Grapes of Anticipation 2016

Happy 2016 New Year's Greetings!

Again, we have entered into a fresh new year, with hopes and dreams abounding.  As I think about this year 2016, I recall to mind several things I'm anticipating.  And like I did with reflecting on the year 2015 that has passed, I use the Hispanic custom of consuming 12 grapes as a model for looking ahead in this new year:

Grape #1: This March will mark 10 years since we welcomed Buddy the dog into our family, with all his antics and delights.  It is definitely a time for celebration.

Grape #2: I look forward to what I'll accomplish in doing library work: In addition to 2 classes in this spring semester, I'm going to be doing a practicum at Argonne National Laboratory's Library, which will be a great opportunity work at a specialized library setting with scientific materials.  And, of course, I look forward to the excitement of continuing to work at the Oak Park Public Library, as we keep seeking innovative ways to engage with our community.  (I'm sure I'll also find more great books there to read, and hopefully have the chance to read some of them, especially once graduate school is over.)

Grape #3: I plan to graduate with my MLIS degree on Mothers' Day, May 8, and I look forward to see where my path will lead me in my career life after that point.  And how nice to graduate from Dominican University as the order from which it receives its name marks its 800-Year Jubilee in 2016.

Grape #4: Later this month, the Ascension Confirmation Class of 2016 will begin their preparations for the sacrament in October.  I look forward to coming along side these young people and seeing how the lesson plans for the preparation process will unfold at the meetings.

Grape #5: With much delight do I anticipate the celebration of Indiana's Bicentennial as a state on December 11, with many posts on my blog to continue the list of 200 things to note about Indiana, the fair neighbor state where I spent time as a student-resident.

Grape #6: The National Park Service will mark its Centennial on August 25.  I look forward to marking this occasion for this great agency that preserves numerous sites of ecological, cultural, and historical significance throughout the United States.  Maybe this will include a trip to one of those sites.

Grape #7: August will see the world come together once again to engage in spirited athletic competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.  While it will disappointingly not be Chicago's turn to host, I look forward to see what will be put on down in Rio de Janiero.

Grape #8: I'm very hopeful that the Independent Maps amendment to the Illinois State Constitution will finally overcome all the obstacles thrown at it and will be approved by voters in the November elections, to bring much needed reform to the political process in Illinois.

Grape #9: I'm interested in seeing how this winter, and the rest of the year, turns out weatherwise, with a strong El Niño event now occurring, that made December 2015 temperate, even though it's become seasonably cold as we start this new year.

Grape #10: I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to mark a milestone in celebrating the life I have lived for a quarter-century when my birthday rolls around on March 16.

Grape #11: Pope Francis has a trip planned to Mexico in February.  I look forward to following his visit there, a place that is very much part of who I am, both my ethnic heritage and my religious background.

Grape #12: I am eager to see what happens as we, the Church, celebrate this Jubilee Year of Mercy, reminding ourselves of the mercy we have received from God, and sharing it with others.

So to the God who has shown great mercy, let us entrust and commend ourselves now, as we go forth with Him in great joy into this new year of 2016.