mounting pressure

When I last wrote I was feeling quite positive about coping with the pandemic we're experiencing. Although I'm not worried or afraid overall, the strain at work has intensified. Last week everything seemed to be going smoothly, but by the weekend the atmosphere had become much more stressful. While working Saturday and Sunday I got outside of the pharmacy more than usual since I wasn't scheduled to make IV's. I felt the tension in the air when I made deliveries to areas where suspected virus patients are taken care of. The nurses seemed harried and short-tempered. I had a hostile interaction with one nurse in particular who was demanding meds. Sometimes I think the nurses don't realize the pharmacy serves the whole hospital at once and their requests aren't always as important as others.

While making deliveries this weekend I saw some very sick people. I wonder if they have worried family members who are unable to visit? I've been reading stories of people who can't be with their dying loved ones during this time. It's hard to imagine how painful that would be. But it's also true that far too many people die alone during normal times.

The turnaround time for COVID-19 testing is at 10 days now because labs are so overrun with specimens. Hopefully a more rapid method will be developed soon. This is just another reminder of how relatively new this strain of coronavirus is. Personally I am very skeptical of those who claim drug X is the cure or treating with X method is the answer. Enough time will show the truth, but right now all these drugs and methods are not proven. Touting their supposed benefit is a little premature.

As of today, employees are required to wear a mask in the hospital at all times. We are supposed to use the mask for 7 days to conserve supply. It's no fun to wear it for 8 hours a day, but I'm thankful our leadership is trying to protect us. Doctors and nurses are undergoing much more cumbersome garbing to take care of patients. Those who provide direct care are real heroes. I found out Wawa is giving free coffee to healthcare workers, which is wonderful! Little gestures like that mean a lot.

I pass a Harley Davidson store when I stop at Wawa for my coffee, and their sign says. "This sucks! Screw it. Ride on!" A little cloud of darkness comes across my day when I see it. I decided to leave an anonymous message saying I don't appreciate their sign. It doesn't give a good feeling and we need positivity during this time. If there's others who feel the same, maybe you can encourage them to change it also!

I'm on day 5 of a 7 day work schedule and definitely feeling the need for a break. It's nice to be needed, but it's also important to get away and refocus.

Every now and then the funny side of all this strikes me. Today when I looked around and saw everyone wearing a mask looking like beaked aliens, I wanted to laugh! Let's not get caught up in fear and gloom over this pandemic. Take precautions and follow the rules, then look for things to spark joy!

another week down

Well, we've definitely been seeing the uphill part of the COVID-19 curve here in Berks County this week.

According to numbers taken from the PA Department of Health website, 90% of people who get tested are negative, even though overall numbers are rising. This is proving true at work. Patients who are suspected of having the virus are put in isolation as if they are positive until their test results come back. The vast majority end up not having it. And some who were positive never had to be admitted.

In the midst of all this, we are surprisingly not that busy. The overall hospital census is down quite a bit from usual. The pharmacy director has called off one pharmacist every day this week, and we techs were strictly told "no overtime!"

I visited the quarantined area of the hospital and it looked as if everything was running like a well-oiled machine. It's amazing how much donning and doffing of PPE, hand washing, and coordination between nurses has to go into the care of one patient who is only presumed to be positive.

Beginning Monday, all employees have to get their temperature taken when coming in to work. As of today, our county is under a "stay at home" order, so hospital workers were given a letter to carry with us stating we are an essential employee.

There are some wonderful things to come about because of the quarantine. Roads are wide open and I've cut almost 10 minutes off my daily commute. More people are spending time outdoors. Life has finally slowed down like we said we wished it would. Teachers are becoming even more appreciated (I hope! 😄)

Besides, how can you be blue when all nature is ringing with spring?! With robins chirping early in the morning and spring peepers providing lovely music at night, bright yellow forsythia, daffodils, hyacinths, and pansies blooming their hearts out... feast your eyes and fill your lungs with the delicious clean air and everything starts looking up!

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Renee Loewen of Louisville, Georgia, for winning the Mrs. Meyer's giveaway!

I used random.org to create a list of everyone's name. The person whose name came in at #1 after the list was randomized was the winner!

Thanks to everyone for participating in another fun giveaway!

this week in the hospital

This has been a most unusual week, yet I feel lucky that my daily life is much the same. The most outstanding change has been all the new policies and procedures put into place at work. Maybe some of you would find it interesting to hear what hospitals are doing to prepare for a pandemic.

One of the first changes to take place was limiting visitors to 1 per patient (2 for pediatrics). Then the main hospital doors were locked and all patients and visitors had to go through a screening to get inside the building. A tent was set up at the ER entrance and those who showed symptoms like fever or shortness of breath were taken aside for further examination. Early in the week a new employee travel policy was put in place. One of the things it stated was if you had traveled to an amusement park, been on a cruise, or in one of the areas with a high incidence of COVID-19, you would be quarantined for 14 days. This applied to one of my coworkers, who had been to Disney the week before and already come back to work. She's perfectly fine and has no symptoms, but has to stay home until 14 days past the date of her return. Since she had come back to work before this new policy took effect, those who were in close daily contact with her have to wear a mask and take their temperature twice a day. The travel policy is very restrictive. Basically you can't travel outside of the state without notifying your manager.

Leaders were encouraged to give access to their staff for working remotely. Management is working on getting some of our pharmacists set up to work from home. Since we technicians do the actual hands-on part of the job, that's not a possibility for us.

Some very noticeable changes were happening in the cafeteria. Tables were cleared of salt and pepper and ketchup bottles and we're now using packets. We're no longer allowed to serve ourselves at the salad bar or help ourself to bagels, etc. Personal drink cups are not allowed; to get coffee, water, or ice you have to use a single use cup. We can use our badges to pay for food, but the cashier can no longer swipe them for us. Half of the tables and chairs were removed to allow for social distancing. Employees are encouraged to not eat in the cafeteria since it's considered a public area.

By the middle of the week, all non-essential surgeries were called off. Later this week the gift shop was closed and a "no visitor" policy was enacted with exceptions for labor and delivery, pediatrics, and end of life.

Drive-through testing is offered in the parking lot from 8 am to 4:30 pm. This prevents potentially sick patients from entering the hospital. You must have a doctor's order to get the test done.

Our leaders are doing an excellent job preparing for a potential influx of patients and trying to protect employees from exposure. Even though many changes are happening, the atmosphere is calm and people are going about their jobs as usual. It's actually been less busy than normal since people are staying home and surgeries are cancelled.

Maybe with all the strict guidelines the government has put in place we'll weather the COVID-19 crisis without much disaster. That is the point of isolation and precaution, after all. I know some people might find the quarantine frustrating and boring, but this too shall pass! And it may pass sooner if we all take it seriously. However, there is no need to panic. Now is the time to put our belief into practice and trust that God will take care of us. And with spring arriving early, it's a great time to get outdoors and work on those projects we've been putting off! Here's a quote I often think of and agree with 100%. There's no reason to be bored in a world as wonderful as this!

One last plea: if you are healthy and able to donate blood, please consider doing it. Many blood drives have been cancelled and inventory is low. It is estimated the nation has only a 2 day supply presently. I believe blood donation centers remain open. Google "blood donation near me" to find a location.

spring giveaway!

To celebrate the first day of spring, and for something fun in these trying times, I'm doing a giveaway!

The winner of the drawing will receive two scrubber sponges and a Mrs. Meyer's hand soap and dish soap in your choice of scent: fresh cut grass, lilac, mint, or rose. Click here to view the items. Every Mrs. Meyer's product I've tried smells lovely!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below. If you are unable to comment, text me and I will enter your name. The giveaway will be open until 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, after which the winner will be announced!

Also, if you are interested in shopping the website where I'm getting these products, contact me and I can send you a referral link that gets you FREE items and FREE shipping on your first order! 😊

joy in the time of coronavirus

Maybe we're tired of hearing about COVID-19 by now, but I think we've all been affected by it. It's hard to believe how quickly things can change.

Hopefully we have not succumbed to worry and fear during this time. With the absence of school, social life, and work (for some), we can find joy in simple things like playing games, reading a good book, or taking a bike ride. I find nature very calming at any time, and with all the upheaval going on in the world right now, it seems even more peaceful. Start taking notice of all the changes taking place as spring arrives. Here in Pennsylvania, I've heard the first spring peepers, seen cherry trees in full bloom, and watched daffodils poke up through the soil and spread their sunshiny cheer. It seems people are spending more time outdoors than usual during this period of social distancing. While walking the Union Canal trail today I saw more kids and parents out than I normally see. Cliff drove by a family picking up trash along one of our local roads, which I think is a FABULOUS idea!

Maybe it's easy for me to sound upbeat because my daily life has not been affected too much. My occupation certainly gives me job security during a health crisis. There are so many changes, preparations, and regulations being put into place at the hospital that I might write a whole blog on that. If I didn't have a full-time job I think I'd have more time to worry, especially since Cliff is working very limited hours and there are bills to pay.

I was getting a little worried we might run out of toilet paper since I only have one extra pack (I thought) and every store I've been to lately has been sold out. Then I discovered I still have a gigantic 40 roll pack and my mind was put at ease! 😅 I'm rather paranoid of running out of TP!

There's still so much beauty in the world. Let's leave the scary what-if's behind and focus on the good!

green velvet cake

Since St. Patrick's day is tomorrow, I'm sharing a recipe I made for Cliff's birthday, which we celebrated tonight. If you're quarantined at home with the kids and want to try something different, here you go! This cake uses basic ingredients except for the food coloring. For locals, I believe Echo Hill sells single vials of food coloring, also Walmart has single bottles of green color at this time of year. You could also use the more concentrated coloring, but much less than the thin kind. Red velvet cake is a favorite of ours, and this is the same recipe. You can make this into cupcakes as well.

Green Velvet Cake

1 cup buttermilk

1¼ cup oil

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. vinegar

1 - 2 Tbsp. green food coloring
(Depends how green you want it. I did 1½ Tbsp.)
2½ cups flour
1 ½ cups sugar
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cocoa

Mix liquid ingredients except food coloring. Beat two minutes. Add food coloring and gently mix to avoid splattering. Add dry ingredients and beat two more minutes. Pour into a greased sheet cake pan and bake at 350° 15 - 16 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost with cream cheese icing.

Cream cheese icing

4 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 - 3 Tbsp. milk

Beat softened butter and cream cheese together. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency (not too thin).

For extra decoration, sprinkle with green sugar or whatever sprinkles you like!

the world turned upside down

According to legend, the British army sang "The World Turned Upside Down" when they surrendered to General Washington at Yorktown in 1781. Each stanza of the song ends with Yet let's be content, and the times lament, you see the world turn'd upside down.

Has COVID-19 turned our world upside down? If you've gone grocery shopping or read any news this week, it looks like people are preparing for the apocalypse. Personally, I just can't get worried about it. It is necessary to take precautions (hand washing, hand washing, hand washing!) but healthy people shouldn't fear this virus. As with the flu, it's the elderly and immunocompromised who are at the greatest risk. For a little perspective, look at these facts: the CDC estimates 22,000 people have died from the flu this season, and so far there's been around 40 deaths in the United States from COVID-19.

At work, all our masks have been locked up in the safe. We use masks, gowns, gloves, and sterile alcohol on a daily basis for compounding sterile products. We have enough supply for a limited time, but are having a hard time getting more of these necessary supplies. The hospital has established a command center and town hall meetings are being held. In the event we have cases of COVID-19, an empty wing of the hospital has been set aside to keep those patients in isolation. Even though we are taking all precautions, I haven't seen anyone become panicked about the situation.

I keep thinking this feels like the end of the world. I have seen nothing like this in my short life (with the possible exception of Y2K). It makes me wonder, would all this preparation be happening if it was announced Jesus will return sometime next week? Somehow I think not.

Avoiding media, if possible, would be a good idea. Making lists of things we are thankful for, playing with children, cuddling a baby, or taking a walk in the fresh air are all ways to lessen the tension. Most of all,

STAY CALM

WASH YOUR HANDS

telling the truth

Tonight I'm "living the dream." At home on a Friday night sitting by a warm crackling fire, with the choice to read, set puzzle, or blog. Nothing could be more comfortable for an introvert.

Life has been fairly uneventful the past few weeks, which is actually a blessing, but doesn't generate much writing inspiration. Something did happen today that I thought I'd write about. To tell what happened, I first need to give some background information.

We pharmacy technicians are scheduled to do a nursing unit review once a month. Each tech has a specific area assigned to them with a checklist of tasks. Every nursing floor has two medication rooms and a supply room. Most of the nursing unit review is focused on these areas. Supply rooms have hundreds of items, such as lab tubes, IV supplies, toiletries, dressings and bandages, and other nursing necessities. Medication rooms each have a Pyxis machine where drugs are dispensed and cabinets stocked with supplies used for giving meds, such as needles and syringes. We go through all these items, looking for any expired products. The Pyxis machine needs to be cleaned and code carts opened and searched for expired items. We also randomly check approximately 4 patients to make sure IV tubings are tagged properly and antibiotics and other drugs given on time. 

The nursing unit assigned to me is one of the smaller ones, so I volunteered to take on another one when someone recently quit. February was the first time I did the new unit, and it took me quite a long time since it's one of the messiest and I did some extra cleaning. We are only scheduled one day to do our review, so I ended up getting only one of my two nursing units done. Today our lead technician asked me if I had done my second unit, and when I told her I hadn't, she said, "We're just going to make it look like you did and fill out the paper." When she brought me the paper to sign I said I couldn't do that because I felt like it was lying. By her reaction, I couldn't quite tell what she was thinking but it seemed she was slightly disgusted. She said, "Can you do it today then? How long do you think it will take?" It was around 11:30, I hadn't had lunch yet, and was only working till 3:30.  I told her I could probably do it 1-2 hours, and thankfully there were enough other techs working that someone could take over what I was doing in the pharmacy. 

I didn't have much time to think of how to respond in this situation, and it was my superior asking me to falsify information, so I wasn't quite sure at first what to do. When she wanted me to sign the paper though, it became quite clear to me I couldn't go along with it. There's been other times when I wondered if I had been completely honest, or just being tormented with doubt. I'm glad it was so obviously wrong to me this time. 

winter walk

A couple times this winter I've went on a walk after work at a nearby park. I knew this park was close by, but didn't realize how lovely and historic a location it was!

Click picture to enlarge and zoom in

I begin at Berks County Heritage Center (#3 on above map), and walk along the Union Canal Trail past Red Bridge and Gring's Mill (#5, 6, 8). All along the path, Tulpehocken Creek gurgles by.

Tulpehocken Creek along Union Canal Trail

Red Bridge, spanning Tulpehocken Creek 

Originally known as Wertz's Bridge, Red Bridge was built in 1867 and is the longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania. 

Gring's Mill and Farmhouse

The grist mill was built in 1811 and farmhouse in 1831. To reach the mill and farmstead from across the creek, a bridge is built over a small dam. Stopping to watch and listen to the rushing water is a must!

Gring's Mill bridge and dam

This stone house adjoins the bridge and dam

Scott Althouse, a dye manufacturer, built the dam and bridge around 1931 to create direct electricity used in a paint making process.

Remains of the Union Canal

I only learned this today, but remnants of the Union Canal can be seen alongside Tulpehocken Creek. At one time, this canal ran 82 miles, connecting the Schuylkill and Susquehanna rivers. Construction began in 1792 during George Washington's presidency. The canal was used to transport coal and lumber to Philadelphia until the 1880's. Wow! To hear the stories those trees and canal banks could tell of days gone by!

What a beautiful place to take in the beauty of nature! Even though the trees are bare and it was a biting cold day, the loveliness was still there. My walk also took me over this cantilever footbridge.

The very best part of this winter walk was when I happened to see a patch of small bright yellow flowers along the trail. They weren't crocuses, and I don't remember seeing anything like them before. It felt like a new discovery! How could anything so brilliant be blooming on this bitterly cold day? I found out they're called winter aconite, and are part of the buttercup family.

When I started looking, I saw they were all along the trail in patches of woods where the sun shone through. These tiny bloomers totally made my day!

I had almost convinced myself I was too tired to go on a walk, but am so glad I didn't skip it. Hopefully I'll remember that next time! I can't wait to see how the trail changes as spring comes. If it's beautiful now, how gorgeous will it be then??

winter mood

It's been too long since I've blogged. Maybe it's the winter blues, or the fact that I was sick for two solid weeks, or because I've been spending most of my spare time working on puzzles. Somehow there hasn't been an inspiration or topic to write about. So I'll just write what comes to me now.

It has been such a gray, dreary winter. There hasn't been any snow to speak of, neither has it been bitter cold. It's just day after day of clouds and weak light. There was one day last week of clear blue skies and sunshine that reminded me again how glorious a sunny day is. On the positive side, I spend most of my days inside with no windows anyway, which is actually more of a trial when it's a beautiful day. Winter has its blessings, the greatest of which is evenings spent working on a puzzle in a warm basement with the fire going. I've been working on a 2000 piece for the last while. Usually I don't save them, but this one is pretty magnificent, so I'm thinking about gluing it together when I'm done.

A couple weeks ago I bought an Instant Pot and have been trying it out. There was one recipe I threw away, but otherwise everything I've tried has turned out well. It seems like you're kind of limited to soups, meats, or goulash though. Those casserole type dishes might taste ok, but they just look sloppy. If you have any great recipes to share, let me know!

I'm enjoying this "home season" and choose to focus on that instead of the bleakness of winter. Spring will be here before we know it!

To my students

To the students who were in my classroom between 2013 - 2016:

I just want to give you a glimpse of the thoughts I've been having. In some ways it seems like yesterday we were doing algebra on the chalkboard, having story time, and so much more in the 170 days (or more) you and I spent in the classroom. You may not remember it as clearly as I do, but those were some of the best days of my life. The passing of time makes all the good times stand out, but I acknowledge there were tough times too. Even though I tried my best, I made mistakes and failed. Hopefully I didn't cause any lasting damage.

Now you are all part of the youth group, and when I see you singing in front of church, or giving your testimony during revivals, I am filled with admiration. Every one of you has grown into a more mature, polished version of the younger you who sat in my classroom. It's so amazing to see the beautiful person you have become! I'm so proud of you.

Building relationships with my students didn't always come easy, but I want you to know I loved being your teacher. You might not have loved being my student, and that's ok! It doesn't change the fact that you will always be one of "my kids."

Love,

Miss Smith

to a new year

I love the feeling of a fresh start at the beginning of a new year. Who knows what might happen this year? That thought could be exciting or scary. 2020 is the beginning of a new decade and a leap year!

Although I'm not too good at keeping New Year's resolutions (ok, I'm terrible at it), I still like to reflect on the past year and dream of improving myself. It frustrates me that I can visualize something but really struggle to enact those good intentions. Any real advice on how to stay motivated and make new habits?

When looking ahead at a whole new year, it seems long and full of potential. But the days, weeks, and months fly by so fast. I find myself wondering if I'm doing anything worthwhile with my life. I'll turn 35 this year, and I would've thought at this point I'd have it figured out!

To start off the new year, I'll enjoy mom's pork and sauerkraut. Can't wait!

Happy New Year! 

best books 2019

Here's my list of favorites from the books I read this year. On a scale of 1 - 5, I'd rate most of these as a 4. I might've already mentioned some of these books in previous posts, but since they're ones I read this year, I'll mention them again.

Nonfiction: 

3 out of 4 of my top nonfiction books happen to be WWII escape stories. I love history, and it seems like so many of the books I read come from that time frame.

Destiny of the Republic
- Candice Millard
My review: I knew next to nothing about President James A. Garfield, and this book made him come alive. The assassination attempt and efforts to save his life especially interested me. The ignorance and incompetence of the doctor who took charge of his case made me angry! Garfield's patience during the suffering he endured was outstanding. He was a truly remarkable man.

The Long Walk
- Slavomir Rawicz
From goodreads: The harrowing true tale of seven escaped Soviet prisoners who desperately marched out of Siberia through China, the Gobi Desert, Tibet, and over the Himalayas to British India.
My review: An astonishing story of escape and survival. I rated this one 5 stars.

We Die Alone
- David Howarth
My review: This story of one man's escape from the Nazis during a battle in Norway and his subsequent attempts to reach Sweden is almost unbelievable. Battling exposure, frostbite, and starvation, Jan Baalsrud survived unimaginable conditions with the help of some villagers. Another 5 star book - it's a must read.

The Great Escape
- Paul Brickhill
My review: This book details the incredibly organized escape of 76 POW's from a German prison camp. The project required intense effort involving hundreds of prisoners, one of whom is the author. Unfortunately, the ending is not a happy one.


Historical fiction:

America's First Daughter
- Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
My review: This novel draws from letters and original sources to tell the story of Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph. It's a long book but very interesting! I learned more about Thomas Jefferson as well.

The Alice Network 
- Kate Quinn
My review: I've read many historical fiction novels set during WWII, but this one stands out. There are two storylines spanning both world wars. One is the story of a female spy during the Great War, and thirty years later an American college girl searching for her cousin in the aftermath of WWII.

Fiction:

These are the kinds of books I read for pleasure or as an escape. Nothing too remarkable or deep here!

The Secret Life of Bees
- Sue Monk Kidd
My review: Set in South Carolina in 1964, this book tells the story of 14-year-old Lily Owens, a white girl taken in by a trio of black beekeeping sisters. I fell in love with the characters and the tone of this book. It's my favorite out of the three.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
- Gail Honeyman
From goodreads: Meet Eleanor Oliphant: she struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding unnecessary human contact, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.
My review: I found this book funny in a sad way. The twist at the end was rather surprising.

Where the Crawdads Sing
- Delia Owens
From goodreads: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand.
My review: A tale of love, murder, and mystery. Another surprise ending.


*Sometimes I get asked for book recommendations for teenagers or young adults. I wouldn't necessarily suggest any of these books for children, as they contain adult language, murder, romance, etc. I am working on a blog of book recommendations appropriate for young adults.

Best of 2019

It's always fun to reflect over the past year as we look forward to the beginning of a new year. Here's a few of the highlights from 2019. I've already blogged about most of these activities, so I won't go into too much detail. If you want to read more about it, I'll include a link to those blogs in the heading.

Kitchen facelift
Tearing off wallpaper, repainting, and putting up shiplap took a long time, but I love the new look!

Visiting my sister in her Kansas home
I'm so glad we made it a priority to visit Derek & Camille this spring, especially since they no longer live in Kansas! I got to see their newlywed house and help do some landscaping. We made good memories.

Summertime  
I don't have to say more!

Helping Chad & Keela move
It worked out for Cliff and I to spend a few days in Ohio helping Chad's move into their new house. It was a big job, but we had fun doing it!

Anniversary trip to Boston
We celebrated 15 years with a weekend trip to Boston, a place I'd always wanted to go. Whale watching and lounging at Castle Island looking over the Harbor were the best parts of the trip.

Not a highlight: Shelby & Kait moved to Tennessee 
This was an unhappy event. We loved having Shelby's live a few yards down the road from us and miss hanging out with them.

Swarey reunion
We waited three years for this! Good times.

Derek & Camille moved to Pennsylvania!
So nice to have a sister living near me.😍

Christmas in the Smokies
This is one I haven't blogged about, so maybe I'll go into a little more detail. We met Shelby & Kait in the Smokies for 4 nights and 3 days this past week. We rented a cabin high up in the mountains overlooking Pigeon Forge. (Here's a link to the place we stayed.) We did some touristy things, went to Cade's Cove, and ate at many delicious restaurants. Apparently Christmas is a popular time to visit the Smokies, because traffic was terrible and everything was packed. We still had a great time, though! It was a relaxing way to spend Christmas.

Other events
Cliff left his job at Spray Foam Insulation Services and went back to Bowers Sales & Rentals. He's happy there.

All in all, it was a good year. I'm very happy to be at the point in my job where I'm not new anymore and understand what's expected of me.

I thought of including my favorite books from this year but it looks like that will have to be a blog by itself!