Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Christmas After

Since my last post (which was all about the holiday blues) things have gone up.

Christmas day was a wonderful event. Church in the morning, stockings and gifts in the afternoon.

It was more fun to talk with people I haven't seen in years than it was to go home for presants. Such wonderful people that make life entertaining. It was a wonderful day to get away from the house and out into the world. 

Working on puzzles all day long and enjoying the simple company of others while listening to Christmas music or a Christmas movie.

My break only lasted the weekend, though every second wasa worth the time.

I am grateful for this season to share with others. I am grateful that I have a job with which I can work from home in case of emergency for others and because it's an easy commute. I am grateful for the friends around me - and those who don't live anywhere near me.

'Tis the season to be grateful - no matter what holiday you are celebrating.

Season Greetings!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

I'll see you all next year.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

December Blues

I'm deviating from the norm of what I usually post - food stuffs, recipes, crafts, lists, basic blog things.

Over the past few weeks I've gone from feeling like Santa Claus and the Guardians of Childhood during a massive party to a mix of the Grinch and Ebeneezer Scrooge.



Maybe it's due to the work - nah. That's a lame excuse. I love my job. I get to work from home, which makes the commute (about five-ten feet to my laptop) super awesome. And I don't have to worry about the headaches of driving, personally interacting with people, or having to psych myself up. Oh, and if I get sick it's easy to call in, which makes working rather easy.



Maybe it's due to all of the arguing that's being done at home. I am part of a large family - we are spread out all over. Needless to say when something bad happens it's only a matter of time before every one of us finds out. Though that's a pretty lame excuse to not feel the spirit.



I guess my lack of Christmasy feelings is because there's not much going on in life in general. Living at home still nothing has really changed. It just seems to miss the mark.

Bonus points - there was a Christmas party last night - one that I was super looking forward to - and then yesterday morning I felt ill. I started coughing. It continued all day. I managed to get to the party, but didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked. (Though I did come away with a fairly awesome White Elephant gift - a tin with Christmas mints, bag of ginger bread cookies, and a Cat-in-the-Hat plushie, so win!)

Hopefully I can try and get back into that Christmassy feeling before the weekend.

Stay happy!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanuakkah!

Happy Boxing Day!

Happy Holiday!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

December Flicks

While I could write about something to do with Christmas, I've decided to go the simple route - NETFLIX!

Binge watching shows on Netflix is something that has become much of a fad. Because it’s often difficult to find the time to sit down and watch a show live, and even though DVR is something we can use – not every person has it.

While it may take some time for your favorite show to appear – or the next season to crop up – Netflix is a fast way to catch up. You can easily catch up on a season – pause it where you leave off and easily pick up where you left off with it. It tracks where you are with it, and there’s no judging. (Though I have heard that Netflix will often ask if you are still alive if you watch for too long – it hasn’t happened to me yet. Fingers Crossed.)

It’s a way to sit down and relax after a day of work, school, both of them – and give you a reprieve from the world at large.

Some of the shows currently on (and on my To Watch and Re-Watch list) that you may enjoy too are (in no specific order or favorite ranking):

Once Upon A Time



This is a fantastic ABC show that takes everyone from the Disney verse and sets them all together in Storybrooke, Maine. It follows Emma Swan, daughter of Snow white and Prince Charming, whose son Henry is currently being parented by the Evil Queen. Currently on its Sixth season (with the possibility of more) you have five seasons to watch. Gold! (No pun intended.)



Supergirl



DC is having a fierce time with hit shows on the CW. I’m only two episodes in, but it is definitely something to keep tabs on. This show will also be tying in with The Flash and Arrow. So stay tuned!



Merlin



This show has been around for a few years (coughsince2005ish). There are only five seasons it’ll be a quick get through if you binge with earnest intent! And Author and Merlin – what more could a history buff want?




Stranger Things



Granted there’s only one season so far (season two has been promised and will coming soon!), but each episode is completely worth it. It’s a unique take on the 1980’s genre, coupled with Dungeons & Dragons, a mystery, and spooky thriller. Take a peek on it – it’s worth the watch!



Penny Dreadful



This one took me by surprise. I first watched it on a plane to Alaska (got through five and a half episodes before reaching Seattle for the transfer, but that’s still a record). It takes the old Penny Dreadful stories (no pun intended), adds a bit of Mary Shelly, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker (so far). This isn’t a series for the faint of heart though, as battling any sort of monster fight comes with its fair share of blood and gore. So be warned of anyone under 18.




The Pinkerton's



I have yet to delve into this one, but just hear me out. The Pinkerton's are to America what Scotland Yard is to England. This will be a fantastic show to watch through – so keep it booked.



Fuller House



Hear me out – this is based off of Full House, only the girls are grown up and living in their old house. The shenanigans involved with the three single woman is a fun comedy to watch through.




Supernatural



I would be a terrible person if I didn’t include this on the list. While I am not up to date with the current season (I’m still on Season five, sue me). There’s a reason why this show has lasted this long. Currently on season eleven, it’s full of everything you could want in a show. Take a look at it – there’s quite a few seasons to catch up on – all of them worth it.




Galavant



While it’s sad this only lasted two seasons – each episode it only twenty minutes. The trick: they’re all musicals. The singers are spectacular, and we fans would love to see the return of this. Netflix said it might just happen if enough people watch it on Netflix – so GO WATCH IT!
(EDIT: Didn't mean for this particular picture to be so big - but it's worth it!) 



What are some of your favorite shows to watch?

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to these pictures. I do not get named for name dropping either.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Christmas Season

With this new season upon us its easy to fall into habits of helpfulness and charity.

There are many different places you can go to around your own home town, or city, to give service. There are plenty of different ways to give service as well.

Check your local newspapers, or local websites, for more information.


Giving service can be more than just going out and working at a foodbank, or volunteering time. It can be driving a friend, taking a meal to someone in need, or hosting.

When given freely and without the intent of gain in return, service becomes something more meaningful. It becomes a gift to not only us, but those we serve as well. It becomes part of a cycle of giving and giving.

With this Christmas Season giving is essential. It is engrained into the days - engrained in the times. It is part of who we all are, to be of service to others. It is something that every one of us have deep inside of us. It's a basic act to want to serve others, to show the same compassion we were given when we were younger. It's something that takes us back to our childhood roots. Something that shows us the joy of the season.

No matter what religion we claim, the desire to do good is always there. All we have to do is act upon it.

Enjoy the season. Wish someone the greeting of the holiday you associate with most. Personally, I will be glad no matter what greeting you give.

Merry Christmas!