Another new year

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year.
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old one leaves.

-Bill Vaughan

I don't make new year resolutions. I try to make something better as soon as I realize it's wrong. If I waited for the new year to start making changes I'd forget. Since I know I would forget I'd have to write myself a note to remind me. Since I write myself so many notes I'd probably lose it and then I would definitely forget. Do you see my problem here? Apparently one of the things I need to do is be more organized.

2008 was not without it's problems but it wasn't all bad. Personally, my family had some hardships and we have some members who are battling cancer and other diseases. Obviously that was bad but most of them are doing remarkably well considering the severity of their illnesses (knock wood and say a prayer). We're a tough clan. I have a wonderful family and steadfast friends. I have the best husband and most amazing children that anyone could ever hope for. Money is tight and I have my own health problems but I am blessed. Truly blessed.

Another good thing that came about in 2008 that actually pertains to this blog is, well, this blog. I have loved to read my entire life and over the last few years I've been involved in online book clubs. I've really enjoyed them and I've met people from all over the country and a few from other parts of the world. I've also been fortunate enough to meet some terrific authors. I'm still fascinated by the fact that I've been able to spend a month chatting online about a book with the person who created it. Simple things for simple minds I know but I still think it's so cool!

I accidentally fell into the blogging world last summer. After spending time on some new sites I was introduced to some book blogs. I know most people have been doing this for a long time but I haven't even been reading them for a long time much less writing them. After a few weeks I decided to give it a try. I had no idea what I was doing but I had an online friend who decided to take the plunge with me. We would learn together. Although I still don't know what I'm doing most of the time and I never accomplish all that I want to, I'm having a good time! I'm still finding my way and haven't decided exactly what I want all of this to become but I think I'm just going to let that work itself out.

Thank you to all of the people who have been so helpful and so patient. I am learning and benefiting from each and every one of you. Someone always answers the questions I ask no matter how ridiculous they may be. You provide interesting comments and conversations and excellent blogs. I could spend hours just reading what everyone has to say. I rely on all of your book reviews more than any other. I know that I will be able to relate to them and am often reading the same books. And the contests are such fun! How creative you people are! The ones I've participated in have been so clever and I've won some of the best books I've ever read. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

So for this new year, in 2009, I'm going to try to be a good person and always do the best I can. And as far as books are involved I'm going to try to be more organized (you should see my coffee table), be opened minded and try new things. I'm going to become a better blogger and try to participate in more events. Basically, I just want to thank all of you again and wish you the very best new year. Good health, good wishes, good books!