Virtually every report card from my childhood said one thing, regardless of the teacher or subject matter: "Alison needs to talk more in class." The comment always appeared in the "negative" section of the reports. Sometimes, my grades dropped because of it.

Start the weekend early with a visit to the Virginia Living Museum's Groundhog night. There will be activities including a visit from the museum whistle pig also known as the groundhog. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and cost $5 for adults, $4 for children with a discount for members. The show Assignment Earth will play in the Abbitt Planetarium at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The show is $2.

My husband and I are in a waiting game - waiting to hear about a job he had interviewed. My children are also waiting, hoping, praying. I sometimes wonder effect this past year since my husband was laid-off, has had on them. For me it has been an emotional roller coaster, most of which I have managed to keep inside.

My column this month in the Tidewater Parent, Flagship newspaper and on Blue Star Families' blog is about my friend's children's book. Written from a child's perspective about deployment, her book is funny and poignant.

Looking for some fun this last week in January. So far the weather has been mild.