Each month we're each invited to share things in these categories: Some Things I Loved, Some Things I Learned, Some Things That Went Well, and Some Thing I Let Go Of. I usually like to include a little bit of a bonus: Some Things I Read and a little of What's Coming Up Soon.
Some Things I Loved:
Some Things I Learned:
Here's a bit of useless knowledge I learned recently. I feel like most people refer to these creatures as gnomes, but in fact these guys that have their faces obscured by their beards and hats, with only the nose visible, are actually called gonks. Gnomes are European folklore figures, and their faces are visible. They're more like garden guardians and associated with protection and good fortune. Gonks are based on Nordic "nisse" or "tomte" and associated more with winter holidays and home protection. And we do see these characters around during the holidays. I don't think it's bad luck to call a gonk by the wrong name, but why take chances!
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| We saw these gonks at one of the metro parks, and our son and granddaughter gave us the "gonks vs gnomes" information |
Some Things That Went Well:
Our trip to Maryland for Christmas went very well. We had good weather and roads for the drive there and the drive back. Everyone in the family was healthy so no colds and sniffles got in the way. The day after Christmas there was weather advisories so we adjusted our plan and went out for lunch instead of dinner (that was my birthday meal) so we were able to get home before the roads got treacherous.
Looking back over the year, I'm reflecting on what went well and what didn't in terms of my Word of the Year. I tried to focus on following through and practicing the habits and disciplines I wanted to develop. I was able to establish some really good habits and be consistent with them, so in many ways the Word of the Year 2025 - Practice went well. There's room for improvement in a lot of things as well, especially being disciplined and consistent with the household tasks that I don't enjoy!
Some Things I Let Go Of:
Unplanned, and certainly before we'd intended it, but we are in the process of letting go of one of our cars. My RAV4 came to an abrupt stop one Sunday night as I was on my way home from a chorus event, and we couldn't get it started again. Fortunately, when the car died it was just a couple miles from home so my husband was able to come get me. It was bitterly cold that night and the tow trucks were kept very busy. Then it was Tuesday morning before the garage could check the car and let us know what it needed. Bad news - it needed a new engine. UGH. We made the decision to sell the car at a loss (which means paying off what we owe on it too - another UGH) and start over by buying something newer.
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| RIP old blue RAV4 |
So . . . letting go of that car and a fair amount of money . . . but yes, I'm super happy about our almost new 2024 RAV4! I've always laughed at the car dealership ads with the new cars "gift wrapped" in someone's driveway, but given the season I said I wanted a big red bow on my 'new' car. Imagine my disappointment that the dealership didn't have one to give me. Thank you, AI photo editing, for helping me add one.
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Some Things I Read:
Finished and reviewed these since my last SFS:
Monet For Nothing by PJ Fitzsimmons
A Holiday By Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister (review coming!)
What's Coming Up Soon?
In a couple days, our son and our daughter and her boyfriend will be here to spend New Years with us! Knowing they'd be coming so soon made it a little easier to say goodbye to them when we packed up after the Christmas trip. We're planning a couple of fun things to do while they are here, and I took an extra day off work to spend with them. Just hanging out together and playing games and toasting the New Year will be a real treat!
Near the end of January, I have a Regional chorus event I'm going to which should be a lot of fun.
Share something in the comments, or share four somethings with the rest of us in the link party!
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