It's December 22, do you know what that means?
It's December 22, do you know what that means?
Tomorrow is Festivus! Get your Festivus pole ready, prepare your feast and get ready to air your grievances and perform Feats of Strength.
Happy Festivus Eve,
This week, What I’d Rather Be Talking About is… FESTIVUS, and how I could listen to George Costanza’s dad on repeat until the end of time. I hope you’re all handling the craziness of December with only a few grievances to air. Regardless of what holiday(s)you celebrate, my (Festivus) wish for you is that you’re healthy, happy, and surrounded by those you love.
Here in Wisconsin, I’m gearing up for feats of strength in the form of shoveling out from a winter storm that’s brewing. I’m also trying my best not to air my grievances as I run around like a maniac taking care of last-minute errands. To date, I’ve avoided the “Marshalls Death March”, but it hasn’t been easy.
I’ve tried to distract myself from shopping by working on this newsletter. I hope you find some valuable info to take with you as we wrap up December and get ready for the New Year. And by valuable info, I mean podcasts to listen to when you need to escape from family or reality, and a few things to watch if you just want to chill by the fire. I’ve got a special guest post from my “Sommelier” brother-in-law. (Actually, he’s a cardiologist, but I like to refer to him as the Family Sommelier.) I think you’ll enjoy his recommendations if you’re into vino.
Finally, because I always have to end things on a sentimental or serious note, I’m including a special holiday Letter to Louie.
Thank you for taking the time to read What I’d Rather Be Talking About. I really appreciate your support & would love it if you’d subscribe and/or share it with a friend!
Stay healthy,
Abbey
IN MY EARS & ON MY SCREEN
A Podcast and a Look at Wellness in 2023:
Is it just me, or are you a lot busier with holiday parties and gatherings this year? I feel like everyone is making up for lost time. In the midst of all of this holiday cheer, I’ve been trying to “keep it clean” as I snack and imbibe. All of these parties are getting me primed to try out some of the 2023 wellness trends I heard about on the Hurdle podcast.
In this episode, host Emily Abbate talks with Abbey Stone, VP of Content for Well + Good. I loved hearing about what’s new in the world of wellness, especially new food trends such as snackable supplements. When I say snackable supplements, I’m not talking little gummies, (which hello… I love)but, who’s with me in that having just one doesn’t seem enough? This article has a ton of suggestions for snackable wellness. I’ve placed an order for these Big Little Bars and can’t wait to tell you about them. The mini snack bars contain 100 percent of your daily essential vitamins and omega-3s. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather eat a delicious bar than pop a fishy Omega 3.
Some Movies To Watch While During Holiday Hibernation:
Love Actually- If you haven’t already watched this movie over the last 6 Christmases, then what have you actually been doing with your life? Kidding, but come on, watch it already. You can see it again, or for the first time for free on Peacock, AMC with a subscription, or buy or rent on Prime, YouTube, Vudu (if you know what Vudu is please post in the comments), or Google Play Store.
The Family Man- Another “oldie” (from 2000) but worth a watch or re-watch. If you like Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni and want a heartwarming movie that shows us what’s important in life… then make some popcorn and hunker down with this lovely flick. You can find it on Amazon Prime.
A YouTube worth watching if you’re a freelancer or do work online: In “I need answers to these 5 questions. Fast.” YouTuber Sean of Location Rebel answers 5 questions that anyone who makes money on the internet should listen to. This includes freelance writers, influencers, affiliate marketers, or side hustlers. I’m paying attention to these as I build my freelance writing business.
LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS
Cheers to my awesome brother-in-law/the family sommelier. Meet Jack. Jack is a retired cardiologist in real life but plays a Sommelier at our family gatherings. I love talking to Jack about wine - he knows so much about it and is helping me get to the point where I don’t just default to choosing a bottle based on its pretty label. Be sure to check out this special feature where Jack does a deep dive into some reds and talks about where he finds his wine. It’s a must-read!
Another red beverage, but not wine… I’m talking Beet Powder. Sounds maybe a little gross, right? It’s actually good. I have a friend who I do hot yoga with, who also teaches all sorts of fitness classes, so she knows a thing or two about good hydration & working out. She introduced me to this supplement that promises to help athletic performance, fight inflammation, and provide Vitamin C, fiber, and so many other great perks. I ordered this one on Amazon, and
I want to drink my beet juice from this mug.
AND, ON A SERIOUS NOTE
Let’s be on the lookout for those in need of holiday magic. One of the greatest things my parents taught my siblings and me was the need for us to help others. They stressed we treat everyone with kindness, and always look out for those in need and offer them a bit of hope however possible. As the holidays are upon us, there seems to be something in the air reminding us all to be a bit more kind. My dad wrote a piece on Christmases of the past in one of his Letters to Louie. I think you’ll enjoy this inspiring read.
12/8/2009
Dear Louie,
Soon, during the next three weeks, an annual event will occur. That event is the organization and completion of the Christmas Committee’s annual program of gifting. For the past twenty-three years, Dorothy and I have been associated with the Christmas committee’s Annual Program. We initially were invited to lend our name and participate to “ride in the parade” and help to promote the event. Having just retired from the local clinic, and being unemployed for the first time in my life, I gladly accepted the invitation and that invitation has lasted for twenty-three years. Each year we have assisted in the collection, and distribution of gifted clothing, games, and other presents to many families of the Hartford area; each year we have been rewarded with a feeling of gratitude; gratitude for another good year, gratitude for the health to participate in the project, and gratitude to realize that we have gained more than given. We have made many friends of people whom we never would have met, we have been privileged to ease the anxiety of many, at least for a moment; and we have been humbled to realize how fortunate we have been. But, each year I recall Christmases of the past, Christmases of my youth when we were the recipients of the kindnesses and thoughts of others. I would like to recall some of the Christmases of the past. (Continue reading)
Enjoy the season and may 2022 peacefully and calmly wind down giving you plenty of time to rest, enjoy, and prepare for a wonderful 2023.
Cheers,
XO,
Abbey
Abbey- I so appreciate all your time & talent to share your thoughts & experiences. Thank you .