My New Year's Resolutions

In the past I haven't make a big deal of New Year's resolutions. I usually make a few goals for the year and keep them to myself. But this year I am inspired by my friend Sara to make my goals public. This way you all can check up on me to make sure I'm really doing what I say I'll do. Or maybe just so I can get this in writing.

1. Get healthy. That includes eating more good stuff, less bad stuff (less stuff altogether actually), and getting way more exercise.
2. Finish my dissertation. I know this seems like an easy task to you (especially if you are my parent, grrr) but I feel like an 8-year-old who has been assigned to clean out a large, junk-filled garage with no help from anyone else. It's going to be tough. I might need a little more nagging.
3. Use public transportation more often. I'm going to drive my car less and ride trains, busses, my bike, and my shoes more.
4. Only purchase things that I REALLY need. For example: the next time I am at the grocery store and tempted to purchase a carton of chocolate soy milk, I'm going to say to myself, "Michele, it's true that you really really want this chocolate soy milk. But do you need it?" to which I will reply, "Nah. I don't really need it. It will do me good to save the money and the calories." By the way, this includes clothes, shoes, bassoon accessories, books, etc.
5. Don't purchase anything new unless I've searched everywhere and can't find it used (and I absolutely have to have it). I tried this last year and I saved a lot of money. And got to know the Goodwill employees pretty well too. This year I am going to be even more serious. Of course this rule does not apply to things like toothpaste, bread, and toilet paper.
6. Develop better posture. If you see me slouching, punch me in the face!
7. Get married. Ok... Ok. I only have so much control over that, but it's worth a try, right?

I'm going to stop there. I don't want to make my life too complicated.

Three unexpected gifts

The month of December is a month of giving gifts. I'm usually really bad at giving gifts--mostly because I forget about it, and then Christmas comes and its too late!

But that is beside the point. This December I received three delightful gifts that I wasn't expecting and probably didn't deserve.

The first one was this bed. Yes, someone gave me a bed. It was purchased in Utah by John's mother (more about him later, hopefully) and sent with her friends who were driving a moving truck out here. To say the least, I was in desperate need of a new bed and was delightfully surprised when it came!

The second surprising gift was this little pair mitten clips that I received as a prize at a Halloween party with John's school friends. (yeah, that was back in October but I didn't get them out until it got cold in December!) I know they look ridiculous, but I haven't lost my gloves yet! And to me, that is priceless.

At the end of last semester one of my students left this note for me outside my office door. I appreciated it so much! Being a first time teacher was a bit intimidating for me and it was good to know that at least one person thought I was ok.
And lastly I thought I would add these photos as a bonus. I don't know if I would consider this a gift, but my little brother Ethan let my braid his hair a few weeks ago. Doesn't he look cute?

Hey... I've been busy, OK?

Hello everyone, I haven't forgotten about my blog. Don't worry! I will write something soon..... (ha ha I know you've all been waiting desperately) :)