40 Days of Gratitude: Day 19: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

What is one new holiday tradition you'd like to establish, or one you've established recently, say in the last year or two?

If I could, I'd start spending the Christmas holidays away on trips to great places.  I'd get away from all the "family" atmosphere where I'm not welcome.  I'd find a way to make my own happiness.  I would also stay completely away from the internet, which is ultra depressing in itself with all the pictures of good times I'm not welcome in.  If I didn't go anywhere, I wish there was somewhere I could go serve on Christmas like I found for Thanksgiving last year.   I dream of owning my own home so that at holiday time, those who don't have family they can celebrate with can have a pressure free, fun celebration at my place. 

It's the second week of December. Have you sipped a cup of eggnog yet this month? Wrapped a gift? Opened a gift? Kissed someone under the mistletoe? Lit a candle? Eaten a Christmas cookie? Seen Santa in person? Watched a Christmas movie or special? Read scripture relating to the birth of Jesus?

I wish, but no.  Well, my Pastor did a message on Luke's account of Christ's birth.  Does that count? 

Do you think it's better to be an adult or a child at Christmastime? Explain.

There are advantages to both.  As a child, there's no holiday pressure to do all and be all.  You're allowed, for the most part, to simply enjoy the day.  Plus, when you're a child, people care whether you have a good Christmas or not.  On the flip side, as an adult, there's a better understanding of what the holiday is all about, and better opportunities to give of yourself than singing an off-key high pitched version of Away in a Manger with other kids who hate you. 

It's often said, 'Good things come to those who wait'...agree or disagree? Why?

That's bull!  I think good things come to those who have the means to get after it and acquire it.  The only people good things come to who wait are those special people who get a pass in life and those who thrive on being other people's charity cases.

What's the last sweet thing you baked? Did you keep it, take it to a party/event, or give it away?

Banana nut bread I made for a bridal shower.

This question comes to us courtesy of Jhona who blogs over at The Red House at the End of the Lane. Everyone hop over and say hi to Jhona this week!  Here is her question... "I heard an actor talk about how he makes a conscious choice to talk to people in elevators.  He chooses to connect, make eye contact, and converse. Do you talk to people/strangers when you're in an elevator or any other place where you might have to wait together? Why or why not?"

If the person has what Chuck Swindoll calls a "yes" face, I do engage in conversation.  I also try to keep a "yes" face and people usually talk to me first.  In that, I am like my mother who knows no strangers.  If the person as a "no" face, or worse, a "go to the bad place" face, I give them the nod and leave them alone. 

Are you on the naughty or nice list this year? What put you there?

It depends on whom you ask.  I'm pleading the 5th.

Insert your own random thought here.

Today, I am thankful that working out at home does not disturb my roommate.  That is one area of my health she is very encouraging about. 

I didn't make it to the gym during the day and practice for our Christmas musical went long tonight, so they were already closed.  I'd already clipped my bike in the trainer, so all I had to do when I got home was change clothes, crank up the music, and hop on.  My goal was to get in 20 minutes since it's been more than a month since my last ride.  Forty-five minutes later, I hopped off feeling good and ready for sleep. 




Buying this trainer last summer was one of the best purchases I made for my health.  I'm thankful I kept it when I moved.