It’s the sixth night of Hanukkah, and Smart Bitches gave to me… the Extrava-Hanukkah Giveaway of great simplicity!
Sometimes you just need books, and maybe some things to read with.
Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered: today’s giveaway is….
A $100 Amazon gift certificate!
That’s easy enough, right?
Here’s how to enter: leave a comment below and tell us something good you learned this past year. Maybe it’s a new author, or a new skill, or a Very Important Lesson suitable for a Very Special Episode of Blossom? Whatever it is, tell us about a good thing you learned, and you’re entered to win!
Standard disclaimers apply: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Must be 18 years of age and ready to shop though there’s no need to stop, drop or roll. We’re all safe here. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Comments will close at or near 12pm ET on Friday 30 December 2016 and winners will be announced shortly afterward.
Good luck and thank you for being here!
Update: The winner is Sue Rice, who learned some pretty powerful things this year.
Here’s to more learning and growing in 2017!
I learned that amazing things can happen outside your comfort zone. and so I went skydiving.
I learned the impotence of not sweating the small stuff.
This year I learned how much I dislike depending on other people…
I learned some unpleasant things, but also some new, interesting ones.
This year I learned to LISTEN. Not as simple as it seems. Since I had a stroke my speech is damaged. I can’t talk clearly and I so excited and I get literally fatigued. The I try to talk the I am misunderstood–it just becomes a vicious circle. Then I stopped struggling and realized there was reason for my speech problem. Maybe I have to listen more and talk less. It’s oddly comforting.
That you never know the last time you see someone will be the last time you see them.
I learned how to knit. Next year? How to knit well.
I learned how much I can deal with, and when to step away. And I learned how make toe – up socks!
I learned about financial planning and savings!
I learned how to be a better writer.
This year I learned that life is too short for $#!++¥ books!
I learned that I have been saying the word “cadre” incorrectly. I was pronouncing it CAH-dray, instead of CAD-ree.
I learned how to create elearning courses. Haha, only exciting to people in my field, I suspect.
I learned that I have a lot more willpower than I have ever given myself credit for.
This year I learned that I really love this community and the time I spend here is well worth it.
This year I learned that just by accompanying my son when he does the things he likes to do has made me knowledgeable enough to be labeled a “cool” mom (moniker bestowed by son’s friend). I can actually converse with my 16 year old and his friends about comics and Star Wars in a way that doesn’t embarrass him! I secretly love this stuff as much as he does, so that helps.
I had a (very unexpected) third baby and learned that sometimes the craziest “accidents” are the biggest blessings.
I learned how to make a quilt!
I learnt (or attempted to learn) how to scoop ice cream for a job. It’s not as easy as it looks! Much respect for those who mastered it.
I learned about you guys and this wonderful corner of the interwebs!
This year I learned to spend money on things that are fun! I have been so used to being poor small luxuries I can afford used to give me anxiety.
I learned that I’m actually pretty good at what I do, which is a relief. Starting a new career with a small child means it can take a while to get into your groove, but a few years in I’ve found it.
And I learned the hard way to not just let elections happen. Never again will I give some money and feel like I’ve done my part.
I attended my first RT Convention in Las Vegas and made some new friends and found many new authors to enjoy!
This year I learned that reverse culture shock sucks. And that all my work to move past my hot headed temper teenage years may have been for naught =Z
This year I learned that I can consistently meet my step goal if I put my mind to it.
That it’s okay to walk away from a friendship I don’t find uplifting. I still regret the time I wasted on it though, and that I didn’t listen to my intuition when I had feelings it was a bad idea to be friends with this person.
I feel like most of the things I’ve learned were reinforcements of things I already knew. For example, life isn’t fair – but it’s often more unfair in our favor than against it, so appreciate what you have because many people in the world have it worse. Being poor in America is still better than being poor in a lot of places.
This year I discovered two radio drama podcasts, Ars Paradoxica and The Bright Sessions. These two serials are fantastic and a departure from my typical informational/self improvement type podcasts. I highly recommend them to my fellow bitches!
In 2016, I learned how lucky I was to have very strong female influences in my formative years. I am better and stronger because of them.
I learned that I can run, even though it may kill me.
Finally able to think of something good about this crazy year! You mentioned discovering a new author, & I can’t limit to just one. I learned that Act Like It by Lucy Parker was as good as everyone said it was. I read my first books by Mary Balogh, Victoria Alexander, Roni Loren, and Sarah Mayberry after seeing them (a couple or many times!) on SBTB. And one lovely historical I found on my own, The Improper Bride by Lily Maxton. All new-to-me authors I’ll definitely be reading again!
Thanks for all the giveaways!!!
I learned to give a series/author a second chance. I read the first book in Patricia Briggs’ Alpha and Omega series maybe 2 years ago and my reaction was ‘meh.’
Fast forward to 2016, I devoured all the Mercy Thompson books, and already waitlisted at the library for the next book. I’m going to re-read that A&O book as well, expect I’ll be plowing through those soon as well.
So maybe it’s a blend of a second chance/recognizing that your tastes can change over time.
Sally Thorne is my favorite new author, and I learned about her here!
Hmmm. This year I have learned to trust myself a bit more and to think a bit less. Hoping that continues into 2017!
This year I learned how to be feel complete with myself when I am alone–sort of necessary during grad school toils, haha.
I started learning french on duolingo! obviously i still have a ways to go, but i’ve come a long way already. i practice pretty much everyday.
This year I’ve learned not to start a book or tv show series when you’ll have to wait a whole year for the next season or book… 🙁 but also that there are some great series out there haha
I learned to let go of things that I do not have control over and to focus on the things that I can change. Romance novels help me in coping with the stress of everyday. My secret happy pill. 🙂
I have learned many new recipes and cooking tips this year.
I learned that even though I turned 65, I’m still young.