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!Â
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!Â
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 learned that I will have to make peace with the gig economy if I want to eat.
I learned that life is too short to spend time finishing a book you don’t like! No one’s keeping score so find something you like – the world is wide!
I made a New Year’s resolution to take my sons to every state park in our state (25 of them) in 2016, and I learned that fascinating spaces can be found close to home (I live in the Midwest, so it might not be readily apparent), that forcing myself to have conversations with people is good for me (I’m naturally pretty shy), and that adventures are best when they’re shared with the people you love.
I learned the importance of self care.
I learned how to knit!
This is the year that I really, finally learned a sport that enjoy. I’ve been reading more about moving and running and now I can do 2 miles uninterrupted. It feels good!!
I learned to forgive and let things go–well, a little bit! : )
This was the year I discovered historical romances. And all I can think is…why did it take me so long? So, so good!
This year I learned:
1 Tai Chi, which is not only strengthening my body but also my lungs, and has given me back my lower register.
2 That I am more appreciated than I ever thought.
3 That I can still art, even without thread and little squares.
4 That my heart and brain still belong to SW fandom 🙂 even after all these years
5 That I am stronger than I ever imagined and can not only survive just about anything but also beat it into submission.
I’ve learned to follow my own timeline, not one dictated to me by someone else.
I learned how to self-publish a book on Kindle!
This year I learned how to be a mom to a teen driver and not panic in the drivers seat! I also learned I still have a deep abiding love for Nora Roberts as well as discovering author Jenny Colgan who made me literally laugh out loud in the middle of a very public place!
I learned that shutting up and listening is sometimes the best way to help someone.
The thing I learned, is something that you hear a lot, but it was told in the best way! I was listening to the podcast Risk, (I believe the episode was Flustered) and TS Madison told a great story with the moral being ‘live your authentic truth’ (because it’s all going to come out at your funeral)
I learned about the Hamilton Broadway show this past spring and have been addicted ever since. 🙂
I learned (and am still learning) how to put up healthy boundaries.
I learned the subtle art of not giving a f*ck. Well, I’m still learning, but it’s been a rough year and I’m learning to not worry about everyone else so much and more about what I can control.
I learned that Mayim Bialik has an amazing youtube channel and is very thoughtful about many aspects of life!
This year I learned a valuable lesson about trusting political polls… sigh.
I taught myself overtone singing! I’m still learning to control it, but for now I can still sing multiple pitches at once.
This year I learned that my dog is mortal, family is everything, and that the simple pleasures (sitting on the back porch with friends and a cup of coffee, making a meal together, and playing in the snow) beat the holy hell out of shopping sprees. Money means jack without the people you love in your life.
I learned to let some things go … and to accept that there are some things I cannot control.
I learned its okay to keep doing things even if I am not really good at them…knitting, kayacking, parenting!!!!!!!!!!!!
In 2016, I learned more about forgiveness. I think I’m getting better at it.
I fell in love with Kpop music, Korean dramas, and Korean food.
Yes! I could buy so many books with that.
There’s a serious limit to the amount of social media I can handle
I learned that consistent strength training helps me be better at other exercises. It’s been fun to run faster 🙂
One thing I’ve learned this year and am trying to do much better with is: realizing that I don’t need to weigh in on everything online. Faving and retweeting without additional commentary is much more effective and keeps the conversation centered on where it’s important.
This year was a mixed bag for me. I learned how to draw with vectors, how to better manage my anxiety and also about the creeping specter that is white feminism.
But I think… all of these were just about learning ways to approach things.
I learned that I can support and encourage without trying to control. I do not have to have an opinion on the actions of those I love. I can just LOVe them. This was a huge, huge step for me.
I learned how to bind books! It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn, and I finally did it this past year.
I have just come to realize that “this too shall pass,” and work on not stressing out so much. I need to appreciate the small moments in life more.
These last few weeks I have learned that self-care is really important when fear and anxiety at world events threaten to unbalance one’s life. Managing anxiety has been tough but I’m learning.
This year I discovered Annabeth Albert, who is one of my favorite authors at the moment. She writes very sweet mm books, and they’re weirdly soothing to read.
I’ve learned not to be so reactive to events beyond my control. Instead of getting myself worked up into a tizzy, I am focusing on things I can do and how to contribute to causes that make sense to me. Just this past week I joined the National Audubon Society, and felt great after making my donation towards membership. I’ve learned that I have to focus on the good in this world, and do my best to add to that.
I learned not to leave butter on the counter. Cats.
This year I learned how much I love my first granddaughter.
I learned that my horse will stand still, even with a car alarm going off within 10′ feet of him. This really is a HUGE deal.
I learned how to snorkel. It sounds silly, but the day after the election seemed like the perfect time to learn how to breathe underwater (and all the beauty to be found there)