Happy New Year

After a long hiatus, I'm back at work and back blogging, too. Since last blogging, the following things have happened:

1. I'm starting my own book and food club. I had no sooner put forth the words into the world than my best friend, S--, gave me Sarah Gardner's Read It And Eat, a guide to running a book club with menus. She also gave me a wonderful chef's coat that fits perfectly! The first selection we're reading together is an inspirational selection, The City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre. It's a good choice, because even if folks don't make it thru the book, they can cheat and see the movie. And the menu will be Indian food. Anybody wanna participate?
2. I finished last year by reading 42 books, not 50. I ended with Prep, which rang a lot of bells for me. This year, it's 50 or bust.
3. My first book will be a gift from one of my favorite students, E--, who gave me Teacher Man, Frank McCourt's latest. I was honored that such an outstanding student liked me.
4. One of my most impressive, interesting students from several years ago got in touch to ask a favor. This is a GOOD thing. At the end of the class several years ago, I asked him to drop by my office (in my most friendly and engaging fashion). His response was "what for"? I nearly burst into tears. Now, two years later, the worm turns. Evil laugh.
5. My older sister infected me with the Sudoku bug. I now torture myself daily with numbers, a strange new habit.
6. I took 5 naps, in the middle of the day, in the bright sunshine! Although I never take naps, I was so drained by the end of the semester, I discovered I enjoyed them.
7. I discovered a poem by Arielle Greenburg in Double Room that expresses EXACTLY how I'm feeling right now--hopeful...trying to not to give up or get my heart broken...on the cusp of happy.