Randomosity

I've got several post ideas running through my head right now, so this might be a potpurri.

First of all, does anyone know why I've got this ginormous space at the top of my blog? It bugs me to no end, appeared out of nowhere, and I would dearly like it to go away. Any suggestions?

Secondly, have you come to confession lately? Bryan Wilhite and I are teaching about confession on Sunday mornings in a class that I'm really enjoying. Currently there are 8 of us showing up with any frequency, so there are still spots available.

Thirdly, Jennifer and I had an interesting, albeit brief, conversation about our favorite movie of 2006. I learned that it is very difficult to remember all the movies you see in a year without some sort of visual aid, so I'm going to try to save my ticket stubs this year so I can look back with a clearer perspective on great movies of 2007. As for 2006, I voted for Pulse, which was scary, entertaining, thought provoking, and stars Veronica Mars' protagonist Kristen Bell. What is your vote?

Finally, I guess I ought to talk about New Years resolutions in much the same way as Kelly and Wade did. Generally speaking, I'm not someone who does resolutions, but I do have a couple this year.

1. Enforce the school dress code more effectively- I have often complained that I spend more time fixing problems then teaching class. I have also often complained that kids dress in wildly inappropriate ways. What can I say, I'm getting old and I don't want to have to see 12 year olds' boxer shorts anymore, so I'm going to give up 30 seconds of class time a day to teach those kids where their waist is.
   
2. Be More Organized- I am not, by nature, an organized person. As a result, I find myself constantly reinventing the wheel every year. Beri gave me some excellent suggestions about how to plan in such a way that I can teach effectively and still experience less stress.
   
3. Stick to a budget- A few scant years ago, I was making almost $12,000 a year at the UPS store, and now I make somewhere closer to $40,000. Yay, me. Unfortunately, I've completely forgotten what it was like to have to make due on that little sum. We are making a conscious effort to eat out less (except on Sunday's when we really let loose), and I am sadly having to cut my comic book expenses down significantly. I have already decided to stop collecting 16 series, so I may be losing my status as the consumate comic book geek.
   
4. Be Happier- Okay, I may offend here. Have you ever noticed that there are never Islamic terrorists at an amusement park? I caught the tail end of a documentary the other day wherein a group of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian kids were put together and forced to sight see in Israel and Spain. The conversation among these groups was very tense in Israel, as they were surrounded by solemn religious iconography and symbols of ageless, endless battle. In Spain, however, they went to an amusement park and a nightclub. The conversation relaxed, all three groups began to smile and be happy. They still were able to talk about their differences, but the tone of the conversation became one of inquiry and not judgment. It occured to me that you never see Islamic terrorists in amusement parks, because who would want to become a suicide bomber once they've gone down a log flume or had a funnel cake? Once we see how much happiness there can be in the world, perspective sort of takes care of itself. I'm going to strive to see the beauty and happiness that God has placed in this world for me, because I think it will help me overcome the little things that take me off course.
   
   Well, there you go. Do you have any resolutions you would like to share?