December 31

Diana Fletcher wishes us a Happy New Year and advises us to "go for it".


Making at least ten New Year's resolutions is definitely on my to do list today.  This year, I am going to keep them someplace where I can see them so I don't forget about them.  I am also going to not make my goals too outrageous because it is pretty easy to set yourself up for failure that way.  I am going to have a really fun night tonight and then I am going to welcome the New Year with open arms.  Even if 2012 might be the end of the world as we know it.
AMANDA

One of my New Year's resolution this year is to update our 1001 Albums blog every day. How do you like that, Amanda? :) I always get really sad at the end of the year for some reason. I like to think that I am always open to change, so that isn't it. Maybe I am sad because I cannot believe how fast another year has gone by. I am also kind of upset due to relationship issues. And I hate that, because I am letting a guy ruin my New Years Eve. But as I am writing this post, I am being comforted by an amazing friend.

xx Brie

December 30

Laugh.


So while I write this post, I am watching the movie The Grapes of Wrath.  If you have ever read the book or seen the movie, you know that it is not exactly laugh out loud funny.  Thankfully, I went out to lunch with my brother and sister today (go to Noodles and Company and get the buttered noodles; you won't be sorry) so I have already done some hard laughing.  I would recommend Office Space, Horrible Bosses, First Wives Club, or Bridesmaids if you want to do some hard laughing.
AMANDA

Amanda and I, along with our friends Rachel (also Amanda's sister) and Mara, watched Office Space tonight. It was super funny, and because all four of us were together, we laughed a lot. I won't mention any names, but one of us took some perscription medication that made her kind of loopy, which was hilarious. I was crying because I was laughing so hard. I would post a video, but mine are never as funny as Amandas.

xx Brie

December 29

Make a list of 25 joyful feelings, items, or activities.

Oops.  I accidentally skipped this one a couple of days ago and only just realized it now.  Let's repair the damage with...

MY LIST

1. Reading

2. Watching movies

3. Listening to music

4. Writing

5. Seeing my friends and family

6. My chinchilla

7. Goat cheese (this deserves a place; I don't care what anyone says:))

8. Soda

9. Cake

10. St. James Park

11. Waking up on a weekend

12. Ewan McGregor

13. Opening a new book

14.When a movie starts and all the production companies are shown

15. Taking a walk in the night

16. The start of a weekend

17. Walking into a book store

18. The Beatles

19. Watching Seinfeld, Friends, or Family Guy

20. Meeting a funny, intelligent guy

21. Eating chocolate

22. Reaching a landmark in my 1001 journeys

23. Laughing

24. A pub in England

25. Capri, Italy

Wow, 25 is a lot.

AMANDA

Okay, I am going to make my list without looking at Amandas, so if there are repeats, please don't judge. :)
1. Being with my friends
2. Being with my boyfriend
3. Being with my family
4. Being around animals
5. Singing
6. Laughing/smiling
7. Standing outside in the rain
8. Music
9. Walking on the beach at night
10. A certain necklace that was given to me by someone very special
11. My blanket I've had since I was born
12. Going to museums
13. Hanging out at a library
14. Being honest
15. Shopping!
16. Reading
17. Sleeping in
18. Flemish Giant Rabbits (they exist! Look them up!)
19. Watching movies
20. Holding hands
21. Listening to rain
22. Desserts/sweets
23. Ewan McGregor's smile (as previously featured on this blog)
24. A nice, hot cup of tea
25. Traveling

xx Brie

December 28

Is there someone you know who is in need?  Don't forget.


I have mentioned this in previous posts but my grandfather died last month.  I know my grandmother is having a really difficult time with it.  I am going to write her a letter today to remind that if she needs to talk, I am here.  I think it is really important not to forget about others especially during this time of year.
AMANDA

That is such a sweet idea, Amanda. I keep in contact with all of my close friends and relatives, so I probably won't write any letters today. My friends and I usually call each other right away when something big happens, but I will make an extra effort to let them know that I am here for them at all times.

Here are a few quotes I came across recently and wanted to share:

Strange how people who suffer together have stronger connections than those who are most constant. -Bob Dylan

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. -Dr. Wayne Dyer

The second quote, I thought, really captures one of the goals of this blog. It is all about changing the way we percieve things to live a more positive life.

xx Brie

December 27

Have a pajama day.


I actually got a pair of comfy pajamas for Christmas.  I am wearing them right now and let me tell you, I am competing with chinchillas right now for the Softest Creature award.  I love having pajama days.  This doesn't necessarily mean you don't get anything done.  I have been puttering around the house and completing chores all day.  Enjoy!
AMANDA

I got pajamas for Christmas, too! :) I have pajama days sometimes when I have a lot of work to do. As soon as I get home, I will put on my pajamas. Hey, if I have a lot of work to do, I might as well be comfortable while doing it!

xx Brie

December 26

Get more sleep.


I have been getting a lot more sleep over the holidays but usually I get up at 6:00.  I don't really have a huge problem with us.  I like having long days.  I think it is important to listen to your body.  Don't leave twenty things to do at 10:00 when your body may be trying to tell you that it is time for rest.  I think it is all about balance and everyone is different.
AMANDA

I agree that everyone is different. I need about nine hours of sleep per night to feel completely rested. I also know that I can over sleep and be groggy the rest of the day. Usually, I get about six or seven hours of sleep per night when I am not on holiday. Don't try to do too much during the holidays. Your body needs time to rest and recover. This time of year isn't to add stress , it is a time for rest and relaxation.

xx Brie

December 25

Merry Christmas!  Enjoy.


I am having such a good day!  My family and I have been playing TV Scene It, charades (me and my sister kick ass), and just enjoying each other's company.  I also got some great gifts including gift cards, a Beatles picture, and some great movies.  It has been a great day and I think I really enjoyed to the fullest.  CHECK!
AMANDA

I am experiencing a case of the 'Christmas is over' blues. :(  Today was awesome, though. Everyone loved the presents I bought them, and I recieved some amazing things, too. I got a lot of books and movies. I am completely sincere when I say this: I would trade all of the gifts in the world for time with my family. Honestly, I would. I had so much fun with them today that I forgot all about the gifts I had recieved. I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday.

xx Brie

December 24

Find something to anticipate.  It can be mundane or simple.


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

I know what I am looking forward to: Christmas tomorrow!  My family is not religious but we do enjoy Christmas.  I am excited to eat indecent amounts of chocolate, see my family, and give and receive presents.  If you don't celebrate Christmas, I think you can still follow the latter part of the advice.  I look forward to writing these posts or watching movies.  Though these tasks may seem mundane, I have a lot of fun with them and look forward to them often.
AMANDA

I know it may sound really cliche, but I like to give gifts more than I like to recieve them. I think I chose some very good gifts this year, and I cannot wait to see everyone's faces when they open my presents! I love spending time with my family, because we always have such a fun time every time we are together. I know I will be laughing a lot tomorrow. When it isn't the holiday season, I look forward to listening to great music and spending time with my friends. Another one of my favorite things to do is go to an art museum. I can spend hours wandering through the long hallways, and I find it very theraputic. It removes me from the stress of my every day life and clears my mind. If you celebrate, enjoy your Christmas!!!

xx Brie

December 23

Don't be a wet blanket or a killjoy.  Protect your dreams from these people.


I sometimes crush people's dreams.  Hell, me and my friend Mara do it all the time.  We don't do it on purpose but the two of us usually think everything through and assume the worst. It is pretty natural for us to ruin people's dreams just by asking questions.  I agree that you should protect your dreams from us killjoys, but make sure you can also defend it.  A conversation about logistics should not be enough to ruin your dream.  If you can't aptly defend it than you may want to rethink your game plan.  Believe me, we wet blankets lurk everywhere.  Be prepared!
AMANDA

Amanda has over dramatized that. She really isn't like that. She is simply a realist. When I first began my current relationship and told one of my family members about it, said family member told me something to the effect of "Well, just so you know, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if you broke up". We had just gotten together. Way to put a damper on my newfound love. I didn't listen to that person, of course, and I am still with him. To address Amanda's advice, "if you can't aptly defend it than you may want to rethink your game plan", my defense was that we compliment each other. I mean, it wasn't the strongest defense, but it is really hard to explain my feelings sometimes. And I don't think "I really like him" would be a very solid defense, either. Trust in yourself and follow your intuition. It's gotten me where I am today. But also ask your close friends for advice often, because the different perspectives can help you to make smarter decisions.

xx Brie

December 22

Make a list of things you could do if money wasn't a problem.  Try to think of ways you could make the dream happen without the cash.


1. Live in London
2. TRAVEL!
3. Get started as a producer in Hollywood
4. Be a private detective
5. Stay in a castle
AMANDA

1. Have a ridiculous amount of clothes
2. Live in France and New York
3. Start an organization that helps people in Third World countries
4. Travel, without working (meaning I wouldn't have a job, and I would just travel around not worrying about how I am going to pay for everything)
5. Study at an amazing university anywhere in the world

Basically, I just want to work on creative projects all of the time and not have to have a job or anything that takes up my time doing something I don't like. I think we all want to do what we want, when we want, all the time. Of course, that isn't realistic. But it doesn't have to be realistic on this list.

xx Brie

December 21

Stop claiming you are not creative.  If you have thoughts, you are creative.


I never really claim I am not creative.  I mean, I don't go around bragging about it but I think of some good story ideas sometimes.  I cannot do art, though; a recent horrific doodle of a car will be enough proof for you.  I also create disaster in kitchens (I am thinking of a specific mac and cheese incident here).  I think we are all creative in at least one area, no matter what your talents are.  I think you really have to work on your talent, though.
AMANDA

Amanda, your ear/squirrel was a work of art. Don't kid yourself. Our friend Mara is probably the most creative person within a 100 mile radius of where we live. So, that can be pretty intimidating. But, it is just as Amanda said: everyone has at least one creative part to them. For me, I like to be creative with my clothes and sometimes interior decorating. I am in no way a musician, but I love to listen to different types of music, so I think it counts as creative if I express my emotion through music. I think the most important part of being creative is releasing your feelings and expressing your emotions in healthy, productive outlets. We don't all have 'in your face' type talents. It is all about the qualities that make you unique rather than how amazing you can be at something.

xx Brie

December 20

Change for the better even if you are scared of the unknown.


I tried really hard to think of a recent example from my life to write about in this post but I came up with nothing.  I am feeling really sick right now so my headquarters may become my bed.  The nice thing about being sick is you can blame your illness for saying really stupid things (like pronouncing "blotchy" like "blouchy") or not thinking of any examples for your blog post.  Good night and good luck.
AMANDA

Something that has changed in my life recently is that I am in a new relationship. Now, I know new relationships are exciting and all that jazz, but I was/am a little nervous, too. I know that getting to know new people helps us grow as individuals and that relationships are good things. You never know what is going to happen when you become involved with someone else. Sometimes being involved with another person changes you for the better, and sometimes it changes you for the worse. All in all, though, I think it is worth it to take the chance. You might get more than you had ever hoped for.

xx Brie

P.S. I hope you feel better, Amanda :)

December 19

There is always a choice.


Although I think the above message is true, I believe that sometimes the other choices are so absurd that if you are smart, your choices are limited. For instance, I know I can choose to blow off two important meetings tomorrow but I would be totally screwed if I did, so I know I really can't.  I also know that technically I can choose not to watch "Countdown" forty times in a row, but realistically the power of the colors holds me back.  It is all about the balance.
AMANDA

There are two kinds of choices, the way I see it. The kind that lets you follow your heart and the kind that lets you follow your judgement and brain. So, even if you have those choices, can you ever really be happy unless you have followed your heart? I know it would probably be different and more complicated in a real life situation, but I think we should always follow our hearts. That is where I believe true happiness comes from. I also think that if you follow your head rather than your heart, you will be more prone to regrets and those two haunting words: 'what if?'.

xx Brie

P.S. My Dalai Lama daily inspiration calender really captured what I think this blog, and Diana Fletcher's book, is about.

When our self-defeating attitudes, emotions, and conceptions cease, so will the harmful actions arising from them.

December 18

Trust your instincts.  Read The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.


CHECK!  My mom paid me to read that book because I thought I knew all the techniques and it would just needlessly scare me.  It was actually pretty interesting especially when de Becker talked about threats.  Parts were very disturbing but I think it was worth it.  I also think women should take self defense course at some point in their lives.  I took tae kwon do for two years and I feel safer knowing I could defend myself.  Teach yourself how to fight, and then make sure you never have to.
AMANDA

December 17

Let out your emotions, either by talking about them or by writing about them.


I have always been able to let out my emotions because I have such great friends and family.  Yesterday, my friend Mara and I did some charity work at her church.  We helped load food baskets and presents for people who could not afford them themselves.  We got to talk a lot to each other. It was a very rewarding experience for multiple reasons.  Whenever you want to talk to someone, you don't have to make it an official meeting to discuss emotions.  If you have good enough friends, you can do it any time, any place.
AMANDA

December 16

Get silly.


My sister, my mom, and I get very silly together.  We laugh, we dance, we imitate funny moments, and we have fun.  I think this is very important.  I read a quote once that said "Life is not about weathering the storms, but learning to dance in the rain."  If you are serious all the time, you are going to have a hard time getting through tough times in your life.  My solution for seriousness?  30 Rock and Spongebob.
AMANDA


I am in love with that quote, Amanda! I have been so stressed out about this overwhelming amount of work lately  that I haven't let myself get silly. It is a little late to let loose right now, but tomorrow I will make it a point to have some serious fun. Saturday was a really good day for us. (Us meaning Amanda and I.) We had a movie night with our friend Mara and Amanda's sister, Rachel. We laughed so much and so hard that night. I am so glad I have a group of friends who aren't afraid to look a little silly and get crazy. I second Amanda's seriousness solutions. And I add to that list The Office.

xx Brie

December 15

Don't let your daughter be in an abusive relationship.


Well, I don't have a daughter.  So...this is awkward.  Neither does Brie.  I think you should always look after young women in your life to make sure they don't get involved in dangerous situations.  If any mothers out there want to comment and give better advice than we can (not much of a challenge), feel free!
AMANDA

Well, this post is kind of a bust. I think as women, we instinctively take care of everyone around us (there are exceptions to this, I know). Even though I am the same age as Amanda and our friend, Mara, I always feel a sort of mothering instinct with them. I worry about them when I know they are sad, and I protect them as much as I can. And I'm sorry we couldn't have been any more insightful with this post. To echo what Amanda said, if you have the time to comment and are a mother, please feel free to leave your opinion/advice on today's post.

xx Brie

December 14

Sometimes we are attracted to people who are not good for us.  Learn to avoid potentially dangerous relationships.


I have been attracted to the bad boy every once awhile.  I mean, my tumultuous relationship with Mark Wahlberg is talked about all over the world!  Seriously, though, don't be a mob wife.  They are the most annoying characters in the movie and no one wants to hear about them.
AMANDA

Our friend, Mara, is convinced that I am "into bad boys". I think that it is true, for the most part. Some men who made the list include James Dean, Bob Dylan, and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. I recently read an article online about how women aren't attracted to smiling men, but rather, to brooding bad boys. I think this is true to an extent, but my boyfriend smiles all the time, and I think it is adorable! Plus, have you ever seen Ewan McGregor smile? If you don't fall in love with him, check your pulse, because you might be dead.

xx Brie

December 13

If you are friends with someone who talks about other people behind their back, chances are they talk about you.


We pretty much addressed choosing friends carefully in yesterday's post.  I don't really have anything to add.  Brie, what is your list of most epic friendships?  Here's mine; post yours!
1. Samwise Gangee and Frodo Baggins
2. Shawn Spencer and Burton Guster
3. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson
4. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
5. Obi One Kenobi and Anikan Skywalker
AMANDA

It is a bit unfair that you got to pick the best ones first!!!! Ugh, I will do my best....

1. Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac
2. Buzz and Woody from Toy Story
3. Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg
4. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermionie Granger
5. John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter... We are so cool.

xx Brie

December 12

Get out of friendships that are negative.  If you don't like the way your friend treats people, end the relationship.


I love my friends.  That may sound like I am stating the obvious, but I know that I have had friends in the past that I kind of tolerated.  I didn't like the way she/he talked to other people but I was stuck with the person so I put up with it.  However, you have already met the charming Ms. Brie who is funny, kind, and thoughtful.  Our other best friend, Mara, is a lot of fun and really smart (maybe some time she will guest speak on this blog).  I know this sounds cliche but I think that you can get through anything with good friends.  Just look at Samwise and Frodo!
AMANDA


Amanda, you are so cool with your Lord of the Rings reference! :) I never really knew what good friends were like until I met Mara and Amanda. They are so understanding and caring, and I had never experienced friends like that before. Before I met Amanda, I had a friend who was really mean to everyone around her. Even me, and I was supposed to be her best friend. Being in that friendship was constantly stressful to me, as I would go back and forth between being who I was (a kind, compassionate person, if I do say so myself) and who she wanted me to be (mean, unfeeling, rude). I often look back on that friendship, and I think about how getting out of that situation and creating my own path was the best thing I could have done.

xx Brie

December 11

Forgive strangers who may be slightly rude to you.


I headbutted two different people last week.  On both occasions, I wheeled around and found really tall men standing behind and I totally whammed them. I would hope that these guys don't think I am a total psycho.  On the other hand, sometimes if someone accidentally slams a door in my face they are on my hit list for eternity.  I should try to me more forgiving.  Tis the season.
AMANDA
In the spirit of niceness, here is a link to a really cool song.  Click here.

I think today's message is one of my favorites so far. I used to let the smallest rude thing fill my day with negativity. I am learning to let go of these things with time. Letting strangers get you down is no way to go through life. Just because someone else is having a bad day does not mean that they have the right or the ability to ruin your day, too. Trust me, it will take some time, but do your best to keep a positive state of mind throughout your day. So many aspects of your life will improve.

xx Brie

December 9

It gets dark earlier this time of year.  Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe.


I am one of those people that gets freaked out if a car so much as passes me.  I feel like I keep myself pretty safe.  I took karate for two years, I have read books on safety (most notably The Gift of Fear), and I have a glare that frightens many a passerby (I killed a fly with my glance once).  Awhile ago we discussed safety so if you want some tips, you can check the earlier post.  Actually, you would have no way of knowing which post because we label them by dates.  That seems like a major flaw...
AMANDA

I have never seen this frightening glance. :) But I have seen a fly wither under her stare. Hehe. I think the usual tips go with this post: never be out alone past dark, don't walk through alleys, etc. Use your common sense and don't get too caught up in the excitement of the holiday season that you end up alone in the dark. It is no wonder that people gain weight in the winter. It seems like nine o'clock at night at five.

xx Brie

December 10

Stay hydrated.


All right, for some reason I have been a huge slug for the last couple of days and I haven't done shit.  I have been holding up the proceedings, for which I apologize.  I did go out into the world yesterday to see New Year's Eve and it was pretty awful.  I made my friend spit out her drink though so it was a plus.  Anyway, about drinking...


I love soda!  I am actually drinking a Coke Zero right now and it is delicious!  Water is so boring. I think coffee is disgusting, though, so at least I am not totally unhealthy.  I would make an effort to drink more water but this post is for December 10 so I don't have to anymore! Yay, chemicals!
AMANDA

Ugh, Amanda! Your words wound me. I try to drink at least six glasses of water a day. (I know you are supposed to drink eight, but they are pretty big glasses.) And I usually have three cups of herbal tea every day. For mornings, I either have coffee (a habit I am trying to break) or green tea with fresh squeezed lemon. For the afternoon I have something called African Red Bush tea, also called rooibos tea. It has so many amazing minerals and benefits for the skin. To end the evening, I like to have a nice cup of Sleepytime green tea. As for sodas, I don't really like to drink them. When I do it upsets my stomach. So even if you are big soda drinker, try to substitute a few sodas a day with water or tea. Before you know it, you will crave water instead of soda.

xx Brie

December 8

Shopping is not for the weak.

I absolutely hate shopping (I hope that doesn't make me weak!).  It is boring, tiring, and just altogether the worst.  I try to avoid it at all costs.  When I have to, I complain the entire time and demand candy (I can be a real treat).  I never understood how anyone could like it; it is mindless and frustrating.  It is a necessary evil, though, especially during the holiday season.  I like to go out to lunch or shop for books in between expeditions to make it easier on myself.  I would recommend the same but usually females enjoy the activity.  Suit yourselves!

AMANDA

I love shopping! Haha. If shopping equals strength, then I am quite a strong woman. This year, though, I am very short on time as far as Christmas shopping goes. My strategy is to online shop when I have the time. Perhaps if I order everything on Amazon.com, everything will come at the same time. If you are heading out to brave the crowds this holiday season, try to choose less busy times to go to the stores. Also, have a game plan in mind before you go. Make a list (as we said a few days ago) so you are focused and don't leave anything out.

xx Brie

December 7

Don't spend too much money just because it is the holidays.

I think we addressed this in a post a couple of days ago, so I will not dwell too long on it.  The only thing I would like to add is that the holidays are approaching quickly, so we should all make sure we are not leaving gift buying to the last minute.  I like to compose a list of presents to get so I don't forget anyone, and then go through every means I can think of to destroy said list.  Actually, I should probably do that now...
AMANDA

I have not made my list yet. Wow, I am so behind. I did, however, already get a gift for my dear friend Amanda. :) If you are buying any gifts online, make sure to place the orders in time to recieve them in the mail. I always wait until the last minute, so this year it is my mission to get all of my shopping done at least a week before Christmas. We'll see how that goes...

xx Brie

December 6

If something is not working for you, change it.  Just because it is tradition to do something a certain way doesn't mean you can't change it if it is bothering you.


Certain uncomfortable situations seem to present themselves often and it always shocks me.  I think to myself: "how could I let this happen again; I already went through this!"  I try to take each experience, however horrific it is, as a learning experience.  Of course, if you let history repeat itself, what was the point of going through it in the first place?  I think a good way to prevent this is to try to figure out what you could do differently next time right after something bad happens.  That way, you are always prepared.  I really should learn to take my own advice!
AMANDA

Sometimes I am so used to tolerating things that I just try to push right through it, the thought of changing the situation or not accepting it never occuring to me. I agree with Amanda; experience is the best teacher. I love Amanda's advice. I put it into practice all of the time. Usually, when I make a mistake I immediately go through the different ways I could have gone about the situation. I find that really prepares me for future situations and helps me learn from my mistakes.

xx Brie

December 5

Think about what you have accomplished, not what you didn't get done.


I love lists (I know this may come as a shock to some) so I am constantly making to do lists, to read lists, and to watch lists.  I rarely get bothered about how much is on the list, though.  I know this is going to sound lame, but I do believe that it is truly about the journey, not the final product.  I didn't start the 1001 lists just to say I finished them, but rather to broaden my mind and experience the greatest works ever produced by the human race.  I do recommend to do lists; nothing like checking off a tiresome task!
AMANDA

I was never a list person. Until I met Amanda. :) Now I make lists all the time! I just love the feeling of crossing off a task and reflecting on a job well done. Today I finished a book, and completed most of my work. Instead of stressing over the couple of things I didn't have time to do, I choose to celebrate and feel proud of the work I did accomplish. Don't sell yourself short. Recognize the effort you put in every day and realize that it is truly amazing how much you are able to accomplish. It's all about changing your way of thinking and cultivating the skill to put a positive spin on everything life throws your way.

xx Brie

December 4

When a person you love loses someone, it is often unclear how to act.  Listen to what the person says they need, not what you think they need.


In my experience, people never know how to act when someone they love is going through grief.  Everyone always seems to want something different.  When I lost my grandfather a couple of weeks ago, I actually wanted to talk about it.  I wanted to talk about him and what a dapper gentleman he was and I wanted to share some memories I had of him.  Of course, most people I talked to wanted to change the subject immediately because they figured I wanted to get my mind off him.  I love the second sentence in this message!
AMANDA

I completely agree that everyone needs something different when they are going through the process of grieving. I, personally, have never lost a close family member, so I can't speak for experience. I am not afraid to talk about my feelings, but I can't really say how I would act if I lost someone very close to me. Usually, when something terrible happens to me I let myself be sad for a while, and then I like to laugh about the problem and do happy things. Everyone grieves in different ways, and it is important to be sensitive and understanding to the feelings of everyone around you.

xx Brie

December 3

You do not have to spend loads of money on peoples' presents.  You can still show someone you love them in cheaper ways.


I know people will probably not believe me when I say this but I would rather get books or movies for a holiday than expensive jewelry.  I always love gifts that you can fun with immediately rather than gifts that are put away to wear or use at a later date.  I also am going to brag and say that I am rather good at getting people gifts that are not that expensive but still thoughtful.  For instance, one time I got my sister a bucket of Starburst.  You read that correctly.  She once said that she wanted a bucket of Starburst (she wasn't serious) and I thought to myself: I can make that happen.  It really was not pricey but it was something really personal that she enjoyed.
AMANDA

I agree, Amanda. I would much rather have a thoughtful gift. I truly believe that it is the thought that counts. Amanda and I already were talking the other day about how I like to get clothes for Christmas, and she doesn't see the point, because she can't use it right away. I like to get clothes because then you get the excitement of wearing new things for a while after Christmas. I like to give people books (of course) and music I think they would like. Years from now, I am more likely to remember thoughtful gestures and happy memories with my family than expensive, thoughtless gifts.

xx Brie

December 2

Plan how you will deal with rude or ignorant comments ahead of time so if any situations arise with relatives, you are ready.


Wow.  I really am stepping into another pair of shoes here with this one since I am usually the one who makes unintentionally rude comments.  Recently one of my uncles starting slamming my generation and told me to "use my brain for once".  He also stated that I had zero experience.  None of these comments were appreciated.  I just kept arguing with him until he tired himself out and then I hid in my bedroom for the remainder of the night.  I think I handled it pretty well; I held my own without being equally offensive (although I did call him a snob; totally justified).  I need to worry more about what comes out of my own mouth than what comes out of other people's.
AMANDA

My relatives and I generally get along very smoothly. There is one instance that I can recall in which a relative started yelling at me from across the room. And it was so unexpected, because I was talking with another relative at a normal speaking level very calmly at the table. I didn't know what to say at all to the yelling relative, so I just took a deep breath and walked into another room. I used that time to clear my head about what had happened, and I sorted through what I wanted to say in response in my mind. I am really proud of how I reacted in that situation, because I was able to stay calm and I avoided saying something I would regret. So, the best advice I could give for unexpected rude comments and situations of the like is to remain calm and, if possible, take a time out before responding. However, I know that is not always possible. If you remain calm so you won't speak with anger.

xx Brie

December 1

Remember that the holidays are fun and loving, not just stress triggers.  Plan some family time and alone time right now. NOW!


This message was a bit pushy, wasn't it?  I cannot speak for my family at this moment!  Anyway, I have never been one of those people who has to "get through" the holidays.  I am not a huge Thanksgiving fan, but I love Christmas and New Year (yes, I am an atheist but Christmas is so commercialized that I celebrate it anyway).  My sister is visiting town for Christmas and I know I am going to spend those days with my family.  This weekend, I am going to see a play with my older brother.  I love spending time with my family; we are all really close.  Yay, December!
AMANDA

My family (and extended family) gets together almost every week, usually on Sundays, so during the holiday season we aren't seeing each other any more than we usually do. I can't help but get a bit stressed at this time of year. I have been overloaded with work recently. And on top of that, I haven't even begun Christmas shopping! I really want to enjoy the holidays this year, so I am just going to have to work around my busy schedule. This weekend I am going to spend time with my best friend, Amanda, and my family. :) I can't wait for it to snow! Having a thick blanket of snow on the ground always reminds me of how magical winter truly is.

xx Brie

November 30

Be yourself.


Well, the message is simple enough.  I think the execution is rather easy too.  Sometimes, I am myself too much.  I am a quiet person, and a sarcastic one at that.  When I am with strangers, I sometimes lurk in corners creepily rather than engage people in conversation.  I also make jokes when I get nervous and when people don't get your sense of humor, this can be quite awkward.  Especially when you are meeting your friend's new boyfriend and start rambling about the threats that ants pose to society.  I think you need to moderate yourself and make sure you are not making others feel uncomfortable.
AMANDA

I think I am almost always myself. Sometimes I am a bit more restrained if I feel uneasy or uncomfortable in a situation. Amanda and I have the exact same sense of humor, so when we are around other people we tend to go into our own little world. Sometimes people think I am 'judgemental' because I am curious about the motives behind their actions, and I am honest with them. But I was always told that honesty is the best policy. Sometimes I don't know when to lie to spare someones feelings. Be yourself at all times, unless you are hurting someone else.

xx Brie