December Goals

I had a stay home movie night on Friday and it was a nice way to end the week. Today's Special was a sweet movie about aspiring chef Samir who has been passed over for getting his own kitchen, quits as sous chef to make his way to Paris. Of course, life intervenes and he ends up picking up the ailing family owned Indian restaurant when his dad has a heart attack. A little magical wise man intervention and Samir and his parents find what has been missing in their relationship. Don't be surprised if you will be craving a good masala by the end of it!

The second movie may not be every one's taste, based on the Netflix reviews of NOEL that ranged from 5 stars to 1, I too was wondering if I was going to make it all the way through. Then about 2/3rds through, the awkward areas started to peel back and make more sense. Basically, a story about loneliness, all kinds of love, forgiveness, and hope. It starred one of my favorite actresses, Susan Sarandon, but bittersweet with the late Paul Walker and a cameo by Robin Williams. I'm all kinds of sentimental. Why mention these movies in relation to  my December goals? Yes, a stretch, but bear with me. 

People Goals:
Enjoy my family time-even with those that drive me a little (or a lot) bonkers. I am lucky. I need to own it. 
Be more kind. While I think I am a nice person, saying an extra encouraging word, a thank you, a smile, lending a helping hand all might make a difference, at least at the moment to the recipient. 

Hobbies:
Write. Keep plugging away at the book. Keep posting daily blogs. Give myself some creative fuel.
Take pictures. Put the camera to use. Capture the beauty of the season, the changes in weather, smiling children, grumpy pup.

Health:
Walk more. Put my nice warm boots, hats, and mittens to good use. When snow comes, make it a walking challenge and not an excuse. 
Skip 2nd sweets. Savor one; I know I can't say no, but just one.  
Get to sleep. Avoid binge watching on week nights. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon. Take a relaxing shower or bath before bed. 
Cook from scratch. Batch cook and load up my soups and hot dishes with winter vegetables. Warm up portions of home made fair for lunch. Skip the cans and jars as much as possible. Make  up new recipes, remembering spices are my friend.

It looks like a fresh crop of movies have been loaded on Netflix, so I should have no problem scratching a movie watching itch. Please comment if you have any movie recommendations, particularly those off the  block buster path. I always like to be surprised when I find a hidden gem as I did on Friday.   

In the spirit of  putting time into my hobbies, I give you the local community library Gingerbread House Contest entries. I didn't vote for a favorite as they all exceeded my capabilities and were completely wonderful.