A BBQ in Britain

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama serve food to a member of the military during a barbecue in the garden of 10 Downing Street May 25 in London, England.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle enjoy a glass of Guinness in his ancestral home of Moneygall, Ireland May 23.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet Britain's Prince William and his new wife Catherine at Buckingham Palace May 24. The president's visit, however, was shadowed by the tornadoes that ripped across the U.S. Midwest the day before, killing 116 people. He took time out to say he was "heartbroken" over the losses.

The Iconic Image

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House May 1.

Intense: President Obama watches the mission unfold at the White House along with (left) Vice President Joe Biden, (right) Defence Secretary Robert Gates, and (second right) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, alongside other Security staff, including (back left) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen, (back without a tie) National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, and (back right, white shirt) Counter-Terrorism chief John Brennan.

Students gather at the fence on the north side of the White House and sing the Star Spangled Banner upon hearing the news May 1 that Osama bin Laden had been killed.

An ecstatic crowd gathers outside the White House May 1, energized by the news that the United States had killed Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.

People gather outside the White House May 1 chanting "U.S.A! U.S.A!" as President Barack Obama announces the news that Osama bin Laden is dead.

Report sources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

A Long December

...and there's reason to believe 

Maybe this year will be better than the last. 

I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leaving. 

Oh the days go by so fast… 

Goodbye 2011! 

Hello 2012! 

The New Year seems to me to be much like a book, waiting to be opened and read. We don’t know the ending (and in this case can’t cheat and look ahead!) Each chapter and often each page is a new beginning. Some chapters flow smoothly while some jump from point to point. Some pass quickly, too quickly, while others drag on eternally. Some answer all questions while others leave voids that may never be filled.

There are many characters, old friends, new friends, enemies and nemesis, those who wish you success and those who would do anything to help you fail. We embrace the characters in our year and grow with them, either closer or apart. Some characters are written out while new characters are introduced. We care, either growing to love or despise each individual. Regardless, all help form the book that is our year, our life.

As we go through we anxiously await the ending of each chapter. We sometimes forget that we should savor each day as a page in our lives because unlike a book, we can’t go back to re-read and reinterpret. Most times we hurry through to reach the end then remorse that the time passed so quickly.

When things go smoothly we want to continue in the series and see what the next volume brings. When things aren’t flowing as anticipated we contemplate another author, someone with a guaranteed happy ending, only to find there is no such thing. So we continue in our sequence, be it the one we chose or not.

When a chapter leaves an impression we remember for days, weeks and even years. There is no discrimination in memory and we internalize all, the good, the bad and yes, even the ugly. And although we can’t change the way it’s written we relive those chapters until it reads the way we wish it had been.

The end of the year, as the end of a book, can leave you with a sense of satisfaction or regret. What we read has left an imprint. It has changed our world, either dramatically or subtly. The New Year, as in a new book, can hook you right away or turn you off completely. It’s your choice because you’re the author. While you decide, keep in mind that every day is a brand new day, an opportunity for a new start.

As a teacher advising a student, I know you can read the book you want to read. Be open to recommendations from peers, parents and friends to get you started and on the right track. But remember, in the end YOU are the one reading the book. Don’t think you have to read or like a chapter just because everyone else does. If you like the pages of the book you’re reading, it can serve as a guide to others in their book choice. Make it good and enjoy it to the fullest!

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe 

Maybe this year will be better than the last.

I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself 

To hold on to these moments as they pass...

Happy New Year!