2010 Habits

image by Sant1ag0 via Lifehacker

Most habits can be formed or broken in about 30 days. So, for each month in 2010, I'm going to focus on one important change and stick with it for the month. Hopefully by 2011 I'll have picked up 12 new good habits.

January - focus: fitness. New year, new you. Time to get more energized.

habits...

Walk 1 mile per day

Work out three times per week

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

February - focus: skin care. Cold, raw, dry February is a great time to focus on taking care of my skin.

habits...

Moisturize twice per day

Deep-pore mask once per week

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

March - focus: health. Spring is about to begin. Time to come out of hibernation and enjoy fresh veggies and lighter fare.

habits...

Eat meatless three times per week

Limit soda intake to 1 per day

Eat a healthy breakfast each day

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

April - focus: finances. Tax time is a good time to re-evaluate.

habit...

Start a saving $30 per paycheck

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Evaluate withholdings at work

Update the budget

May - focus: Neighbors. The start of the season means we're all getting outside more. Time to get to know the people who live in the neighborhood.

habit...

Make a point to see and say hello to neighbors once per week

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Host a barbecue and invite the neighbors

June - focus: The outdoors. The weather's good, get out and enjoy it.

habit...

Spend one hour per day outdoors.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Go canoeing

Go to the beach twice

Go one place we haven't been before.

Cook outside once.

July - focus: Politics. The patriotic holiday reminds me of why I love my country, with all its imperfections. Get involved in change.

habit...

Volunteer or contribute once per month to a political or social cause.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Cook outside once

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Go canoeing

Go to the beach twice

August - focus: Art & Entertainment. It's hot out! Improve my mind indoors.

habit...

Visit one movie or museum per week.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Go canoeing

Go to the beach twice

Go to a library you've never been to before

September - focus: Organization. It's back-to-school time. Get back into school routine.

habit...

Get up and go to bed at the same time every day - even on weekends.

Write a schedule and keep to it every day.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Go canoeing

Go to the beach twice

October - focus: happiness. My birthday month should be all about me.

habits...

Note something each day that makes me happy.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Take a day off while the Bear is in school, just for me.

November - focus: family. Thanksgiving is coming - the most family-focused of all the holidays.

habits...

Call my sisters, grandmother, children and parents once per week.

Each day, write one thing that I appreciate about a member of my family. Create a list for each family member, and share the list with them at Thanksgiving.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Write a list of 24 holiday activities to do - one per day from December 1 to December 24

December - focus: Christmas. The holiday season "is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices." (Dickens, A Christmas Carol, 1843). I really want to feel Christmas this year.

habit...

Put money in the Salvation Army kettle every time I see one.

Buy one "toys for tots" toy each payday.

Do a holiday activity (from the list written in November) each day.

also...

Take 10 art photos

Read one book

See one of the places to see in Rhode Island

Write 5200 words

Attend a tree lighting

Audio book challenge 2010

The rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Listen to 3 Audio Books.
-- Fascinated – Listen to 6 Audio Books.
-- Addicted – Listen to 12 Audio Books.
-- Obsessed – Listen to 20 Audio Books.

3. Audio books only.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the Audio Book Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.


I'm going to go with "fascinated" for six books. I have a lot of opportunity to listen to audiobooks, and I enjoy them. My library network has plenty of them, too.

No list yet. I'll see if any of my TBR pile are available on audio through the library first.

Happy New Year! Post 3,000

image: North West New Jersey Peace Fellowship

Closing out 2009 with my 3000th post. It's been nearly four years since endomental breathed its first. Thanks to my readers, wherever you, and I hope that 2010 finds you happy, healthy and well-loved. Be blessed.

December 31: Give Books Give Smiles

Today is Give Books Give Smiles day. From the Bloggers Unite Web site:

"Mission of "Give Books Give Smiles" is to bring books to poor and unprivileged children in India. These children never have gotten an opportunity to go to school. They probably have never seen or touched a book which made them smile. "Give Books Give Smiles" wants to bring smiles to these children by giving them books which they can look at and feel the joy that they deserve."

If you're able, check out their site to send books to children in India. If not, perhaps you have books you can donate to other charities, or your local library.

A few blogthings

You Are a Couplet

You're not much for words, so you write a little ditty. It might not be a novel, but at least it is witty.

What Type of Poem Are You?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Your Ideas Are Red

When you think, you tend to have very impassioned, inspired ideas. Your thoughts tend to come way out of left field, and you're often surprised by your own ideas. Your ideas tend to be big and bold. They may be impractical, but they're always unique. You don't have any limits on your thoughts or dreams. You believe that anything is possible, and that leads to some amazing ideas.

What Color Ideas Do You Have?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

You Are Chocolate Truffles

You are unpredictable and even a little zany. No one knows what to expect when you're around. You have a short attention span and need a lot of variety in your life. You are easily addicted to the things that you love. It's hard for you to only eat one chocolate from the box.

What Chocolate Dessert Are You?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

Happy birthday Bear!

Today is the Bear's birthday. We'll take a long weekend to enjoy her birthday and the New Year.

Pretty darn cool

New years meme #1

Start the year right. Swipe your memes from Kwizgiver.

1. Will you be looking for a new job? Nope.

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship? No, but I won't object if it finds me.

3. New house? Nope.

4. What will you do differently in '10? I'm setting monthly goals rather than resolutions.

5. New Years resolution? See #4

6. What will you not be doing in '10? I'm not sure.

7. Any trips planned? I'd like to go to Boston and Plymouth.

9. What's on your calendar? the usual holidays and birthdays.

10. What can't you wait for? Getting caught up and back on schedule

11. What would you like to see happen differently? I'd like to have a little more follow-through

12. What about yourself will you be changing? Maybe a new haircut

13. What happened in '09 that you didn't think would ever happen? Nothing comes to mind.

14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about? I hope to.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '09? Hopefully in smaller clothes :)

16. Will you start or quit drinking? I won't drink anymore. I won't drink any less, either.

17. Will you better your relationship with your family? I think it's pretty good now.

18. Will you do charity work? Yes

19. Will you go to bars? unlikely

20. Will you be nice to people you don't know? yes

21. Do you expect '10 to be a good year for you? yes please

22. How much did you change from this time last year til now? not all that much, I think.

23. Do you plan on having a child? No

24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? I expect so.

25. Major lifestyle changes? Maybe a little healthier living

26. Will you be moving? No

27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '10 that happened in '09? Falling behind on bills

28. What are your New Years Eve plans? Waterfire

29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight? Not romantically

30. One wish for '10? Good health and happiness.

Unconscious Mutterings: Week 361

Classified :: Secret
Praised :: to the sky
Censored :: hidden
2010 :: future
Lamp :: light
Alternate :: current
Script :: play
Handsome :: man
Eager :: beaver
Meeting :: notes

See more Mutterings here.

Blue Monday

Mom and Dad's blue and silver-themed Christmas tree.

Smiling Sally hosts Blue Monday, a weekly photomeme. Check out her post and other participants here.

What does your middle name say about you?

You Are Creative and Artistic

You are the type of person who has a very active imagination. You live in a bit of a dream world. Whenever you are able to channel your creativity, you are very productive and successful. You are a very visual person, and you appreciate beauty and design. You feel anxious in the wrong surroundings. You love luxury, and at times you can be an extravagant spender. You have no problem spoiling yourself.

What Does Your Middle Name Say About You?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

What part of Christmas are you?

You Are Baking Cookies

You are an indulgent and generous person during the holidays. It's important to you that everyone you know is taken care of... including yourself! You are always going that extra mile to make people feel loved this time of year. From baking delicious cookies to picking out perfect presents, you do a better job than Santa himself!

What Part of Christmas Are You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

enviro-mental: DIY garlands at Re-Nest

photos: Re-Nest

I'd like to figure out the DIY on both garlands, although the second looks easy to do with repurposed wrapping paper or toilet tissue tubes.

Link

Are you Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

You Are Christmas Eve

You are a patient person, and you would agree that anticipation is sometimes better than the main event. There's something magical about the night before Christmas - when it feels like anything could happen! You are a somewhat quiet and spiritual person. You need a lot of alone time to process what's going on around you. You are optimistic and idealistic. You can't help but feel like things are going to work out.

Are You Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

Feel the Force Friday - Christmas edition

Merry Hothmas t-shirt by Teefury via /film

Happy Christmas!

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 24

Family heirloom Advent Calendar by Apple Valley Treasures on etsy

I just love this one! A lovely painted tree with individual ornaments, self-contained in its own box.

Are you red or green?

You Are Green

You are a peaceful, balanced, and together person. You are naturally calm. However, you have your own inner demons that you struggle with from time to time… mainly greed and jealousy. You are very reflective and creative. You are always thinking of and pursuing new ideas. You believe that spiritual and personal growth is important. You are always trying to change for the better.

Are You Red or Green?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

An early Christmas present: The Plunderer's March

Merry Christmas meme

Swiped from Kwizgiver via The Gal Herself.

Name 5 Favorite Christmas Songs
*O Holy Night
*I'll Be Home for Christmas, Glen Campbell
*Silent Night, Stevie Nicks or John Denver and the Muppets
*O Come O Come Emmanuel, Joan Baez
*God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan

Name 4 Gifts You Plan To Buy For Others.
All my gifts are purchased, but here are some I bought:
* A book for Eldest
* A CD for Dad
* A necklace for Bear
* An ornament for Mom

Name 3 Things On Your Christmas Wish List.
* Dominion (it's a game)
* Subscription to a local CSA
* Movie tickets

What 2 Places Do You Plan To Be On Christmas?
* Mom's
* Driving around looking at Christmas lights

What Is 1 Important Person, Place or Thing You Love About Christmas?
* Seeing the kids' faces Christmas morning.

Insane Christmas lights at Time.com

photo: Time.com

One of my favorite parts of the holidays are the lights. When I was growing up, we went for a Christmas Eve drive to look at lights every year. Now, we go on at least two or three drives each year. Time has a fun photoessay of extravagant light displays from around the world.

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 23

recycled Christmas card advent calendar by Gingerbread Snowflakes

I love this wonderful calendar. It's such a great way to save favorite holiday cards.Step-by-step instructions are included on the site.

Another Christmas meme

Sunday Stealing: Lola's Holiday Meme via Kwizgiver

1. What is your favorite holiday show/animated show? Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

2. What holiday character do you think you're most like? The Ghost of Christmas Present

3. What holiday character does your spouse think you're most like? I don't have a spouse

4. Favorite Christmas/holiday song? O Holy Night

5. Most hated Christmas/holiday song? The Christmas Shoes

6. If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it? Usually after Thanksgiving.

7. If you have an all holiday music radio station do you love it or hate it? Love it

8. Have you ever wrapped yourself as a Christmas present? uh...no

9. Who is Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer's father? Torvald, the not-as-famous reindeer.

10. Do you drive your neighborhood or one near you at night to look at other people's holiday decorations? Several times during the season.

11. When you see a heavily decorated house do you think, 'oh that's lovely'? Or do you think, 'oh criminy, that looks like Christmas threw up all over their lawn'? It depends on how well it's decorated.

12. Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread? excited anticipation

13. When was the last time you had your photo taken with Santa? Did you sit on his lap? I can't remember

14. Do you make a Christmas list for your spouse or significant other or do you rely on them to pick your gift(s) without a clue from you? I don't have a spouse or significant other

15. When do you put up your tree? December 6

16. Real or fake? live

17. When do you take your tree down? January 6

18. Do you shop the day after Christmas sales? What do you shop for? Sometimes, if I need wrapping paper or decorations

19. Is your work/office having a holiday party this year? Will you attend? Yes and yes.

20. Do you have your New Year's Eve Plans set yet? nope

Unconscious Mutterings: Week 360

1. Interest :: compounded
2. Chase :: car
3. Itch :: scratch
4. Soothe :: settle
5. Lamp :: light
6. Tutor :: teacher
7. Nicole :: Kidman
8. Sloth :: envy
9. Burn :: flag
10. Bug :: light

see more Mutterings here.

Holiday movie quiz

via Kwizgiver, naturally.
check the answers in her comments.


Q1. Which department store figures prominently in the 1947 classic "Miracle on 34th Street"?
1. Gimbel's
2. Marshall Field's
3. Macy's
4. J.C. Penney


Q2. Which of the following statements is not part of "The Code of the Elves" that Buddy references in the movie "Elf"?
1. Brush and floss twice a day
2. Treat every day like Christmas
3. There's room for everyone on the nice list
4. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear


Q3. In "Scrooged," a modern retelling of "A Christmas Carol," the Ghost of Christmas Past is:
1. A TV news anchor
2. A Brooklyn cab driver
3. A disbarred lawyer
4. His former personal assistant


Q4. In "It's a Wonderful Life," Clarence Oddbody is this rank of guardian angel:
1. First Class
2. Second Class
3. Third Class
4. Fourth Class


Q5. What does Clark Griswold get instead of a year-end end bonus in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"?
1. A membership to the Jelly of the Month Club
2. An engraved pen and pencil set
3. A gift certificate to the Men's Hair Club
4. An I.O.U.


Q6. In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie desperately wants to find this under the Christmas tree:
1. A Spy-Master Command Belt Set
2. An Orphan Annie Secret Decoder Ring
3. A Red Rider BB Gun
4. A Red Raven Magic Mirror Movie Set


Q7. In "The Polar Express," when a young boy is chosen by Santa to receive the first present of Christmas, he chooses:
1. A Playstation 3
2. A Shining Star
3. A present for all the world's girls and boys
4. A Silver Bell


Q8. The Grinch of "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" spies on the Whos in Whoville from his lair, known as:
1. The Hair Lair
2. Sneetch Mountain
3. Mount Crumpet
4. Mount Maximillian


Q9. Adam Goldberg played the lead in this comedy about a Jewish superhero who must save Hanukkah from the evil son of Santa Claus:
1. Menorah Man
2. The Hebrew Hammer
3. The Star of David
4. The Lethal Latke


Q10. The recently released "The Nativity Story" made history by being:
1. The first film to tell the story from the Magi's point of view
2. The first film done entirely in Aramaic
3. The first film to have its world premiere at the Vatican
4. The first film to use historically accurate settings


Q11. Jack Skellington may have wanted to experience Christmas in "The Nightmare Before Christmas," but his full-time gig was:
1. Town Gatekeeper
2. Grim Reaper
3. Mayor of Halloween Town
4. Pumpkin King


Q12. The establishment that Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) try to save in "White Christmas" is called:
1. Holiday Inn
2. The Columbia Inn
3. The Vermont Inn
4. Snowed Inn


Q13. In Adam Sandler's "Eight Crazy Nights," Davey's parents died in an accident on Hanukkah. The one thing saved from the wreck was:
1. A Hanukkah card to Davey
2. Hanukkah Gelt
3. A hand-carved Dreidel
4. A family-heirloom Menorah


Q14. In "About a Boy," Hugh Grant's character is independently wealthy thanks to his father's penning of this inane Christmas song:
1. "Reindeer Rap"
2. "Foxy Frosty"
3. "Winter Wipeout"
4. "Santa's Super Sleigh"


Q15. In the Christmas favorite "The Bishop's Wife," Dudley the Angel was played by:
1. Fred Astaire
2. Cary Grant
3. David Niven
4. Paul Newman

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 22

Advent countdown coloring book by elsiemarley on etsy

This is a fun idea. elsiemarley has pdfs counting down the days to Christmas. You print them out and staple them into a book. A great advent activity for children of all ages.

What's your holiday personality

Your Holiday Personality is Caring

Your holidays are all about connecting and sharing. This is a sacred time of year, and you like to spend it with those who are special to you. You like to make sure everyone around you is comfortable, full of love (and goodies!), and healthy. You love to surprise people with the best Christmas gifts ever. You will search high and low for that perfect present. You are always reflecting on the true meaning behind the holidays. You appreciate all that you have been given in this world.

What's Your Holiday Personality?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

Monday movie meme

This week's movie topic is all about Your Holiday Favorites...

Share on your blog your favorite movies that either take place during the holidays, are about the holidays or just have a special personal connection for you with the holidays and link back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!

A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott version, 1984): Probably the truest to Dickens' original work. Ebenezer Scrooge takes the classic journey through past, present and future to understand the true meaning of Christmas. "'Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead,' said Scrooge. 'But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me.'"

Ernest Saves Christmas: Lovable, irritating Ernest P. Worrell helps Santa find his replacement. It's stupid and silly, but warmhearted fun. "I am at one with the Yuletide...knowwhatImean?"

It's a Wonderful Life: George Bailey learns just how many lives he's touched for the better. Capra-corn at its finest. "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Our annual reminder that Christmas - and family - doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. "Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?"|

While You Were Sleeping: A favorite rom-com set at Christmas. Lonely Lucy is crushing on Peter, and saves his life when he ends up in a coma. But while waiting for him to recover she meets and falls for his brother, Jack. "I went from being all alone to being a fiancee, a daughter a granddaughter, a sister and a friend."

The Christmas Pledge

1. Remember those people who truly need my gifts

2. Express my love for family and friends in more direct ways

3. Redirect myself to the spiritual growth of my family

4. Examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas

5. Initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends.

Thank you, Kwizgiver.

book of seasons: December 21: Winter Solstice

Today is the shortest day of the year. In the coming days, we'll have more and more sunshine. Throughout the ages, as we have looked to the skies, we've appreciated the warmth of the sun and what it means for the earth and our survival.

Goodbye, sun. And welcome back.

The Christmas Truck

photo: Curbly

I'd love to get a look at this baby on the highway in the evening. Although it probably looks pretty freaky in the daylight.

Read all about it at Curbly.

National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Today the National Coalition for the Homeless remembers those homeless people who have died as a result of being homeless. Experiencing homelessness carries increased risk of death from exposure, crime, accident or untreated illness. According to the NCH, the fastest-growing population segment of the homeless is families with children.

It's a good day to take a moment to reflect on the high cost of experiencing homelessness, and perhaps to help those who do.

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 21

Recycled license plate countdown calendar by recycledartco on etsy

Unique and green. This is definitely one of the more unusual advent calendars I've seen. It's made of tin-snipped license plates and repurposed wood. Fun and funky.

What is your holiday wish?

Your Holiday Wish is Peace on Earth

You don't need anything personally during the holidays. You're not the materialistic type. All you ask for is a little peace. At home, while you're out and about, and for the world at large. You believe that there's too much human suffering and pain. And you're doing what you can to change it. It just wouldn't feel right for you to focus on presents. You think the holidays are so much more than what's under the tree.

What's Your Holiday Wish?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

Blizzard 12/20/09

Blizzard 12/20/09
Originally uploaded by boliyou.

At least knee-deep. Christmas-crazy!

book of seasons: The fourth Sunday in Advent

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Question:
Why do we light four candles?

Response:
We light this candle on the fourth Sunday in Advent to remind us that we must prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ Child. This fourth candle is the Love Candle. This candle reminds us of the love of God in giving the world His only Son, and the love that is so much a part of the season.

Moment of Silent Prayer

Carol: We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Chorus
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign. Chorus

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high. Chorus

Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Chorus

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies. Chorus

The Santa hat quiz

You Would Be a Conventional Santa

Truth be told, you're pretty happy with Santa and Christmas as they are. Why mess with a good thing? Traditions are traditions for a reason. And you're happy to participate in all of them. You even believe in Santa a little. You think that old fashioned holidays with old time values are nice. It's all about family and togetherness. You think that too much commercialism and greed are naughty. It breaks your heart when the holidays bring out the worst in people.

The Santa Hat Quiz

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 20

DIY instructions for a golf-themed advent calendar from Curbly.

This particular bag is "Tiger scandal" themed, but I'm sure you could include other images. Or run a different direction and make a football or baseball-themed one.

book of seasons: New York City shop windows 2009

Anyone who knows anything about Christmas in New York knows about the shop windows. Lord & Taylor, Sachs, Barneys, FAO Schwartz, Bloomingdales, Macys, etc., all strive to outdo each other in beauty and creativity.

This year, the kindly soul Fantastic Babblings has recorded some of the windows for those of us who can't make it.

via Twitterer Christmas

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 19

http://gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/node/78

pinata Advent Calendar by Gingerbread Snowflakes

Colorful and festive, with re-usable mini pinatas, this is a fun but time-intensive DIY. Detailed instructions on the site for those brave souls who'd like to try it.

What kind of Christmas card are you?

You Are a Cute Christmas Card

You love the holidays, and it's hard for you to feel any sort of seasonal burnout.

You're the person who thinks the holidays don't start soon enough. You have your Christmas cards picked out months in advance.

The holidays make you feel happy and content. You're tickled by every gift you receive and every old friend you reconnect with.

You are a thoughtful gift giver, and you take the time to make each object you give unique and special. You like to see someone's eyes light up when they open your present.

What Kind of Christmas Card Are You?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 18

Kent School in the UK has an online advent calendar. Click the dates and you'll learn a little something about other countries and how they celebrate the holidays.

Feel the Force Friday

Adidas has teamed with Lucasfilm to produce Star Wars-themed shoes and shirts. Guess which pair I want.
via /film

Star Wars fitted caps by New Era Japan. At about $80 a pop, I'll just keep wishing.

via /film

Darth Vader and friends man the Salvation Army bucket at Wal-Mart.

via /film

Storm Trooper ballerina

via /film

Millennium Falcon bed by Kayla Kromer

Get this: the sheets are schematic plans!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Just how long could you survive inside a tauntaun on a cold Hoth night? Wolfgnards has the answer

via Iheartchaos.

book of seasons: Hanukkah 2009 Day 8

Noah's Ark menorah by happihand on etsy

A wonderful menorah, especially for children or animal lovers. Made of wood and can be passed down over generations.

Church billboard sparks debate

image: Canada.com

New Zealand church St. Matthew in the city posted this billboard outside its building. The purpose was to spark debate about the literal interpretation of the Christmas story. Unsurprisingly, it's spurred a lot of shock and hostility as well.

Link at Canada.com

The Christmas tree test

You Are Blissfully Content

During the holidays, you have a lot to be thankful for. And even if you are having a hard time, you do your best to express gratitude. You are a glass half full type of person. You try to see life as a gift. You believe that it's important to stay positive and peaceful. Not just for your own mental health, but for also for the mental health of those around you. The gift of optimism is the best thing you could possibly give. And you give it well.

The Christmas Tree Test

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

book of seasons: Hanukkah 2009 Day 7

Stonewear menorah by silencethemusical on etsy.

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 17

A 25-piece nativity scene that can be assembled one piece at a time during the Advent process. By kyotosong on etsy. The pudgy little polymer clay figures are very cute, and I love that the baby Jesus comes out of the manger.

How much do you love the holidays?

You Love the Holidays More than Anyone

The holidays are a special time for you, and you try to keep the holiday spirit going all year long. You believe that this season is all about giving, and you love the chance to practice generosity. Whether you're making someone smile with the perfect gift or feeding everyone cookies, the holidays always elevate your mood. Just putting on your favorite holiday song always warms your heart. Even if it's July!

How Much Do You Love the Holidays?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

book of seasons: Hanukkah 2009 Day 6

Cantilevered menorah by Allwrappedup on etsy

Very sleek and minimalistic, with a nice combination of wood, stone and metal. It has a retro feel to it as well.

book of seasons: Advent 2009 Day 16

Countdown to Christmas with Binky by BowlerPress on etsy

This is a page-a-day calendar featuring a cute little mouse, patiently waiting for Christmas. If you're very careful, you can even re-use it by re-gluing, or attaching with a ribbon or ring.

Book review: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

After the stories in Matthew, Mark and Luke, perhaps the best-known Christmas story is that of Ebenezer Scrooge. I've seen every version of A Christmas Carol that I could find, and however true to the story they are, they still miss details, small bits of the magic of description or language, that make the original special.

It's a short read, perfect for these pressed-for-time days before the holiday. Spending an hour with the Cratchits helps to remind us that we really don't need a twelve-foot tree and animatronic reindeer to enjoy the best part of the season.

Since the best things in life are free, and better when they're shared, here's a link to the full text. Don't settle for less.

Are you a reindeer or an elf?

You Are An Elf

You are highly creative and artistic. You are good at working hard. While you love to work, you also love to play. You have a naughty side to you! You love pulling pranks and teasing people. You always seem to be getting into some sort of trouble. People can rely on you to be industrious and responsible... but you're going to have fun while you're getting stuff done.

Are You An Elf or a Reindeer?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Are you a hawk or a dove?

You Are a Hawk

You have a fighting spirit, and you don't back down from any challenge. You aren't scared of getting in the mix. You aren't necessarily violent, but you understand why violence sometimes is necessary. It's a cruel world out there. You are a natural debater. People may find you belligerent, but you just like to argue. It's not personal. You rather have conflict than pretend to go along to get along. You stand up for what you believe in.

Are You a Hawk or a Dove?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones