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!
This year I have learned that while there is no cure for my chronic pain some mental habits reduce it and some increase it so I’m now working on learning to stick to the helpful mental habits!
This year I learned how to make & made some things on my Recipe Bucket List: croissants, tortillas & empanadas.
I learn so many things every day. I learned to knit I-cord.
I learned how to create records for library books – basically how to code the information on the physical book so that it shows up correctly in digital databases.
I’ve learned that you can ignore the small issues and not try to please everybody because in the end,, the thing that matters the most is the person you love the most.
I learned that cancer is a symptom of a body crying out for help. That shifted the perspective into gratitude. Thank God, it was there so that I knew something was really wrong.
I learned how awesome Akbash are as a breed. The rescue we adopted is amazing!
I learned that I could be an adult in a time of need and could stand on my own, if I needed to.
This year I learned to be open to change and to let myself like something I never thought I would like. I opened myself up to new experiences and am so grateful for it!!!
I have learned to cut myself some slack, that going to the dentist does not have to be a once a decade thing, and that my eyesight is much worse than I thought and thus how to adapt to wearing glasses.
I’m a knitter, and I learned German Twisted Cast on and Turkish cast on this year. Maybe not important, it it was fun!
I learned how to make curtains this year!
yay me! Very empowering
I learned how to call my elected representatives and express my opinion (something that I am gearing up to do a heck of a lot more frequently in the future).
This past year I learned that I actually have a pretty good handle on things in my life. I can juggle what needs to be done if I just suck it up and do it. Adulting accomplished!
I retired this year – many people told me I would be bored but I found that my capacity to entertain myself is endless and so are good books!
This year I learned how to knit (well I’m actually still learning). And along with that I learned that in terms of activities that give me joy shopping for yarn is second only to shopping for books.
to accept things I can’t change
I’ve learned that I need to be more proactive in supporting social justice in America.
I learned that Geraldine Page and Janis Joplin were buddies, and so are Morrissey and Henry Winkler. These cognitive-dissonance pairings make me happy!
I moved cross country, out of my comfort zone. Still learning new roads, new doctors and stores, new birds, new planting zone. Working on finding new friends. Fortunately I took my favorite authors with me.
I learned that it is okay and often necessary to make myself and my health my top priority.
This year I learned to play Cards Against Humanity, channel my inner dark goddess, and gross out my adult children.
I’d like to share something profound and moving, but the above happened on Christmas, so it floated to the top first.
Oh, yeah, I also learned that the electoral college needs to be eliminated.
I learned that as much as I love my parents, they have beliefs and opinions that I cannot relate to and that sadly colors my respect for them.
On a brighter note, I discovered the author Sharon Bolton from a rec on this site and she’s pretty darn awesome.
I learned that my mother is actually right…occasionally.
Joy is a choice and if I am willing to do the work, I can be joy-filled at all times.
This year I learned how to be more of a listener with my family & at work. I have been working towards seeing what others’ needs are ahead of my own to be a more sympathetic human. It’s not easy! But I’m trying.
I learned to keep to a monthly book budget! There was only one month I had to “borrow” from the upcoming month. Taking the time to think ahead to what books I’d have reason to keep and what I’d need to own NOW and what I should wait for at the library, that made a difference.
I learned that no matter how old I get there are times I still need my mom.
I learned about this website from my friend Alex, I attended the Romantic Times convention for the first time and I learned to meditate. I also found a new author – Ilona Andrews!
Tai Chi.
I learned to be more assertive, which is interesting, because I thought I was. I started a new job as an assistant for the boss of a company and whenever I’m dealing with people and they don’t give us the answer we want he’s like, “Call them back and ask for better!” I found that mortifying…but successful. I started using the tactic in my own life and even though it was uncomfortable to start, the results have been great.
I learned about the incredible talent and versatility of the author Gabrielle Zevin. I stumbled onto The Storied Live of A.J. Fikry, loved it, and then fell completely under the spell of her chocolate trilogy, starting with All These Things I’ve Done. It is such a treat to find someone so talented without any preconceptions or expectations.
I learned to drive in a blizzard on snowy mountain roads, which was terrifying for me.
I learned that Regency romance is my catnip!
This year I learned about bullet journalling and have been using it to plan and carry out learning other things (like spinning yarn).
I learned how to ask for a raise at work!
This year I learned about bullet journaling and have been using it to plan and carry out learning other things (like spinning yarn).
This year, I learned that I can prioritize reading. I exceeded my 26 books/year Goodreads’ Reading Challenge and branched out into new genres. I found this website/newsletter thanks to my reading partner and discovered there are romances for every taste and fancy.
I learned that if I don’t keep my core strengthened, I will suffer running injuries.
This year I discovered daily yoga classes are a great way to make new friends in a new city and ground myself.