostal, but scarier and with ugly consequences) and whatever he says is taken as Gospel. Ninah and her family try hard to follow all the rules and stay true to God, but Ninah begins to question the religion and her own sense of right and wrong. She tries to keep herself from sinning, but she and her prayer partner James find themselves getting too close and she becomes pregnant. What happens to her community of believers and herself is compelling, intense and difficult to read all at the same time.

#12-13

#12 Cassandra and Jane by Jill Pitkeathley

After reading According to Jane a couple of weeks ago, I just wasn't ready to say Goodbye to Jane Austen. So, this was a great read at the perfect time for me. This was a fictional story, but the author did her best to recreate what was likely to have happened between Jane and her sister Cassandra. Cass tells the story and gives us the insight into the world she and Jane shared. We get to hear about the love they both nearly had in their lives as well as the success Jane enjoyed with her published pieces. Only two sisters as close as these would be able to express the unique relationship of sisters.

#13 Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

I have to admit that I chose this book after finding a great writeup by a classroom teacher about censorship and books kids need to read regardless. This was a book that was highly criticized and like all "banned books," the desire to read them is heightened all them more. This book did not disappoint. At the start of the book, a young girl named Leah has just died in an accident. Her friend Laine takes the reader back through their friendship and how Laine's life will forever be changed. It is an intense story dealing with abuse, underage drinking, drugs, bullying, and peer pressure. This is definitely a book that should be put into the right hands, but not before those hands are ready.

#1-11

#1 Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going

Powerful read. A teenager named Troy is overweight and depressed. He has no friends, doesn't get along with his brother, and doesn't know how to change his life. He meets Curt, a homeless boy who believes Troy can play the drums and be a part of his rock band. While they work to make the band happen, Troy discovers that he does have something to offer the world and can make a difference to other people.

#2 Roses by Leila Meacham

Don't let the cover and title fool you. It's not all about love and fru-fru stuff. This book follows rival Texas families through generations of warring and sparring and love and I enjoyed it. I like long books that really introduce and explain the complexities of families. And yes, the title is important to the story and yes, you do have to read it to uncover the meaning.

#3 Suck it Up by Brian Meehl

Okay, I admit to a fascination with vampirey stories since reading Twilight, and that's why I picked this book up. It was also a Texas Lone Star book for those interested in award winning titles. The cover actually grosses me out, but I couldn't resist reading it. So, our orphan vampire hero is Morning McCobb, a vegan vampire who drinks Blood Lite. Morning has been chosen to "come out" to the human race and show them that not all vampires are bad and most want to fit in and be loved just like everyone else. He attempts to do this with the help of a New York City PR director and her daughter. I was not ga-ga for this book, but did enjoy it enough to recommend it to others. Edward is still my main vamp...

#4 The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (39 Clues Book 1)

39 Clues series...very cool. This series of 10 titles features a different YA author for each one. And yes, by the end of the series, readers are promised 39 clues to the greatest treasure in the world. Siblings Amy and Dan are given the choice of receiving a million dollars from their deceased grandmother or take the first clue in a series that will lead them to a long-lost treasure. Along with other scheming family members given the same chance, they begin an international treasure hunt taking them through many adventurous twists and turns.

#5 One False Note by Gordan Korman (39 Clues Book 2)

In this book, Amy and Dan make their way to France, Venice, and Salzburg and learn about the life of Mozart and his music and how it all ties into the 39 clues. These books are so well written, that it's hard not to believe the historical facts included. I almost believe that Mozart was part of the treasure hunt and his music provided clues for the Cahills! Love it! And I'm sorry, but who doesn't love a Gordon Korman book anyway?

#6 The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis (39 Clues Book 3)

Amy and Dan find an alliance in Uncle Allistair Oh, but should they trust him? This book takes the kids to Japan in a search for an ancient sword. There is underground travel, ancient relics, and dodging other scheming family members of course. Another win!

#7 Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson (39 Clues Book 4)

Do you get into Egyptian history and archaeology? Yes? Well, so do the characters in this book! Amy and Dan end up in Cairo (among other places) in this adventure. Did I mention one of their family members is an ex-KGB spy with poisonous fingernails? I didn't? Well, she's in this one and adds a great element of excitement to the book. Read on!

#8 According to Jane by Marilyn Brant

Highschooler Ellie Barnett is introduced to Jane Austen when assigned Pride and Prejudice in her English class. She also discovers that the voice of Jane Austen also comes with it. Yes, the ghost or entity or persona of Jane Austen somehow becomes Ellie's full-time companion helping her make decisions about life and love. (Sidenote: Ellie ends up as a librarian after college...sweeeeet!) I loved this book and have been inspired to read more Jane Austen titles and other books about her. Be looking for more of them reviewed here!

#9 The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (The Kane Chronicles Book 1)

Okay, I cheated a little bit with this book. I didn't actually read it. I checked out the CD version and listened to it. Does that still count? I say yes, and this is my book challenge. I realized I am in my car for nearly 2 hours a day driving to and from work. Why waste that time? I can say that listening to the book did not detract from the work in any way. I mean, what can you expect from Rick Riordan? He's awesome! Sadie and Carter Kane are brother and sister but have grown up in very different ways. Carter and his dad Julius, an Egyptologist, have spent years traveling around the world while Sadie has grown up with her grandparents in London. They reunite once a year and this time, they discover a bit more about their father than they ever expected. On a trip to the British Museum, Julius destroys the Rosetta Stone, summoning Egyptian gods while getting himself banished in the process. It's awesome! Now Sadie and Carter have to work together to find their father while trying to understand their own connection in this crazy Egyptian power adventure. I enjoyed this book a great deal more than Riordan's Percy Jackson series (also awesome). He allowed himself time to really build the characters and take the audience along on a fast-paced adventure. I can't wait for book 2 in the series! So, if you enjoy Egyptian mythology, or like me you didn't know anything about it and found it all fascinating, you'll love this book!

#10 What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

I believe Sonya Sones is brilliant. How many people can effectively create an entire story and deep meaningful characters without the use of prose? She uses only verse and I never felt like I was missing out or not getting the entire story. This book is told from the point of view of Sophie and her experience as a freshman in high school. For those of us having already experienced our freshman year, we can all remember that a great deal happens in high school. This book is one of the most honest I've read about that experience. Sophie is dealing with friends, parents on the brink of divorce, boyfriends, her own changing body, and the judgments of those around her. Sophie has to decide what is more important to her: pleasing her friends and fitting in, or doing what she knows is best and makes her happiest. An awesome read!

#11 What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Another incredible story, again written in verse, continuing Sophie's story. This book is written from the point of view of Robin (or Murphy as he's referred to in school). I won't tell you how Robin and Sophie know each other, but I will tell you that I loved seeing the other side of the story and hearing the voice of a boy telling it. I found this story just as incredible as the first (see #10 above). Read them...you won't be disappointed.

100 Book Challenge

Hello dear friends!

One of the coolest parts of earning a MLS, besides the obvious fact that library science is just plain awesome all on its own, is that you are privy to many cool websites and blogs. I am a member of a sweet listserv and found a fellow librarian's blog where she was inspired to start a book challenge for herself and her students. The challenge is to read 100 books by the end of the school year. She posts her books on her blog along with a quick review of each one. I'm sure you join me in asking, "How awesome is this??" I of course had to jump at the chance myself! I'm in the process of talking with my school librarian into doing something like this with our student body, but I'm certainly going to try it too. So, you may look forward to many a book review and many a book cover on Montgomery Musings. I will warn you, I am a huge YA lit lover so most of my titles will be from that genre, but I do throw in an occasional big girl book now and then. It should go without saying that I am extending the challenge to you as well! Join me and share what you're reading as I can always use a new book on my nightstand.

Just R-E-L-A-X already!

Here I sit friends, on a lovely Labor Day, thrilled to have had a 3-day weekend, and bored out of my mind! This leads me to a realization I recently had about myself. I have a really hard time just doing nothing! This is the first time in 2 1/2 years that I only have one job, and I feel pretty competent taking care of that job during the week leaving my weekends free. Isn't that what everyone wants? Now, I have no homework to do, no extensive reading assignments, and (thankfully), no papers to write. So, what the H is my problem? Isn't that what I worked so hard to accomplish? Sheesh!!

My other half has absolutely no problem laying in bed watching movie after movie (after movie...after movie) enjoying a lazy day, but I get stir crazy. I can usually make it through one and I have to get up and find something to do. So, my weeds have been weeded, my dog played with, my computer's software updated, toenails painted, current celebrity gossip read, laundry done and put up, and my kitchen is clean. I did bring papers home to grade, but let's not get carried away people.

So, I'm using my blog post here to announce to the world that I, Alicia Montgomery, am too wound up and need to R-E-L-A-X! How do I do this? Clearly laying in bed watching movies (kill me) doesn't do it and if I get too bored, I start eating junk food (double kill me), and surfing around on etsy.com always gets me in trouble.

Here is a list of ideas I have in an effort to ward off the boredom monster. Cast your vote for your fave!

1. Learn the Hoedown Throwdown using Youtube videos

2. Checkout more CDs from the library to load into iTunes

3. Eradicate all dust bunnies (bleh...scratch this one)

4. Get a coloring book and decorate the bare walls in the house!

5. Search for new pictures of Robert Pattinson (stalker!!)

6. Rewrite Eminem's latest CD so it is grammatically correct and student friendly

7. Make up other blog sites for my other personalities

8. Attempt to learn all the Glee songs

9. Figure out a way to get into the Guinness Book of World Records

10. Paint my dog's toenails so they match mine

From Capstone to Rubble

Hello good friends!

A weight has been lifted from my shoulders. A burden that has been hanging over me for 2 1/2 years is gone. A scary future event has come and has been demolished. I'm talking friends about Capstone. What is Capstone you ask? Well, allow me to paint you a picture.

When beginning any Master's degree program, you know early on the requirements to finish and be handed that lovely diploma and wear that silly collar thing on your graduation gown. Some programs require a thesis, some require a cumulative test, but all of them seem so far away and nothing to worry about. The Library and Information Science department at UNT requires Capstone and it snuck up and sunk its teeth in this last week. This Capstone was a one-week block of time when the lucky graduate student is given 10 different topics and required to choose 3. These 3 "chosen ones" are then written into 3 separate papers all requiring authoritative, peer-reviewed, quality references. All topics were a combination of everything learned while in the program and were kept a secret until last Monday at 8:00AM. I was at my computer and was psyching myself up to tackle the work ahead of me at 8:10.

Day 1: I was able to research, read, and complete my first paper. A good day, not too scary. Tiny victory dance.

Day 2: I was able to research, read, and did not complete my second paper. Not a great day, scary and frustrating but no tears. I'm a big girl.

Day 3: Back to my computer to try and begin, was able to just barely eek out the rest of the second paper, but didn't feel good about the content. A better day, still scary and frustrating, still no tears...but almost.

Day 4: Had to meet with our realtor (a whole other blogpost) so the day was pretty much shot. I have to really have my head in the right place to be academically productive or I'll just blow off the entire day. My head was in the world of realty (not to be confused with reality).

Day 5: Felt great about this last paper. My favorite prompt of all 3, which is the reason I left it for last. Pumped that baby out in a day and still had time to go to breakfast with my husband, buy a pair of fuzzy Crocs and finish!! Yes folks, day 5 was a good day! Victory is sweet.

Day 6: Yes, there's a day 6. Any good writer knows you're not really done until your work has been edited. Lucky for me, I live with one. So, I exercised my wifely duty of, "Honey...I love you...will you edit for me?" Lo and behold it worked like a charm (excuse the cliche, I know they have no place in academic writing so I've been holding them back all week). When it comes to editing, Dusty is all business. No more nice husband...he's brutal. Exactly what I needed! So, I passed the Dusty test, said a prayer, and submitted my Capstone papers.

So, Alicia...did you celebrate? Yup...enchiladas and margaritas were had! And it was good. Hopefully, that's exactly what my Capstone grader will say when they read my work...it is good. Give that girl her funny graduation collar and be done with it.

Ahhh....Capstone...you've met your match.

Bring it on 2010

Wow friends...here we are at the start of another year. How did you spend your New Year's Eve? Out with friends? A big party downtown? Kissing at midnight? Not me! I watched the ball drop with Ryan Seacrest (gag me) and Justin Bieber (gag me more) and poor, sweet Dick Clark an hour before it actually happened, and then I watched my husband and puppy snore the night away. I normally wimp out about 10:30, but Naia stuck with me, and together we made it to 12:00. See?

Well, she didn't really make it if we're being honest, but at least she posed for pictures.

Every year, I can't help but look ahead to what the next year will hold for me. 2009 was pretty darn good, and I expect 2010 to be just as awesome. But there's always that looming question, "What's your New Year's Resolution?" How many are you allowed to have because I probably have too many: eat right, lose weight, drink less wine (sniff), be more organized, blog more, clean my house more, be nicer to my students, take my dog for more walks, read more intellectual literature (ick), and the list goes on.

So, this year I resolve to not stress about resolutions. I imagine most of them don't work anyway. Putting so much pressure on yourself is self-defeating it seems, so why set yourself up for a big 'ole let down? We all know what we need to do to be better people; that doesn't seem to change from year to year. We all know what we want out of our lives, and I hope we all know that we are in God's care and grace. I think humans have an innate need to better themselves, and that seems to be what New Year's Resolutions are anyway, so baby steps people. Come pitter patter along with me!