2015 Redux: Yet Another Year in Books

With 2016 just hours away and one of the busiest years of my life coming to a close, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on everything that I read this year. I haven't been the most consistent blogger in 2015, but I read some wonderful stories that I just have to share. I managed to read 60 books this year, not counting the 100 that I read/skimmed for my Children's Literature class way back in January. I attribute this largely to listening to audiobooks on my daily commute as well as finally, finally embracing YA lit. I checked some books off my to-read list, but mostly read books that were recommended to me by my co-workers and patrons or ones that I just stumbled upon in the stacks. Working at a library is a beautiful thing. 

(All images courtesy of Goodreads.)

Favorites of 2015: 

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, & Brooke A. Allen

Storied Life of A.J. Fickry by Gabrielle Zevin

Honorable Mentions:

Doll Bones by Holly Black

Ghost Network by Catie Disabato

Best Audiobooks:

Yes, Please by Amy Poehler // Read by Amy Poehler

Locomotion and Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson // Read by Dion Graham

Truly, these books deserve posts of their own. Each told such compelling, beautifully written stories that have stayed with me long after the book is closed. It goes without saying that I highly recommend all of these (but especially Station Eleven). In 2016, I'm hoping to blog more about what I'm reading and am really looking forward to diving into Be Your Own Bookclub with the kickass Ashlie, one of my very favorite people on the Internet. (And in real life too.) 

If you're interested in keeping up with what I'm reading, you can follow me on Goodreads and on Instagram @justgrandmolly // #whatmollyreads. 

Here's to a book and coffee-filled 2016!

Thankful

Note: I wrote this on Thanksgiving Eve, but in my pre-holiday excitement and current academic anxiety,  apparently forgot to hit "publish." So, without further ado, my Thanksgiving post. A week and a half late. 

**********

(source)

I'm not sure how I've found myself here in November December already, with the holiday season hovering on the horizon in full swing. This past year has truly flown by. In a few weeks, I graduate with a Master's of Library and Information Science. I have been the director of my library for nearly six months. In many ways, my life is unrecognizable from two or three years ago. And yet, many of the important things remain the same. 

I'm continually amazed by the constant ebb and flow of life; the mountains and the valleys, the highs and lows that somehow all come together to create the years and the days and the moments of our existence. And in those moments and days that stretch to weeks and months where I feel overwhelmed and unable to breathe, I am reminded, somehow, to carry on. This year has not been easy, but there is still so much to be thankful for. 

There are the "big" things: A loving and supportive family; understanding and hilarious friends; a neurotic dog who keeps me company; a home in a beautiful neighborhood; a job I love; a feeling of community; and a superhero husband who is kind, caring, and always up for an adventure. 

There are the "little" things: Reading; Instagram; Netflix; coffee; cookie butter; being outside; going out to dinner; beginning to practice yoga.

I'm looking forward to settling into a new normal in the coming months. One that involves more free evenings and weekends that are no longer held captive to homework and grad school worries. I'm looking forward to days spent growing my little library and learning more about the community I have the privilege to serve and evenings spent exploring other passions. I'm looking forward to going to the bar again on Tuesday nights; spending as much time as possible outside; reacquainting myself with my neighborhood; cooking more than just frozen meals; hiking; finally watching Breaking Bad. 

Truly, I'm grateful beyond words for the opportunities I've been given these past two years. I've learned so much and met some amazing people along the way. I've worked hard to get to this point, and so much more lies ahead of me, but I'm ready. I'm ready to close the grad school chapter and begin writing a new chapter for my little library. I'm ready to give it the full focus and commitment it deserves.

But I'm also tired. So very, very tired. Both physically and emotionally. I'm looking forward to getting myself back on track as well and learning how to balance this with my career. I'm thankful to have (finally) discovered yoga and the mindfulness that comes with it. I'm excited to return to running and to have a goal race to keep me motivated. I'm looking forward to the day when taking time for myself doesn't mean doing homework alone in a coffee shop. 

I've said it many, many times before, but it bears repeating: No one achieves anything alone. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sticking with me. Your support means more to me than you'll ever know. 

Happy holidays, friends. I'm so very thankful for you. 

No One Achieves Anything Alone

Two years ago this month, I first laid eyes on Alaska. That trip began my journey of self-discovery and set me on the path to fulfill my passion. During these days in the Last Frontier, I gave myself permission to be happy and finally entertained the idea of quitting my dead end job. Shortly after returning from Alaska, I resigned, applied to grad school, and have been following my dream of being a librarian ever since. The days have been long, but the following years have flown by. There have been times that I have been grateful to the point of tears, and others when there have just been tears--frustrated, exhausted tears. I graduate in just under six months, and I can confidently say that it has all been worth it.

For the past four months, I have been interning at a small, rural library just south of Grand Rapids. In that time, I’ve grown very attached to the community and to this little library that has welcomed me with open arms. Although the day lay months in the future, I was already dreading the day when my internship would end and I would have to say goodbye. However, in an interesting turn of events, I can now say that I will be at this little library for years to come.

I am now the director of this little library, as of July 6. Words escape me. I’m excited, shocked, nervous, and immeasurably grateful for this opportunity. It seems fitting that my first day coincided with the first day I spent in Alaska, years ago. Once again, I'm beginning another journey, a new chapter. I’ve already received so much support from the wonderful people in my life, the people who believe in me even when I don’t quite believe in myself. This little library is going to become something great and I’m just so fortunate to be a part of it. To quote the mighty Leslie Knope: No one achieves anything alone.

So for now, I’m going to take a deep breath and move forward with making this little library the best damn library this town has ever seen.

Don’t panic. Kick ass.