As we barrel full-speed ahead into Christmas (where did December go?!?) I feel a little bit like I got hooked onto the back of Santa’s sleigh and dragged reindeer-style across the globe. It’s not a great feeling.
Consequently, I’ve decided that it’s time to pause and enjoy a few little things in life lately. So whether you’re on your way to your Christmas cruise or still at work slaving over those deadlines, I hope one of these things brings you joy. ‘Tis the season to enjoy some good stuff, amirite?
I’m right. Just trust me.
Podcast: Three different people have recommended three different episodes of the Goal Digger podcast to me. And they’re right! Funny, honest, and practically helpful on a wide variety of topics, there’s an episode of Goal Digger for you. The host, Jenna Kutcher, also has lots of other resources and content, so if podcasts aren’t for you, you might still enjoy checking out her website. Fun extra bonus: she has a great Wisconsin accent.
Books: Okay, this is not a brilliant revelation, but an old standard. I’m currently rereading The Lord of the Rings book series and really enjoying it. Now, I know that some of you are groaning or rolling your eyes, but don’t scroll away yet. I’ve learned in recent years that a surprising number of our population have tried to read this series and just couldn’t do it. And guys – I understand. It took me 18 months to finish the first one. The Fellowship of the Ring can be PAINFUL, like tear your eyelashes out with just your pinky fingers kind of painful. But I finally finished it a few weeks ago, and promptly blasted through The Two Towers in less than a week. It’s worth the struggle, friends. Get through the Council of Elrond and the nonsense in Lothlorien – I promise it gets better from there.
Bonus book: I’ve been listening to Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by Rachel Held Evans, and I’ve really enjoyed it. The Audible version is read by the author, which I always enjoy. Rachel was able to paint a vivid and emotionally accurate picture of what it’s like to grow up in and struggle with this thing we Christians call church. It’s authentic and it’s not all easy to hear, but it’s also beautiful.
Music: Christmas music is a surprisingly controversial topic – when to listen, what constitutes “classic,” these things are almost as dangerous to discuss at the family get-together as the White House or Global Warming. But if you’re like me and you just enjoy good music that also incorporates Christmas, then check out Fragile: Nichole Nordeman’s new Christmas album. It’s different, but not so different that you find yourself wondering if you stumbled into a Christmas acid trip by mistake.
And finally, a quick recipe that is a new favorite in our home:
The Italian-ish Meal:
Start cooking one box of your favorite pasta (I prefer ziti, but it really doesn’t matter.)
Brown a package of Italian sausage with some minced garlic (I buy jars of pre-minced garlic because ain’t nobody got time for pressing and peeling.)
As the meat browns, add one onion (chopped as you wish) and one bell pepper (I usually go orange or red but it’s really up to you).
Add salt and pepper and Italian seasoning (also known as basil, oregano, and thyme, if you’d rather make it yourself.)
When everything looks cooked, add one jar or can of tomato sauce. (You can use a pasta sauce that has spices or a simple canned sauce, I’ve succeeded with both.)
Optional: add a bag of pre-washed spinach (add this a handful at a time to allow it to cook down.)
Once the pasta is done and drained, I mix it into the sauce (this allows for maximum integration and correct ratio assessment, but if you’d prefer to serve them separately, feel free.)
Top with Parmesan cheese and ENJOY.
Merry Christmas, friends. I hope you have some good stuff in your life this week.
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