What's This Planning Ahead Stuff?

So, as I was scrolling through countless pages of people I hardly know posting about how thankful they are about their spouses, kids, jobs, freedoms, salvation, Twinkies--none of which are to be discounted--I remember that December is coming soon.  And for those few who have followed this blog for the past few years, you know that I do some kind of daily post during the months of December.  It started as a repentant purging of my blogging laxness two years ago.  And so I posted once a day about something that I was thankful for...non-traditional items in most cases.

last year, I posted a music video each day.  That was pretty cool, and I experienced my highest viewership up to that point.  Now I face a conundrum.  How do I top that?  Or, at least, what can I follow up with?  What do I go to this year for my daily December schtick?  I need a new gimmick.  I have a few ideas, but I'm not too sure they would work.  So I'm open to ideas.  What could I post about on a daily basis that fits me?

Please help me brainstorm as I am up to my eyeballs in bad student writing right now.  I feel my brain might just melt--not Wicked Witch of the West melt, mind you, but more like Nazi dudes at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark melt.

The Fat Lady Belts it Out

The final few minutes are ticking away and my kids are ornery, tired, and yelling at each other as they struggle to stay awake until to midnight. They're also Wii-ing and coming within fractions of inches of nailing each other and the TV with the controls. Ah, sibling rivalry.

There are plenty of things that I could blog about to fill this last post of the year. For instance, I could be thankful that my upstairs toilet flooded a few years ago. Why? Because my dad was able to help me fix it, and today I was able to fix the downstairs one by myself. And I didn't even learn any new plumbing words! Or use some of the ones I learned last time. Heh-heh.

I could be thankful for ward clerks who save me hours of time because they know how to do their job.

I could be thankful that I didn't slide off the road like those dozens of other cool 4x4 off-roading idiots.

I could be thankful for a new niece.

I could be thankful that this New Year's mayhem only comes once a year.

Without a doubt I could be thankful that this is the last of my penance posts.

However, what I am most thankful for right now is the fact that for the past thirty-one days, I have done a little writing for me. It's just a start, and IO hope it will grow. Even though I'm not going to post every night for the whole world to see--okay, the three of you who waste your time on this site--I'm going to keep writing. I'll probably revisit the goals I've set, especially for writing. I know I need to make the time. All my writer friends say so, so I guess it must be true. (Just like the Internet!)

I'm also thankful for Amy and her support as I pursue my degree, as I "fix" toilets, and As I write and do all of those other geeky things I do. She definitely wins "Mama of the Year" in my book.

So, yeah. I guess this is it...or is it? (I hate that ending, especially when students use it in their fiction.)

Stop Laughing (Now)!

I need to send mad props to the twenty-something-year-old tech geeks in my life. More specifically, today, I am thankful for the two dudes who hooked us up at the phone store. Gracias to them, I sent my very first text message E.V.E.R. in my life. In the past year and a half I have started this blog, joined Facebook, and now I've joined the world of texting. Welcome to the decade, Jose! Any suggestions as to where I go from here?

Could It Be Blogger's Block?

My posts lately have been a bit on the lame side, or so it seems. It's a little taxing to try and produce every day. Today, I'm thankful that my penance will be up in two days. Then I'll reduce my musings so I don't overburden my couple of deluded readers with senseless drizzle.

Young Consumers

The season of Christmas TV specials has finally limped off into the sunset, and I, personally, couldn't be happier. No, I really like watching the Grinch's heart grow to the point where the Whos invite him to carve the roast beast. (I've often wondered what the beast tastes like.) Rudolph and Frosty, although cheesy, are classics. But it's those darn commercials that pop up every three and a half minutes that chap my hide. Even little Brook complained, "Mom, please turn it (the show) back on." She didn't want the loud, obnoxious advertisements either. I am thankful for children who are becoming educated (and somewhat critical) consumers.

Case in point: on our way to run a few errands, i.e. spend gift cards, we drove past RC Willey. As we hit the speed bumps in front of the store, Zac blurted, "Your home, your way. That's about the stupidest thing I've ever heard." He continued, "I've heard it, like, a thousand times on TV. It's like their motto or something." He has gone beyond catchy jingles. Nice. Now we just have to get Ally to stop whining about putting something else on NEXT year's list every time she watches TV.

Whatever the Weather

After watching the news tonight, I am truly grateful that all the airlines jacked up their ticket prices so high that they drove us away from flying back east for Christmas. Seriously, I've driven through fog and blizzards and hurricanes, but I do NOT want to be out in all that crap that's blowing across the states right now. My apologies to anyone who is stranded or delayed; I've played that game before, too. So...a big thank you to Delta, Southwest, United, and every other major holiday rip off. You saved me a long, cold, boring layover.

We felt the storm last week. See the post from 21 December.

Fire and Brimstone!

At the beginning of 2010 our Stake President challenged us to read the entire Old Testament from cover to cover. Now, for the second time in my life I have read every single begat, every ritual sacrifice, every cubit, every hellfire and brimstone thundering against the boneheaded Israelites who couldn't remember their God from one minute to the next, and every single prophecy. The last time it took me two years to trudge through it. This time I've done it in one. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the Old Testament and its stories and teachings. But let's face it; most of the Bible stories the Christian world hears come from a small portion of what's actually in there. Most people would rather get a root canal than read the rest.

I'm thankful for my own stubbornness that drove me to finish the OT. I think about how it parallels my own life. No matter how many boneheaded things I do, no matter how stubborn my will is, or how long it takes me to figure things out, His hands are outstretched still. See Isaiah 5:25. Heck, read the whole chapter. Or the entire book. It's good for you--and not just in a broccoli or soy or cardio sort of way.

Although an arduous task, I am thankful to have surmounted the challenge and gained a deeper appreciation for this ancient book of scripture, a firmer sense of my relationship with God, and a stronger testimony of the Savior and His love for me (and all you other peoples, too).

And now that I've done and gone all churchy on y'all, I'll be thankful if anyone else keeps reading this blog.

Christmas Day

You know, I could be really Cheez-Whizzy and sentimental here, but I refuse. It was a good day. Let's just say that I'm thankful that Santa got everything right this morning.

Christmas Eve

I am thankful I am not a last-second shopper. Instead of rushing in a frenzy through the mall or standing in line with the rest of the freaks at Wal-Mart, I was able to enjoy a great day with my spastic kids. We continued our Noche Buena tradition with a trip to the movies. The kids loved Tangled; even Sam liked his experience on the FRONT ROW! Sidenote: I have a crick in my neck. We then continued on the the Brick Oven, where all five kids ate well (Christmas miracle), and despite my food arriving after everyone else was finishing, it was quite delectable. The Christmas "pageant" with the Smiths was complete with a several giggling wise guys (Zac, et al), a bashful angel (Brook), and a Mary (Ally) who enjoyed snuggling into Joseph (cousin Skyler). Finally, the Christmas jammies and slippers appeared, and it was all I could do to hasten the sugar plums' visit. Tomorrow we'll see what the fat man brings.

SImple Pleasure

Tonight I am thankful for the simple joy and pleasure a smoky bacon and cheddar cheese ball brings. Oh, yes, and crackers, too.

A Rare Breed

So for Scouts tonight, we had a white elephant exchange, pizza, drinks, and video games on the big screen. I am thankful that I don't have six ravenous, odoriferous, pyromaniac teenagers to look after every night of the week. Love the boys, but I'm glad I can send them home at the end of the activity.

P.S. For those of you keeping score at home, this is twenty-one days on a row.

Snow!

So, after I spent the early morning digging out from under (at least) 18 inches of snow, and arriving at work late, school was canceled. Apparently, this is the first snow day Nebo School District has taken in 25 years. What a Christmas present!

I am thankful for the superintendent and his decision that allowed me to play in the drifts with my family, gave me a sore back, and created Freddy the Snowman and his baby Diamond the Snowbaby. (For some bizarre reason it tickled my funny bone like Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby.) Everyone but Sam got in on a little snow action. Zac also learned that it's not wise to upset a snow-shovel wielding wookie. He also learned how to inadvertently fly off jumps and land on his backside while sledding.

I am thankful that snowball fights are something my kids are going to remember, even if they NEVER beat their dad!

List

Today I am thankful for a few things. These are listed in no particular order except for the order that they came sneaking into my brain. Other than that there is no designation of hierarchy in my thoughts tonight.

1. I am thankful that Christmas shopping comes once a year.
2. I am thankful that in less than 24 hours Christmas Vacation will officially be here!
3. I am thankful that I've been able to blog twenty consecutive days.
4. I am thankful for grapes from Sam's Club.
5. I am thankful for grape Kool-Aid.
6. I am thankful that I don't have to visit the BSA office frequently.
7. I am thankful for silent reading.

Christmas Thought

Today I am going to be somewhat sentimental. I am thankful for a moment to pause and reflect about Christmas through the seasonal hymns. And I encourage everyone else to take a private moment for themselves and the simplistic beauty they contain. Tonight I call upon the third verse of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" for my inspiration:

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835–1893

Music: Lewis H. Redner, 1831–1908

Ahh...

I am thankful that I can now drift away to sleep on my cozy, flannel-sheeted king-sized bed. Bonus nachos, y'all.

Christmas--Oh That's This Month?

Today, besides feeling much better, I am thankful for parents who live close and have room for Santa to stash his loot before the big present barrage. Man, my kids are going to make out like bandits this year. With my EdD semester done, and these few days "off," it's beginning to feel like I can slow down for Christmas. However, there are still seventeen bazillion things to do in order to be ready. Don't say anything about shopping; I'm still not done. Just don't remind me. I said to knock it off. Stop it.

Maybe over the holiday I'll get around to doing some good writing on a few pieces I've been keeping on the back burner. Maybe all the hidey holes at Grandma's house could come in handy again. Hmmm....

Can't Get Rid of Me That Easily

I think I spoke too soon last night. At approximately 6:20 this morning I completed the cycle and paid my obeisance to the porcelain goddess. It hit me with such a punch that I was literally brought to my knees. I haven't felt so sick since I lost an appendix. Now, I've been able to keep everything down that I've eaten, which is a whopping two saltines and a glass and a half of orange-flavored Powerade. Scrumptious!

While I was in my vomit-induced stupor today, we also had furnace troubles. Today, I am thankful for good, honest heating and A/C servicemen. Tom was probably the only repairman we've had who hasn't tried to con us into buying a new furnace or anything that would cost us thousand of extra dollars. If anyone needs an honest repairman, let me know. I'd be glad to give you his number.

Instead of puking in a freezing house, I can stew in warmth and sickness (but I am feeling much better).

Almost Missed One

Okay, I confess that I had shut down my computer for the night when I realized that I hadn't posted. See how my mind is working tonight? Blah. I'm thankful I didn't yak just now. How's that? (Although I would probably feel better if I did.)

Inspiration, Bribes, Whatever

Today I am thankful for Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark with Dark Chocolate squares for keeping me going through an onerous grading session. If you have not tried on of these delectable morsels, I hereby call you to repentance. On your knees, now! Your eternal progression has been stopped until thou hast partaken. If you know what I'm preaching, can I get a witness?

Really Reading

Tonight I am grateful for the ability to read. No, I don't just mean the fact that I can decipher words and comprehend a text. I'm talking about my ability to really read, to escape into a story (I'm done with textbooks for a few weeks), become part of the journey, and hang on for the ride. I'm grateful for my mother who read to me, for my wife who still reads aloud with me, and for my kids who let me read to and with them. No one is too old to be read aloud to. Just ask all my geeky writer friends.

I love the time I have to read aloud to my students--books that some of them would never dream of picking up, let alone making past page two. I read for them.

But now that my semester is done, I can read for me, and I've been enjoying it. I picked up Funny Business, the first installment of the Guys Read Library, edited by Jon Scieszka. I love short story collections, but today during silent reading, I was devouring David Lubar's "Kid Appeal," and I laughed out loud. Hard. Long. Enough to get stares from my 7th graders. One girl rolled her eyes, tilted her head, and looked at me. "Wha-at?" she snarled. I tried to explain how funny the book was (without disrupting the rest of the class), but all I got in return was an exasperated "unh" and a head shake, as if anyone could ever laugh at a bo-ok, Mr. Anson. She wasn't even trying to fake her way across the pages of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

So I am grateful that I am able to uncover such pleasures in reading. I do laugh aloud. I do cry. I do need to find out what happens next. I do stay up way past the time all the stupid little vampires return to their beds...doing what...reading: enjoying life experiences, sharing the joy of living with those who can tell it best.

P.S. Most of the other students are begging for me to read it to them tomorrow.