Goodbye 2024

 

Here we are at the end of another year, for me 2024 was a pretty good year, sitting here I can’t think of any event that was so bad.

I am doing better at handling stress and not letting things get to me.

Although during the first half of the year Sam decided he was nonbinary but that lasted only a few weeks before she decided she was transgender. I support Sam and always will, but I do not feel that one just decides they are the wrong gender, I feel if that was the case there would have been signs when she was younger. I may be wrong, because what do I know about such things, bugga all that’s what.

This year has seen Tim return to work after being off for something like 16 months after his accident. I am pleased he likes his new job.

I am also pleased that this last month I have become close to Sue, we laugh so much when we are together.

I am hoping to be more organised and with it during 2025, yes, I know many people think I am pretty organised already but to be honest I often don’t feel it myself.

I am please how much I have improved over the year, getting in and out of the car is much easier, and since Tim has returned to work, I am doing the housework again and I feel good about that.

My grandson Blain went to Queensland to see his girlfriend and was gone a couple of months, both him and his girlfriend arrived home on Christmas Eve this made me happy. Blain said they will be here for a few months then may return to Queensland at this stage they are unsure about that.

Tasha completed a Tafe course on beauty and next year will be doing the diploma course as she wants to learn how to do laser hair removal and she needs her diploma in order to do that.

I have no plans to see in the new year, in fact I suspect I will be sleeping when it rolls around.

Santa is trying to find the hodgepodge

What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

Visit my parents

What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

My grandchildren

What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favourite cracker variety? 

Jazz with cheese

Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year?

I will be sleeping, and I hope I am not awake. 

What are three words that describe your 2024? 

Laughing, Family, Progress

Insert your own random thought here. 

At this time of year, over and above the parties and the gift giving, one star looks down at us cutting through all the tinsel and bling hope we can feel the simplicity of the lonely stable. Thus, thinking about the Holy Infant born there, born to be our salvation.

What is Christmas

 

What is Christmas?

Is it just a day at the end of the year, a holiday filled with merriment and good cheer?

Is it a time for the giving and taking of gifts and to indulge in good food and drink?

Have we become lost in the meaningless daze that invades our minds at the sight of the crowds and decorations everywhere?

Have we closed our hearts to God and his love, have we forgotten the bright star above and the real, true meaning of Christmas?

We should ask the Lord to renew and restore our faith, to allow us to remember the real and true meaning of Christmas. So, we can feel in our hearts again that peace and good will to all is still a promise that can be claimed if we just believe.

This is a reworked version of a poem or verse call it what you want by Helen Steiner Rice.

The Elf Stole The Hodgepodge

 

What's one task you'd like a little Christmas elf to sneak in and take care of tonight? 

I would love it if the cleaner my fridge inside and out as well as behind it.

What's your biggest challenge during the holidays? 

Surviving the heat  

Are you a cookie baker this time of year? If your year had to be summed up in the shape of a cookie cutter, what shape would it be? 

Nope I am not a baker in any way, shape or form

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 like flavoured milk for drinking and full cream plan milk, I had porridge for breakie made with milk.

Share one favourite line from a Christmas carol or holiday tune?

The only thing that pops into my head is He’s making a list and checking it twice 

Insert your own random thought here.

Christmas is different for different people, some like big family celebrations and are lucky enough to have them, some would love a big family celebration but do not have that. While others like to be alone if someone you know is spending the day alone, do not assume that they are not ok or happy with that because it just may be the way they like it.

 

 

A chilled hodgepodge

 

What's the best $5 gift to give someone? 

Novelty socks, most people wear socks and most like something fun over something practical.

 What's your favourite way to relax/unwind during the busy holiday season? 

I like to just sit in a quiet space, close my eyes and do nothing.

How do you feel about gingerbread? Love it or no thanks? Are gingerbread houses a part of your holiday tradition? If you said yes, how does that look? Do you like ginger flavour in other kinds of dishes?

No thanks, have tried it a few times but not a taste I like. 

December 5th is National Blue Jeans Day...will you be celebrating? Do you have a favourite brand? A favourite pair? Do you have a hard time parting with a favourite pair of jeans? Blue jeans-joggers-leggings-yoga pants...which one do you wear most often? 

Didn’t know there was a Blue Jeans Day.

No favourite brand, usually just buy a department store brand like Big W or Kmart

I held on to a pair that I loved for years after they stopped fitting but finally tossed them at some point.

Once the answer would be traditional jeans, but I am moving towards leggings or yoga pants, far more comfy.

As we head into this holiday season what's your biggest priority or goal for the end of the year? 

To wake my motivation up and get stuff done.

 Insert your own random thought here. 

Life will be better once we are at peace with ourselves, when we are comfortable with who we are and can stop worrying about what others think of us and the things we do. As long as one knows they are doing the best the feel they are able to do at any given time that should be enough. Become at peace with your life and you should feel happier