Merry Christmas

I know it's been a spotty December, but I'm done work for the rest of the year and the kids are done school. Let the Christmas celebrations begin.

So I leave you with one of my favorite songs redone. The kids are super cute.

Have a very Merry Christmas full of fun, eating, and family, especially family. See you in the new year.

Why I've been gone

It's been a while since I've posted anything. There have been two reasons for my lack of presence from the blogasphere.

1. I haven't had much to say. A few times I've opened a blank blog and searched for something other than the usual. I wanted to be able to impart words of wisdom, encouragement, something. But nothing came besides, wow, this is still really hard (which everyone already knows).

2. I haven't had the time I've wanted to be able to visit your blogs and I'm a big believer in reciprocating. If you comment on my blog, I comment on your blog.

Okay maybe I have three. My kid's basketball schedule has been insane (8 games this weekend alone). But Christmas break is coming and I'm looking forward to some less scheduled days.

Meanwhile here are a few things I've been thinking about.

In person critique groups are awesome. The brain storming that goes on during the three hours we meet every month is invaluable to me.

I absolutely love being a mom and even though it's busy, my favorite time is watching my kids play basketball even though half the time I'm shaking because I'm so nervous for them. And since today is National Hug Your Child Day, I can't wait until I get home to give them a big one.

Speaking of hugging:

I was in the car going to pick my son up from school when I heard the tragic news this weekend and it absolutely broke my heart. Today I read a great post from my friend Heidi that really touched me. She's such a great writer and a great person. Often, I wish we didn't live so far away from each other.

And you are....?

It's been a while since I've done a blog hop, so when I saw Emily King had one going for today, I hopped on.

Here are the ten questions I have to answer.

1. How many speeding tickets have you gotten?

My mind doesn't quite remember my high school years (I've blocked them). I think I may have gotten one or two or four, but I've only had two since I've been married and that's been twenty years.

2. Can you pitch a tent?
I can, but I refuse to. I hate sleeping on the ground.
3. What was your worst vacation ever?

When me and my husband were first married, we went on a rafting trip with a bunch of people we didn't know. We arrived at the hotel only to find out it was a communal room. Needless to say one guy snored so loud, I actually threw my shoe at him and he didn't wake up. Another couple slept naked and let their pet bunny run around the room. I also lost my wallet and it was freezing all weekend. Total trip from hell.

4. What was the last thing you bought over $100?

A pair of boots. It's cold up here in Canada.
5. We're handing you the keys to what?

A brand new house. I'm getting quite sick of mine.

6. What was the last meal you cooked that made even you sick?

I made a casserole that my mom used to make when I was a kid. Potatoes, rice, hamburger, and onions, all covered in a tomato sauce. It was awful and I made way too much. An ice cream bucket full of leftovers stayed in my fridge for a week until I finally threw it all off.

7. Fill in the blank: Oh my gosh! Becky, look at her butt! It is so big. She looks like  ____?

My mom taught me never to say anything mean out loud, but... okay... wait... now I'm all flustered and can't think of anything.

8. What was your first car?

I inherited a chevy blazer when I got married, but our first car together was a Ford Escort.

9. Your best friend falls and gets hurt. Do you ask if he/she's okay or laugh first?

Depends if she's laughing. I'd probably hold my breath for a moment before making a decision. I'm kind of a people pleaser.
10. What's the worst song ever?

Gangnam Style. Seriously. I don't get it.

This was fun. Totally looking forward to reading everyone's answers. If you're interested, see Emily's link at the top of this blog.

So how about you? If you could answer one question on this list, what would it be?