Sunday, December 4, 2016

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.













14 comments:

  1. Feeling a sugar rush after viewing the gingerbread houses! I have a hard time saying no to certain sweets...like the chocolate croissant I had for breakfast! Well, I bought them several days ago - it was going to get stale!

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    1. If I was making them, it would be one gum drop on house, one in mouth. Chocolate and croissants? You had to do it.

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  2. Chocolate croissants? Where and when?
    I have tried my hand as gingerbread houses and finally decided I don't like gingerbread enough to put that much time into it. I am a slacker at heart I guess.

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    1. I thought the same thing when I read Jane's comment. We have a grocery store that sells them, but they are mediocre, so I haven't splurged. I wonder if I could figure out something with cresent roll dough-my go to simplified life tool. I'll never accuse anyone of being a slacker-particualllry when a gingerbread house is concerned. My kids even had sad version made from grahm crackers and school lunch cartons.

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  3. I'm still reading and enjoying your posts Sam but finding it difficult to comment on ang blogs at the mo due to excessive babysitting duties for Holly who is desperately juggling a three year old new baby and final year of uni. I just want to help her as much as possible until we head of on our big trip on 1st Feb I'll keep reading though lol

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    1. I am so envious, but perhaps some day. (No pressure on my kids.) I hope you enjoy every second, and when you are ready to travel, know you are entitled to the time for yourself again.

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  4. Wow, those gingerbread houses are very impressive.
    Good to know you are still pursuing your goals, Sam. xx

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    1. Hey curtisse! Nice to hear from you-I think of you often when I plan what I'm going to wear, and hope I gained a little coordiantion in my mix and matching. I hope you are well.I'll most likley never see any success other than just through my own definition, but I so enjoy writing and taking bad pictures. Aren't they cute?

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  5. I've never made a gingerbread house, but have always wanted to try making mini ones out of graham crackers. I printed out instructions for some but don't know where I put them. One of these days.....

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    1. You could save a few little milk cartons and use that as the graham cracker base to make your house. that's what we always did with my kids at their schools when they were young. Me, no patience at all!

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  6. Is the first film The 100 Yard Journey with Helen Mirren and Om Puri? I saw it on a plane when it came out and thought it was lovely.
    Have you seen Bridge of Spies? I loved it so much I watched it twice in a fortnight. I'm obsessed with anything Cold war related. x

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    1. It was called Today's Special, but I will check that one out. Love Helen Mirren. I did see Bridge of Spies-Very good under rated. I liked Tinker, Tailor. Soldier, Spy.

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    2. I love Tinker, Tailor...if you get a chance watch the TV series from the 1970s with Alec Guinness, utterly wonderful. x

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    3. I will look for this-thanks for recommending.

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