Christmas fill in the blanks

Image credit: Lauren

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to smile, forgive and be kind.

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is the universal cheer and good will... and the lights and sparkle!

3. The holiday season is a time for love!

4. My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is eggnog cake.

5. I will be spending Christmas at my boyfriend's grandfather's house for dinner, then my parents' house afterwards.

6. 'Tis better to (give or receive?) Give. Sure, I love getting gifts off my wish list, but I always pause the receiving to watch those I love open the presents I carefully and lovingly selected for them. No better feeling than giving the perfect gift!

7. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. (Does anyone else find the warm December weather ridiculous??? Not only is it making me sick, but it's messing with my ski plans! And let's not forget the environment.)

I'd like to wish all of you, and your families and firends, a very merry Christmas (or a belated happy Chanukkah or Festivus)! May you experience hope, love, joy and peace this holiday season!

And... just in case I don't make my way back to these parts beforehand, happy New Year! I have a feeling 2012 is going to be great!

Bad Blogger

Ugh, I was just going through my Reader, and I realized that out of 21 days of journaling for #21DJC, I managed just seven posts. Double ugh... 14 ughs to be exact.

Through the challenge is officially over, I still plan on addressing the topics here... just as soon as this cold/sinus infection/cough decides it's month-long stay is over and work slows down just a tiny bit.

I'm also pushing just a bit to accomplish my goal of reading 12 books in 2011. I have four more to go... in three weeks!

Finally, I'll admit that I am a little bummed, and I have been TERRIBLE the last two months about working out. I hurt my foot after my last race -- the Tufts 10K for Women in Boston -- and I decided since that was my last race, some time off would be good. Since then (October 10th for those who are counting), I have run a total of two miles. One was two weeks post race, and the other was about two weeks ago. It was painful -- not only because I hadn't been running, but more importantly on my foot. Several "personal experts" I've talked to think I torn a tendon or ligament eight years ago when the problem started, and running has only aggravated it. Anyway, I need to see a doctor. Soon.

This puppy will tear your heart out...

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It has been many years since I have read a book in under two weeks, which should be point enough for how wonderful and delightful and heart-wrenching this book is. Huck will make you fall in love with you, break your heart, and then fill your heart with so much love and hope that the harrowing journey will be worth it.

Janet Elder takes her readers on a personal, emotional journey -- offering the invitation into her life, the lives of her family members, and the lives of kind strangers she meets along the way. You feel like you are there, and you ache to do something to help this family find their beloved pet. Coincidentally, I am vaguely familiar with the setting of the book, having visited there several times -- I even ran through the streets of Allendale and drove past the Hilton where the Elders took up residence during their search. I will also admit that having an adorable dog of my own who has won my heart made this book touch closer to home, but even if you never had a pet, I think you will find yourself on the edge of your seat to find out what happens to Huck and his owner, Michael, and smiling as you turn the last page. You can't help it.

I wanted to hug Huck all through this book, and there were several times I found myself looking up from the book at my own dog or even giving him a pat to remind myself that he is home and ok. I could not put this book down, and I bet you won't either.

This will go on my virtual shelf as one of the best books I have read this year.



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