Happy New Year!

This time last year I wrote my New Year's Resolutions. After reviewing them recently, I decided that they are good for another year as only a portion of them have been accomplished. Below is the modified list:

1. I promise to re-read all of my research notes and files with the expectation of finding new clues. The clues are there; I just need to find them. See Promise #2.

2. I promise to file all of my paper documents in the proper place. I failed miserably at this goal in 2008 and have spent too much valuable time searching for "lost" documents.

3. I promise not to take myself and my research so seriously that I can not enjoy the everyday pleasures of living. Life is full of joy and I intend to participate in this experience as much as possible

4. I promise to devote more time to the living than the dead as the dead aren't going anywhere and will be there long after the living have given up on me. This is a brand new goal for 2009 and one I fully expect to attain.

Goals I have reached in 2008:

1. I have not laughed once when someone told me they have traced their ancestry back to Adam and Eve. Ok, so I snickered behind my hand, but just one time.

2. I have responded to 126 queries with no acknowledgement from the query-makers. I dropped this goal from the 2009 list - it is too annoying.

3. I have cited all sources accurately and fully - I think. Well, maybe I should keep this on the list for 2009, just in case.

4. I have decided where my research papers, books and files will be placed after I am gone - like it or not, they're going to get the whole shebang - every scrap of paper, highlighted books, misfiled files - all of it and it's in writing so they have to accept it.

For all of you, I wish you the very best of luck, much success and tremendous joy in 2009. Don't forget to listen to the music of life and do a little dance for the pure pleasure of living!