Finally! Winter Break/Christmas Vacation/Two Weeks off are upon us. Why is it when the kids are out of school, it becomes a period of rest for everyone in the family?
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| Daughters and goddaughters The girls who have my heart. |
This year, Edd took time off from work as well, so we really will have days of lounging around and staying in our pajamas for as long as we want. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have plans! It just so happens I’ve been looking forward to these activities for quite a while. I’ll let you in on them:
1. Reading
I have so many books on my nightstand, crammed in my bookshelf, and waiting on my Kindle. I’m actually thinking of petitioning our government for a National Everyone Read Day once a month. I’m sure it will go over well. On tap:
The Grand Paradox, by Ken Wytsma It’s out for real on January 27, but I have an advanced copy. I devoured 2/3 of the book and skimmed 1/3 before my interview with him last week. Now I need/want to study that last 1/3. It’s life-changing. At least, it’s MY life-changing.
Small Victories, Anne Lamott I bought it when I met her at Powells Books, but haven’t had time to read and think at the same time. I can’t wait to pour myself a cup of coffee and dedicate an afternoon to Ms. Lamott.
Numerous amounts of fiction. I can’t even tell you the last fiction book I’ve read, but Goodreads can! I am so in love with this website which reminds me what I’ve read, lets me record what I want to read, and gives me the recommendation of friends. Can you think of books I need to read right now? Add me as a friend on Goodreads or leave your suggestion in the comments below.
2. Christmas Sight Seeing
Edd has a whole holiday agenda planned so we all experience a good, old-fashioned, Portland family Christmas. Zoo lights, Pittock Mansion, Winter Wonderland, and The Grotto are on our tour. I may not have my house outlined in lights, but I think I’ll get my sparkle addiction fed after all of these stops.
3. Baking
I’m not one for being in the kitchen. I’ve said it before, I really belong upstairs at Downton Abbey. My eldest daughter, on the other hand, will give Daisy a run for her money. She’ll take the lead on what she wants to bake, and I’ll assist as best I can. And by “assist” I mean, “shopping and eating cookie dough.”
4. Movies
The only movies I’ve seen in the theater this year are Big Hero 6 and How To Train Your Dragon 2. I want to see a grown up movie! Of course, we’ll probably end up going to see Annie and Into The Woods, which I’m totally okay with. I’ll also be heading toward Netflix and catching up on the grown-up movies I never saw last year. I wonder if I can read and watch movies at the same time. I assume you know which film will continue on re-play throughout our home on Christmas Day?
5. Back on the Radio
It’s true. I will guest host Rose City Forum for 2 more evenings on KKPZ 1330 AM. On Monday, December 29th, I’ll bring my kids with me and we’ll chat about all the fun serving opportunities to do with kids around Portland. The next night, I’ll be co-hosting with Pastor Tim Moore to talk more about social justice. I hope you can join me from 6:00-7:00pm PST. If you missed any of the episodes from my hosting gig last week, I’ve listed the links here.
6. Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas
In addition to taking things slow this Advent season, I’m going to continue in Sabbath after the 25th until Epiphany on January 6. (Count ’em. 12 days. Get it?) I wonder if I can talk Edd into giving me a gift each of the 12 days. Although our cockapoo, Thorr, would probably chase that partridge all over the house. So – maybe not a good idea.
A Merry Christmas to all of you, my dear friends and readers. What an amazing opportunity to connect over the technology of inter-webs. I hope your holidays are full of peace and are void of grandiose expectations.
I will be back on the blog after Epiphany, but would love to send prayers for you in the meantime. If there is something specific I can pray for or in which I can remember you, comment below.
Join me upstairs at Downtown Abbey–life is way better. And even interesting! LOL