Forget the gifts. This season, I’m all about GIFs. Like this one from the good folks at GovLoop (who even made the title of their email blast “Abe in a Santa Hat.”)

I particularly appreciate the “Able” pun, and the implication that Lincoln is, in fact, Santa Claus.

This weekend I am due to see what will be (**GASP**) my first football game. The match, scheduled between my beloved Michigan Wolverines and the still-weird-for-me-to-think-of-them-in-the-Big-10 Maryland Terps, was supposed to be a night game – but has been bumped up to a 12pm start time.

I’ve been watching Michigan football for years; so getting to see a game in-person will be a treat, but there’s definitely one thing I’ll miss, and no, it’s not the commentary. It’s these commercials:

Kudos to Illinois, for having a state ad campaign that rivals Pure Michigan.

I’ve got some big plans for 2014 – a number of new projects, some new volunteer opportunities, and of course, more Lincoln stuff. While I’m taking the next two weeks to really get things up to speed and get my plans in order – I thought I’d take a bit of time to share my four new year’s resolutions as explained through (and inspired by) Lincoln quotes:

• “If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.” I’ve been doing a lot of reading on productivity and time management, and this year I want to implement some of what I’ve learned. In order to get the kind of creative growth I want, I need to set aside time every week. The resolution: set aside time every Sunday night to plan the week’s projects (or “sharpen the axe”) and set aside 10 hours every week (outside of work hours) to pursue my projects!
•  “I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.” Having recently cancelled my gym membership in favor of frugality, I still need to get in some exercise! Since walking is by far my favorite mode of transportation – I’m resolving to do the walk to/from work to my apartment (a little over two miles) four times a week.
•  “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” While I have not yet reached notorious levels, I have not been the most punctual correspondent recently. This year, I am resolving to respond to all texts on the day I receive them and all emails within one day of receiving them!
•  “Whatever you are, be a good one.” I’ve got a few friends who resolve every year to be the best version of themselves each year. I really like the simplicity of that resolution, and want to adapt it for myself. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to pigeon hole myself into a few different roles, but this year – I want to embrace the “whatever you are” of myself more fully. Mostly, I want to take all of my different roles and responsibilities and work at them the best I can and have a positive attitude while doing the whole thing!

I hope these Lincolnspirations (see what I did there?) help you as much as they do me, and I look forward to an awesomely Abraham Lincoln filled 2014 with you all!