Around Town

Somewhere between the wrapping paper, the streamers, and the occasional cup of hot cocoa, we wished bon voyage to 2008 as 2009 docked in our harbor. What exactly has 2009 brought so far, work and school for the new year. I have read people's work related laments on facebook and listened to the sounds of children arriving at school - my husband and I live across the street from a local elementary school. For many, it seems today is a dark day.
I find January to be somewhat anticlimactic. The fall has been filled with all sorts of fun events and holiday celebrations to which we look forward. We start school in September, celebrate fall, harvest and Halloween in October, we give thanks in November, and we remember, with wonder, the birth of Christ in December. Poor January it simply lacks the festive holidays the months preceding it possess. January needs some spice, it needs to be perked up and picked up. I have been reading about things to do around town and have run into the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. They have some exciting activities planned to perk up the January doldrums.
It seems the aquarium is all about Sharks this month. On Friday evenings, the Shark exhibit will be open until 9:00pm. This Saturday, 10 January 2009, they are offering a Junior Biologist Program for children ages 7-10 and they are studying sharks! This class begins at 9:30a and concludes at 11:30a. The next Saturday, 17 January 2009, a similar class is offered for students aged 10 - 12. Our younger friends should not feel left out, Wednesday, 14 January, the aquarium is offering an exploratory class about seals and sea lions for preschool aged children. Finally, I am excited about the MLK Day "Late Nights". January 17th and 18th the aquarium will stay open until 9p and is offering a reduced admission of $10. Check out their website for more information or to see what else is happening at the aquarium! http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/
The New Year often provides a time to slow down and rest from all the "holidaying" that has taken place. It also provides some downtime to explore new activities and learn something new.