Book 1 of 100

For my first new book of 2014, I chose a book that I got for Christmas: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.

I had heard of this book previously, and it's been on my reading list for awhile, so I knew that is was about the Holocaust, and I knew that it was terribly sad.  What I didn't already now is firstly the brilliance of the book, and secondly the impact that it would have on my way of thinking.  

The main character is a little nine year old named Bruno.  He is a naive and charming and, were he female, could be one of my little sisters.  His story is remarkable, and tragic, and I think I'm going to have to write a bit more when I've had a chance to actually process the story, because I don't think I have the words for how I'm feeling about it at the moment.

Resolutions all around.

Well, I'm going to start out by saying that I am under no illusions that I will actually stick to any of these resolutions. I'm notorious for thinking of all of these big and lofty goals for myself and getting so overwhelmed or distracted that I never actually finish them.  But you know. Maybe blogging about them will encourage me to actually work on them? Maybe?

A girl can hope.

Anyway. On to the the list!

1. Get fit.  I don't mean skinny.  I don't mean a size zero. I just mean I'd like to be able to jog around the block without running out of breath as well.

2. I want to read 100 new books in 2014.  Everything counts. Fiction, nonfiction, trashy romance novels, great classics, car manuals.  All of it.  And I will blogs it all here. :) Speaking of..

3. Start actually blogging.  Not that anyone will actively read my blog, but I've been saying for years that I wanted to start one.  So it's about time I did. :) I imagine that most of my blogging will be about the books I read or the amusing things that go along with being the oldest of 8, but who knows.  You might end up with some random posts about nerdy stuff I'm into or random work stories too. :)

4. Along the same theme of reading and writing, I'm going to actually sit down this year and complete a novel by the end.  Not mapping, or losing interest six chapters through.  A legit, full-length novel.  And I'll send it to publishers of some sort when I decide that I'm satisfied with it.  In 2014 (yikes!).

5. I will learn how to play basic piano, and I will know 15 songs on it by the end of the year.

6. I will also know basic Italian, and be able to hold basic conversation with it.

7.  I will put real effort into getting the basics for my wardrobe.  I have the unfortunate habit of going to the thrift store and bring home a lot of cute but unrelated items that I have difficulty wearing.  In 2014 I will buy all of the bare necessities for my closet.

8. I will be able to successfully wear heels all day by the end of 2014.  Now they just make my feet hurt too much.  But it's time.

9. I will learn about something new and throw myself into it.  I don't know what this thing is yet, but I'm sure that if I keep this blog thing up, I'm sure you'll here about it. :)

Ok, there you have it.  The master list.

I'll keep you posted. :)