Thanksgiving

I wanted to take a second and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. One of my Facebook friends made a good point this morning and said that the things we're thankful for today should be the the things we're thankful for all year...I concur.

This is actually a weird/first for me. This year I will not be with my family. My parents and child are on the West Coast--I won't see them until Christmas. The rest of my family is in the midwest and I won't be making the trip up--I have a recording session this weekend and some projects to tackle.

Since it'll just be me--I am not cooking this year. Instead I've decided to volunteer to serve meals and/or deliver food to people. I can't lie this has been a rough year for me--and for lots of other people I'm sure, but considering it can (and has) been worse, I think I owe it to myself to do for someone else. I encourage anyone else to do the same because you never know when you might find yourself in someone else shoes.

In any case...regardless of my situation, here are 10 quick things I am thankful for:

1. My daughter is healthy and happy--and funny and brilliant!
2. I have some great friends who've pulled me through when I needed them
3. I'm writing again (this is a BIG one--because I was on block status for over a year)
4. I've accomplished more than 3 of my "list" goals this year (I shoot for a minimum of 3 a year)
5. I finished my graduate school application last week
6. I'm not where I want to be but I'm getting there--progress is always good!
7. I've managed to stay healthy this year (so far...cross fingers!) despite several people I know coming down with H1N1 etc etc
8. I found out that I have 2 weeks of vacation at Christmas which means more time with the family than I anticipated
9. I happen to like my job and the people I work with...I'm thankful I'm working--been laid off before (twice as a matter of fact)
10. That despite it all--I'm still standing.

Happy Thanksgiving all! Stay safe. Eat well. Be thankful!

Things to Do for the Holidays

Although I will be with my family starting tomorrow, I'm still not quite in the holiday spirit...so I thought I'd kick off the Christmas countdown with a couple of short lists--you can add any of these to your big list.

Must See Christmas movies: Nothing is better than being curled up with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate or some popcorn and watching any (or all) of these Christmas classics.

• Miracle on 34th Street
• It's a Wonderful Life (this is one of my favorites)
• A Christmas Story (you'll shoot your eye out...lol)
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (classic cartoon version is still the best)
• Polar Express (this is a great film if you've never seen it)
• Frosty the Snowman
• Elf (Will Ferrell, syrup and spaghetti...enough said)
• Home Alone (still a classic)
• The Muppets Christmas Carol
  
  and of course... Charlie Brown Christmas

Great Christmas tunes: I'll be putting together a cd tonight to listen to on my 7 hour drive

• The Christmas Song- Mel Torme OR Nat King Cole
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town- The Jackson 5
• Santa Baby- Joan Ellen Javits
• This Christmas- Donnie Hathaway (still the best version ever!!)
• Let it Snow- Boys II Men and Brian McKnight version
• Silent Night- Temptations
• Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer- Temptation
• The Chipmunk Christmas Song- Alvin and the Chipmunks
• All I want for Christmas- Mariah Carey version

and the one that always makes me think of Christmas:

Carol of the Bells- the Trans Siberian Orchestra version rocks!

Things to do to put you right in the holiday mood: Continue or start a holiday tradition this year

• Bake a batch of cookies*
• Make Christmas cards*
• Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve*
• Drive (or walk) around your neighborhood and look at Christmas lights OR find a local drive through light display (we do this every year. our neighbors put up great Christmas displays)
• Have a Christmas movie fest (see above)
• Make homemade decorations
• Get your picture taken with Santa
• Go for a train or sleigh ride (a lot of parks have Christmas train rides set up and things like that)

and lest we forget the reason for the season:

Go to church (most have Xmas eve programs and services. Even if you are not particularly religious it's a good opportunity to connect with people)

If you're wondering why I starred 3 items--see below

Ideas for giving back: Please let's not forget there are those who are going through hard times this season. And it's not too late to volunteer. Here are some small ways to help

• Volunteer to serve Chirstmas dinner at your local food bank/homeless shelter
• Donate blankets/food/supplies to your local charity or Salvation army
• Bake cookies*--and give a batch to an elderly neighbor or friend who may be alone for the holidays
• Make Christmas cards*--and take them to the local retirement home or veteran's hospital
• Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve*--or any other book at a local children's hospital (call and see if they need volunteers or have a program set up)
• Become a "Secret Santa"-- if you happen to know someone in need, do something small. For instance if you have a co worker/neighbor who is struggling, buy a $25 gift card to the local grocery store or gas station and give it to them anonymously.

Ok, I'm feeling a little more Christmas spirit already! Be safe and enjoy your holidays!