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Not just tonight, but for the rest of the season. Driving. There's many events I'm going to miss during the holidays because they are at night or the reads are icy (No, I'm not going into my rant again about how the Denver metro area needs to do a better job of illuminating the main roads. This is one of the things that my hometown does better. ) Then there are those days when driving feels so tiring that staying home is the better option.
What's your biggest challenge during the holidays?
Maintaining my mental and physical health. Though Advent is "the most wonderful time of the year," the things that make it so can be detrimental to me if my mind isn't in a good place. The rich foods, the gatherings I either miss or don't feel quite like I belong in when I do attend, and the conundrum of wanting to see people back home but not having the mental or financial bandwidth to do so can make a fat, sad holiday season if I don't reign in my thoughts. The good thing is that I work very had to focus my mind and creative energies on others. The bad news is that I tend to do this instead of taking care of myself. Is it even possible to do both?
I'm a pretty decent baker of breads, cakes, and, ironically, no-bake pies. However, my cookie skills aren't that great. I'm on a quest for soft, moist, delectable confections. So far, I keep getting the aforementioned geriatric dog biscuit from my last post. This was a problem way before I moved to a higher altitude. I'm not sure how to fix it.
If 2024 could be summed up in the shape of a cookie cutter, it would be a ginger bread person with the head broken off. No, not saying life is awful; it just means "Hey, we tried. We made a good go of it; it's just a little broken."
Santa likes milk with his cookies. Do you like milk? What kind of milk is on tap in your house? (whole, 2%, skim, almond, oat, etc). What's the last thing you made that called for milk?
I generally use 2% milk, but I do cook with buttermilk (when I can find it in the store). The last thing I made that used milk was Kraft macaroni and cheese.
Share one favorite line from a Christmas carol or holiday tune?
Go tell it on the mountain
over the hills and everywhere.
Go tell it on the mountain
that Mary's baby is not just an ordinary baby.
Tell them the Savior is born.
Insert your own random thought here.
Today, I am thankful for:- From Monday
- Thankful the practical: a roof over my head, food, running water, heat, a good working vehicle, clothes, shoes, and a good job.
- From Tuesday
- Getting to an from my dental appointment without incident. It's a well-known fact that I avoid/refuse/detest/panic at/nearly pee my pants over driving on icy/snowy days. #ImStillSouthern. There was no way for me to know six months ago when I scheduled the appointment that travel was going to be treacherous. I am relieved to now know that the dentist no longer charges a cancellation fee.
- A good report at the dental office. Yes, I need another crown, but I already knew that. Thankfully there's nothing new to fix.
- I'm thankful for musicians who actually put DRUMS in Little Drummer Boy. Look, being a percussionist makes me a bit biased and I know a drum solo at a baby shower is a bit unorthodox, but if you're going to sing about playing your drum for the newborn King, shouldn't you in fact PLAY it?
In case you missed it:
- My previous Hodgepodge post: "Billie's Jeans" is here.
- My latest Weekly Digest "Days 03 & 04: Help Wanted" is here.
- My latest book review "2024 Full Shelf Challenge V. 2: 05" is here.
- My latest First Line Friday post: "#25 - The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant by Terry Felber" is here.
- My "24 in 2024" post is here.
- My 2024 reading challenge: "Full Shelf Challenge V.2" is here.
- My latest series on my Auntie's Workshop blog "30 Day Art Challenge 2024" starts here.
