It's January, and we know what that means: we've quickly shifted from the “most wonderful time of the year” to the “my living room sure looks bare and boring without the tree and greens time of the year.”

What, did you think I was going to talk about New Year's resolutions?

Not this year, my friend. The only resolution I've made is to not make any resolutions - which I guess in itself breaks the not making resolutions thing, doesn't it? Anyway, I figure “ya can't break 'em if ya don't make 'em!”

January's arrival also means we have a daughter looking forward to her birthday on the 25th, and this year she'll be Sweet 16. While I prefer to stay in a happy state of denial for just another couple of weeks, Daddy jumped right in by stopping at the DMV for a driver's manual. He is a brave, brave man (or, he has lost his mind - I haven't decided yet). I must admit, though, that the thought of her being able to drive herself to practice and dance class in the near future does have a certain appeal.

I think it was a little tough for the kids to get back into the school routine after vacation, especially for my child who decided he could sleep in until 1:15 p.m. on one particular day (and yes, I'm the terrible mother who allowed it). Sure makes it tough to start getting up at 6:30 a.m. again.

My daughter had volleyball practices and a tournament thrown in during vacation, so at least she had somewhat of a schedule.

I even took off the whole week of Christmas, which was great until I got back to work to an answering machine full of messages and a huge stack of mail. I don't know what I was thinking. But, we sure enjoyed ourselves with family get togethers and watching all the new movies Santa brought.

The Weedsport A.P.T. held its monthly meeting Jan. 8. The group is now working on the Middle School “Spring Fling” to be held in April, possible upcoming fundraising ideas and of course, continues to plan the Fifth-Grade Circus. That committee will next meet Feb. 28 in the Elementary School Library.

Be sure to gather your Box Tops for Education and give them to an elementary student or teacher, or drop them off at the school, by Jan. 25. The class in each grade that brings in the most will win a great classroom prize. We've already received a check for more than $300 from the Box Tops program, so this is obviously a worthwhile (and easy) endeavor.

Also, be sure to mark your calendar for the next Pizza Hut fundraiser night Feb. 13 - more information will be sent home with elementary students. Just go to Pizza Hut for eat-in or take-out and tell your waitress or cashier that you're there to support Weedsport. Simple and delicious.

Also on Jan. 8, the Weedsport chapter of the National Honor Society held its induction ceremony in the high school auditorium. A candlelight procession of incoming and current NHS members was followed by speeches by Matt O'Neil (speaking on the evening's theme of “Achieving the Impossible”), Nick Silcox (NHS principle of Leadership), Sarah Black (Scholarship), Amy Lewis (Service) and Sharra Brentlinger (Character). Each incoming NHS member was introduced by a current member with a short biography of activities, accomplishments and future goals. Keynote speaker was Dan Cummings, managing editor and news anchor at Channel 9, who spoke fondly of his high school days at Southern Cayuga and the importance of the coaches, teachers and fellow students who encouraged him along the way. A reception followed in the cafeteria with some delicious desserts and lots of photo opportunities.

New members inducted were: Senior Chelsea Paquette, junior Allen O'Neil and sophomores Lauryn Bates, Samantha Black, Jon Bradtke, Erin Daly, Tyler DeNardo, MaryBeth Diego, Michele Donahue, Heather Edmunds, Molly Griffin, Kaitlin Hammersley, Tim Hansen, Eric Henderson, Tonya Hinman, Jena Hollfelder, Abe Jordan, Adam Mlodzianowski, Alyssa O'Bryan, Hannah O'Hora, Tyler Phillips, Tony Piascik, Brittany Poormon, Jordan Roe, Amy Sanchez, Jesse Schooley, Molly Sears, Nicole Slauson and Lindsey Treat. Congratulations to all NHS members on this noteworthy accomplishment.

Keep your news notes handy to keep track of the sports schedule for the rest of this month - there's a game or meet for every weeknight and a couple of Saturdays as well, so there are plenty to choose from. There's no better way to beat those winter blahs than in a nice warm gym or pool, cheering on your favorite Warrior team!

Wendy Bates has lived in Weedsport all her life and loves to write about her community