Silly Celebration, take seven

So, I have this tradition of honoring crazy dates with lists.  Did you notice today's date?  It's 12/13/14.  This date won't come again for 100 years.  

A List of Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen

Twelve Non-Standard Christmas songs to love

• Angels We Have Heard On High by Home Free
• Mary Did You Know? by Pentatonix
• Silent Night by Jackie Evancho
• Song For A Winter's Night by Sarah McLachlan
• River by Robert Downey Jr. 
• Soon After Christmas by Stina Nordenstam
• I'd Like You For Christmas by Lois Mehalia
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Katie Melua
• Ain't Nothin' Like Christmas by Shelby Lynne
• Go Tell It On the Mountain by Toby Keith & Jewell
• Tiny Desk Concert by Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• The Christmas Can-Can by Straight No Chaser

Thirteen Christmas books that are my personal favorites

• The Innkeeper's Daughter by Carol Greene
• Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher by VIP
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (the one illustrated by Brett Helquist)
• Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
• Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant
• A Jolly Christmas at the Patterprints by Vera Nyce
• Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
• Santa Calls by William Joyce
• The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojceichowski
• Polar Express by Chris VanAllsberg
• Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
• The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola 

Fourteen ways to enjoy the mad rush of Christmas

• watch Elf as a family and string real popcorn garlands
• find a way to volunteer and serve
• load up the family to drive around and look at Christmas lights; bonus points if you take hot chocolate along with you
• be generous; with time, money, and good cheer
• sing along to the Christmas music playing in the malls and grocery stores
• Read How the Grinch Stole Christmas aloud to children
• Watch It's A Wonderful Life
• tie a wreath (or a red nose) to the front of your car
• clean up as you go
• spend more time with your family than shopping for them
• read something light, just for you, just for fun
• make Christmas Crack; eat it without guilt
• attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service
• go outside at midnight on Christmas Eve and sing Silent Night as you stargaze and count your blessings

Happy 12-13-14!

Silly Celebration, take six

So, I have this tradition of honoring crazy dates with lists.  Did you notice today's date?  It's 11/12/13.  This date won't come again for 100 years.  Kind of cool, hunh?  

A List of Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen

all lists in no particular order

Eleven ways to celebrate Thanksgiving

• Pack up a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child.  Nothing makes me so aware of my blessings as giving to someone who has so much less than I do. 
• Write letters to the people who have impacted your life.  Track down the teacher or Girl Scout leader who made such a difference in your life.  Email the college professor who inspired you to think in a newer, bigger way.   
• Before you can truly be grateful, you must be light-hearted.  Choose to forgive.  Do it now. 
• Make a Blessings Book out of scrapbook paper and pass it around after dinner this Thanksgiving. 
• Reread your Blessings Book next year. 
• Consider adding a family service project to your long weekend of cooking, eating, shopping, and playing. 
• Invite friends over for Thanksgiving dinner.  You never really know who doesn't have family to celebrate with - unless you ask.  
• As you rush around preparing, slow down.  Remember, who you share the meal with is much more important than the feast or decorations.
• Whether or not prayer is a regular practice of yours, take a quiet moment to truly thank God for all your blessings. 
• Be lavish with your affection.  These nutty relatives that drive you crazy are yours.  Yours. You know you love them.  Tell them so.
• Host an After-Thanksgiving dessert buffet and gather with your family of friends.  Tell them how much they mean to you.

Twelve Thanksgiving books even the grown ups will enjoy

• Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Devlin
• Millie and the Macy's Parade by Shana Corey
• Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
• A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman
• 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston
• Over the River, A Turkey's Tale by Derek Anderson
• 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
• One is a Feast for a Mouse by Judy Cox
• A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
• Beauty and the Beaks: A Turkey's Cautionary Tale by Mary Jane Auchs
• Mary's First Thanksgivng by Kathy-jo Wargin
• Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julia Markes

Thirteen chores you should do before the holidays arrive

• Drag out your winter clothes and coats.  Switch your closets around.
• Before you launder everything (see above) try this.
• You know that coat you forgot to take to the cleaners last March?  Do it now. 
• Depending on where you live, stock up on rock salt, wood for the fireplace, deicer, etc. 
• Have your kids try on their snow gear, especially the boots.  Shop now.  Once the snow falls, it's too late. 
• You, too. (see above)
• Buy more Christmas lights.  Do it now.  You know you'll need them. 
• Consider creating a hot chocolate station.
• Set a reasonable budget before the shopping bug bites. 
• Before the madness begins, make a list of the things you love most about the holidays.  Do those things. 
• Start writing your cards now.  Take the time to make it fun instead of a chore. 
• Schedule a pedicure.  Take a great magazine to read. 
• Schedule one Saturday afternoon at home completely alone.  Do nothing at all.  Sigh.  Now you're ready.

Happy 11-12-13

silly celebrations, take five

Today is 12-12-12. It's become a tradition for me to celebrate this triple date with you. I've had so much fun coming up with a variety of lists each year. I hope you enjoy this silly celebration. 

Twelve Lists of Twelve
all lists in no particular order

Twelve ways to say, "Merry Christmas!"

• Feliz Navidad, Spanish
• Happy Holidays
• Fröhliche Weihnachten, German
• Happy Christmas
• Selamat Hari Natal, Indonesian
• Happy Ho Ho Ho to you
• Feliz Natal, Portuguese 
• A very non-grinchy holiday to you, sir
• Buone Feste Natalizie, Italian
• Season's Greetings (my personal least favorite)
• God Jul, Swedish 
• Wishing you a very, very merry, very, very merry, wonderful Christmas time!

Twelve people who deserve your holiday cheer and patience

• anyone running a cash register
• everyone running a cash register
• your neighbors
• the children in your life
• the person beside you at church or an event
• your bank teller
• your mail-carrier
• mall employees
• your child's teacher(s)
• your own teacher(s)
• your own family
• You.  Be cheerful because it benefits you most of all. 

Twelve things you might consider letting go of this Christmas

• fruitcake
• listening to or singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
• buying too much for your children or grandchildren
• exhausting obligation parties
• over-scheduling
• the need to do everything perfectly
• shopping without a budget
• guilt-gifting
• dieting
• eggnog
• that one thing you dread most every holiday
• over-spending

Twelve reasons to send those Christmas cards

• your Grandma
• your Grandpa
• your Mom 
• your Dad
• to share that fabulous picture of you
• the old friend you really love, but never see any more
• because the people who love you really, really love hearing from you
• It's thoughtful.
• The US postal service really needs the business.
• You want to receive Christmas cards, don't you? 
• There are so many beautiful card options available now. 
• It's a lovely old tradition, and it would be a shame to see it die out.

Twelve free (or very cheap) gift ideas

• a letter to your child's teacher telling her specifically what she has done well
• a copy of that same letter to your child's principal
• spend time with your parents with nothing on the agenda, but time together
• your favorite recipe to someone who loves that dish
• burn a mix cd for a friend
• a pot of chili to the shut-in you keep thinking of, but never making time for
• pass along a favorite book
• set up your parent's tree for them
• carry a few candy canes in your pocket and give them to harried strangers with a great big, "Merry Christmas!"
• give your partner a long, loving massage
• in the drive through line, pay for the person behind you
• bring a coworker their favorite latte

Twelve simple ways to celebrate the holidays

• Go caroling.
• Forgive someone.
• Visit an elderly person.
• Think of the Christmas song you dislike.  Now, sing it loud and silly till it makes you laugh instead of cringe.
• Share your bounty, whether it's baked goods, left-overs, time, or money.
• Say, "Merry Christmas!" to every person who serves you this season.
• Sing along with the radio.
• Choose one person who would never expect a gift from you.  Deliver it in secret to them with an admiring note.
• Hang your cards on the front of your fridge for a happy jolt while you are making dinner.
• Suck on a candy cane.
• Buy a few stocking stuffers from a joke shop.
• Make or buy a dreidle and play it with your family.

Twelve inspiring images

• Heart, by Amy Gross
• now that's my kind of gift giving: Camper by Krista Keltanen
• a gorgeous city scene, photographer unknown
• peppermint delivery by Mandy Lynne
• Red and White Cheer via Midwestern Living magazine
• a rustic doorway by Shadetree Photography
• the perfect Christmas dress
• I want Christmas in a pink house
• beautiful Christmas interiors via Nil blog
• Christmas car, photographer unknown
• minimal holiday decor via Splendid Willow
• Christmas kiss, photographer unknown

Twelve things to do for yourself this Christmas

• tie on a gorgeous ribbon and dangle an old crystal from the corner of your stocking
• take the family on a light-looking drive
• watch something that makes you laugh
• if possible, visit Silver Dollar City
• buy yourself a gorgeous new calendar so you can feast on beauty all year long
• shower with this
• let go of perfect
• wear the red lipstick
• take a quick shower to get clean, then soak, soak, soak in a hot, hot tub
• look through old Christmas pictures and reminisce
• go to Godiva, buy a truffle, then sit in the quiet for 10 minutes and savor
• take a nap

Twelve big and little ways to give this Christmas away

• keep change on hand so you can put some in every red bucket you pass
• offer attention and hugs to anyone who wants it
• pack a box for Operation Christmas Child
• write that Christmas letter
• buy a Toy for a Tot
• give gift certificates to teachers, coaches, technicians
• donate time to your church
• participate in Secret Santa
• ask a teacher how you can help them this year
• give more than is asked for
• donate a big bag of dog food to the local animal shelter
• smile, smile, smile, smile, smile

Twelve terrific Christmas movies

• Christmas in Connecticut
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon version)
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Home Alone
• A Christmas Carol (the musical version)
• Elf
• A Season for Miracles (Hallmark Hall of Fame)
• White Christmas
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Polar Express
• The Story Lady
• A Christmas Story

Twelve things to do before you pack away the decorations

• Spend an evening enjoying your home after the hustle and bustle is over.
• When you hit the After-Christmas sales, remember that a bargin is only a bargain if you use it.
• Toss old and mangled ornaments and lights.
• Make a playlist of your favorite Christmas songs.  Now you'll have it ready for next year.
• Get rid of the half-finished project.  If you haven't done it by now - you likely won't.
• Think of the one thing you did that was most difficult this season.  Make a note to skip that thing next year.
• Buy new strands of lights while they are half off.
• Don't pack your favorite holiday movies.  You may want to watch them in July.
• Buy a small tree after Christmas to turn into a memory tree next year.
• Don't buy another storage bin.  Toss something instead.
• Label the bins so you can find thing quickly and easily next year.
• Use it up, give it away, or toss it out.

Twelve ways to get ready for the new year

• Sort and organize all your pictures from the past year.
• Return all library books or videos and pay any overdue charges.
• Start with a clean slate.
• Spend some time remembering.
• Go ahead and be sad over the losses and the hurts. 
• Now let them go. 
• Try to feel grateful for what the pain taught you.
• Journal about the lessons you've learned in 2012.
• Make a list of five people who changed  your life for the better in 2012. 
• Write them and tell them so.
• Write down 100 blessings of 2012. 
• Read them again on New Year's Eve, 2013.

Today's pictures were borrowed from these photographers: 1. 12, 2. "12", 3. 12 messehalle

Silly Celebration, take four

Today is 11-11-11. It's become a tradition for me to celebrate this triple date with you. I've had so much fun coming up with a variety of lists each year. Today is also Veteran's Day. So, before I go any further, I'd like to thank every Veteran for their service to our nation.

Eleven Lists of Eleven
all lists in no particular order

Eleven ways to thank a vet

• write a thank you note to a veteran you know
  
• teach your children to respect soldiers
  
• call your favorite veteran today, say thanks
• support the troops currently serving
  
• fly your flag today
  
• support our military
  
• attend a parade and cheer till you're hoarse
• any time you see a person in uniform, go up and thank them for their service
• support military families and be sure to thank their spouses
  
• find a parent whose son or daughter is currently serving, tell him or her you are praying for their child
• VOTE! Make the sacrifices worthwhile
  

Eleven ways to love your country

• when the national anthem plays: stand up straight, put your hand over your heart, and sing along
• learn the rules of flag etiquette and follow them
• learn some patriotic songs
• teach them to a child you love
• when you go on walks, take along a trash bag - keep America beautiful
• let your children hear you speak positively about our nation
  
• pray for our nation's leaders
• when you think something is wrong with our country work to change it
• stop complaining, start campaigning
  
• when you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, really think about the words
• VOTE! It is a sacred privilege.
  

Eleven ways to give

• mail Christmas cards and packages to soldiers overseas
• take a child you love to buy a toy to give to Toys for Tots
  
• fill a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child
• buy $10 of extra food each time you do a grocery shop; take it to the nearest food pantry
  
• sponsor a child through a program like World Vision
  
• deliver a meal to a sick colleague
  
• support St. Jude by making a donation
  
• instead of buying lattes for a month, donate the money to your local shelter for battered women
  
• participate in a breast cancer awareness run
• call up the animal shelter and ask what they might need; dog food, cat litter...
  
• call your local elementary school and ask if there is a needy family you can sponsor this Christmas
  

Eleven big ways to make a difference

• volunteer at an elementary school
• next time, go buy a burger for the homeless guy at the intersection
  
• consider being a Big Sister
• become a CASA volunteer
• give blood
  
• regularly spend time with an elderly person
• pay tithes
  
• consider volunteering at your local community center as a tutor
• contribute to a politician you believe in
• help with a voter registration drive
  
• VOTE! It is your biggest responsibility as a citizen
  

Eleven little ways to make a difference

• return your grocery cart to the corral
• return someone elses's cart while you are at it
• bring something for the bake sale
• spend lots at school carnivals
  
• take a moment to chat with your cashier
• leave a bigger tip
• stop at the high school band car wash
  
• when you receive good service, tell the manager
• share your recipes
  
• when you love a product, spread the word
• offer to keep your friend's child for an evening
  

Eleven way to love your husband

• never, ever talk badly about him to anyone
  
• notice when he does a chore
  
• DON'T redo something he just did
• participate in his interests
  
• thank him for all the things he quietly takes care of
  
• offer a back rub
  
• hold hands in the car
• snuggle during the movie
• don't grumble about his little quirks
• never say, "You always..."
• have sex more often
  

Eleven ways to love a child

• listen
• answer questions
• let them decorate their own room
  
• apologize when you are short tempered
• apologize when you are wrong
• carry the heaviest burdens, but give them enough to carry to make them strong
• say yes every chance you get
• set clear, reasonable boundaries and communicate them
  
• always discipline quickly, but never in anger
  
• every once in a while, skip the healthy dinner in favor of pizza
• LISTEN!
  

Eleven ways to love your parents and grandparents

• call
• call again
• call every single day
• disagree if necessary, but do it gently
• mail the thank you note
• protect their dignity as they age
• send pictures often
• ask questions about their lives and interests
• listen to their stories without sighing because you've heard it before
• hug them close every chance you get
• be patient
  

Eleven quick organization projects

• sort the recyclables and haul them off
• get rid of the shoes you never wear and polish the rest
• tear out the articles you liked and recycle the rest of the magazine
• toss all your old spices and only replace the ones you really use
  
• toss old Christmas ornaments this year and buy new lights on sale
• clean out your medicine cabinet
  
• clean out the junk drawer
• tidy your computer desktop
  
• update to a digital address book
• clean out your desk drawer at work
  
• clean out your email folders and in-boxes

Eleven images to make you smile

• Flying Squirrel Hiding in a Tree, Norihisa Inomata
• a symphony in yellow, Paul Frederickson
• Celebrity, complejo
  
• ladybug, photographer unknown
• Amy & Lewis, Freya Blackwood
  
• barn buddies, photographer unknown
• the owl owns this town, Penelope and Pip
  
• cutest baby photos ever, Stephanie Robin
• anything by Abigail Halpin
  
• bubble fancies, photographer unknown
• a little king, photographer unknown
  

Eleven habits that will make you happy

• seat dance in the car
• put things away as soon as you get home
  
• smile at strangers every chance you get
• practice guerrilla acts of kindness
  
• pay at least two compliments a day
• hug your friends; they need it and so do you
• say "I love you." often
• sing in the shower
• do more than is expected of you
• keep a list of the things you are thankful for
• read every day
  

Happy 11-11-11!

All numbers thanks to Leo Reynolds.

Silly Celebration, Take Three

Did you notice the calendar today? It has become a tradition for me to celebrate this triple date. Last year, I celebrated nines. The year before, eights. I love to celebrate and any silly reason will do. So, today, in honor of the date and of being excited over the little things, I offer you...

Ten Lists of Ten

all lists in no particular order

Ten ways to take care of yourself
so you can take care of everyone else

• make time for breakfast
• read for at least a half hour every day
• do that one thing on your to do list that keeps nagging at you
• get your family outside and take a walk
  
• buy yourself a delicious smelling shower gel and a new scrubbie
• invest in a good pedicure at least once a season
• that other thing on your to do list that keeps nagging at you? Mark it off. For good.
  
• take yourself out on a date
• watch your favorite chick flick and don't worry about the calories in your favorite snack
• call your best friend
  

Ten youtube videos that will inspire you

• to cook
  
• to draw
  
• to create
  
• to dance
• to make a list
  
• to live with faith
  
• to make a big gesture
• to watch an old movie
• to be a part of something fun
• to find beauty in unusual places
  

Ten healthy(ish) snacks to try

• pickled carrots
• pickled okra
  
• hummus and baked pita chips
  
• peanut butter and banana sandwich
  
• raw cauliflower with peach salsa
  
• string cheese - surprisingly good
  
• yogurt covered pretzels
  
• wasabi almonds
  
• apple slices and peanut butter
  
• 1 piece of Dove dark chocolate
  

Ten posts that will make you smile

• dirty dishes
• pretty as a picture
• mid-century sticky
• list twenty-four
• whirling butterflies
• insectia
• once more to the lake
• rabbit hole ripples
• they make me happy
• words and pictures

Ten things to be thankful for

• every easy breath
• good health
• a job
  
• the right to vote
• laughter
• good books
• hot, running water
• indoor plumbing
• comfortable shoes
• love

Ten websites to check out

• Loganberry Books
  
• Rollip
• Vagabondish
• Kids in Mind
• Stick
• Shop SCAD
• Daily Click
• Song of the Day
• Su Blackwell
• Thxthxthx
  

Ten ways to say I love you

• Creol - Mi aime jou
• Indonesian - Saya cinta padamu
• Italian - Ti amo
• Pig Latin - Iay ovlay ouyay
• German - Ich liebe dich
• Urdu - mai aap say pyaar karta hoo
• Lebanese - Bahibak
• French - Je t'aime
• Russian - Ya tebya liubliu
• Dutch - Ik hou van jou

Ten books I read again and again

• Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
• The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
• Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher
• 84 Charring Cross Road by Helene Hanff
• Boy's Life by Robert McCammon
  
• When Venus Fell by Deborah Smith
• Underfoot in Show Business by Helene Hanff
  
• Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg
• Cooking for Mr. Latte by Amanda Hesser
  
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgeson Burnett
  

Ten habits that will bring you joy

• spend some time each day with an animal
• write down the day's blessings before you go to bed
• take a walk every day
• do a series of stretches each morning before you begin your day
• drink lots and lots of water
• write thank you notes for even the littlest things
• sing. every single day. sing!
• do it now - whatever your it is
• try to do a random, secret act of kindness at least once a week
• make time for your friends
  

Ten ways to bring more joy to others

• work to be a more considerate driver
  
• spend the day with your mother
• mail a letter to your grandparents
• start a weekly family night tradition
• support a child through World Vision or similar
• look for more ways to practice good manners
  
• buy a child new crayons and two coloring books - join them
• keep your word
  
• give a grown up a silly gift, like bubbles or wax lips
• be enthusiastic!

Mosaic credits: 1. 10, 2. Ten.Dez.Diez.Dix, 3. 10

Another Silly Celebration

A little more than a year ago, I wrote a very similar post to this one. It was so much fun that I thought I'd do it again.

I am the kind of girl who gets weepy at Hallmark commercials and emotionally involved in things that don't matter very much. I really, really get excited to hear some one's good news. I feel sympathy pains when someone gets hurt or sick. I am usually the first person my friends come to when they get a new car because they know I'll be thrilled for them and demand a ride as soon as possible. I think the word for what I am is ENTHUSIASTIC.

Today is an example of the silly things I get excited about. Did you know today's date is 09-09-09? Seriously, how cool is that? And so, in honor of the day and of being excited over the little things, I offer you this post.

Nine Lists of Nine
all lists in no particular order

Nine easy treats to make a tough day a little better

• slowly eating a Snickers ice cream bar
• finding a personal letter in the mail
• slurping Sonic coke with extra ice
• calling your mom on the drive home from work
  
• having your best friend call just to check on you
  
• Chinese take out and a movie
  
• curling up with a great book
  
• a long, long hug from someone you love
• going to bed early

Nine comfort foods for when you need to bring out the big guns

• homemade mashed potatoes and gravy
• hot rolls with too much butter
• homemade biscuits with too much butter and strawberry jam
• warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven
• cornbread and chili for supper
• grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup
• a big bowl of macaroni and cheese
  
• chicken enchilada casserole piled high with sour cream
  
• saltines slathered with mayo and topped with slices of sharp cheddar cheese (Yes, I really do eat this, but only when I'm really down.)
  

Nine songs for when you're feeling blue

• Bring It On Home To Me
  
• Lean On Me
• I Say A Little Prayer For You
• Everybody's Got a Laughing Place
  
• Get Up Offa Dat Thing
• Viva La Vida (You've got to watch this.)
• Oi To The World
• Oh Happy Day
• Joyful, Joyful

Nine things you should do at least once in your life

• sky dive
• skinny dip
  
• write a fan letter
• perform for a crowd
  
• see your favorite band live
• send flowers for no good reason
• mentor someone who needs you
• laugh till coke squirts out your nose
• take a moonlight ride in a horse-drawn carriage

Nine things to do every day

• sing
• pray
• read
  
• dance
  
• give thanks
• smile at strangers
• drink lots of water
• laugh, a lot, a whole lot
• hug at least three people

Nine wonderful newish-to-me blogs

• Magpie's Fancy
• Gabrielle Kai Photography
• Lobster and Swan
• Peonies and Polaroids
• Stuck in Customs
• Stories I Can Tell
  
• Concrete and Honey
• Meri's Musings
  
• Spontaneous Clapping
  

Nine things on my to do list

• print student's pictures and get them hung on the classroom door
• catch up on my thank you notes
• paint and hang my inspiration board for the Sparkle Room
  
• make a great apple cobbler for Jeffrey
• read my camera manual
• get a new pedicure
  
• spend my iTunes giftcard
• have another craft day with Sloane
  
• make my next Alphabetica post

Nine things on my To Buy list

• this book
• and this one
• this movie
• and this one
• this necklace
• and this one
• a new stapler for school
• this completely cool container
  
• a navy and white striped top
  

Nine things to be grateful for

• music
  
• Jeffrey & Sloane
• my cozy, comfy bed
• that hard days always end
• that every day is a new beginning
• my job; even when its hard, it's mine
• that PMS is not an every day occurrence
  
• that you can't stay grumpy when you dance and sing
• that I can always count on laughter, love, and gratitude

Happy 09.Day to you.


The photos above are from Other Things and Leo Reynolds.

A Silly Celebration

I am the kind of girl who gets weepy at Hallmark commercials and emotionally involved in things that don't matter very much. I really, really get excited to hear some one's good news. I feel sympathy pains when someone gets hurt or sick. I am usually the first person my friends come to when they get a new car because they know I'll be thrilled for them and demand a ride as soon as possible. I think the word for what I am is ENTHUSIASTIC.

Today is an example of the silly things I get excited about. Did you know today's date is 08-08-08? Seriously, how cool is that? And so, in honor of the day and of being excited over the little things, I offer you this post.

Eight Lists of Eight
all lists in no particular order

Eight things that make me cry

• fireworks
• the scene in Cool Runnings at the end of their Olympic run
• doing something special for Sloane like the American Girl brunch
• when an adult puts his or her hand on their heart and says the Pledge of Allegiance like they mean it
• a really beautiful sunset
• watching an American take the podium at the Olympics
• any time the underdog wins or the dork boy gets the beautiful girl
• singing the National Anthem, every time

Eight chores you can do in eight minutes

• load or empty the dishwasher
• sort the laundry
• pump the gas
• peruse your child's school papers and sign the appropriate forms
• clean the toilet and wipe down the bathroom sink
• pack a sack lunch for tomorrow
• iron a dress shirt perfectly
• call your mother

Eight presents to give for no reason at all

• a compliment: sincere and told to a boss or family member
• time: lend a hand, notice when someone is overwhelmed and pitch in
• an encouraging note: on pretty paper with hand-written details with specifics of why you love or appreciate that person
• a well-loved book with a ribbon bookmark
• mix "tape"
• half pound Hershey bar: about $1.50 at WalMart big statement, low price
• lavender sachet made from a vintage hankie is pure, old fashioned loveliness
• a generous single serving of the dessert you made for your family last night

Eight great children's books that grown ups will love

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
• The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
• Tales of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
• The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Famer
• By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman
• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
• Holes by Louis Sachar
• The Houdini Box by Brian Selznick

Eight visually stunning movies

• Amelie
• Age of Innocence
• Hero
• Last of the Mohicans
• Moulin Rouge
• Much Ado About Nothing
• Wings of a Dove
• Hero (it's so beautiful I had to list it twice)

Eight songs that celebrate summer

• California Girls by the Beach Boys
• Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
• Girl, Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae
• Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles
• Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet
• Pina Colada Song by Rupert Holmes
• Roam by the B52s
• Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow

Eight incredible and prolific hyper-modern authors

• Elizabeth Berg
• Rick Bragg
• Sandra Dallas
• Neil Gaiman
• Elizabeth Nobel
• Ruth Reichl
• Amy Tan
• Jacqueline Winspear

Eight favorite TV series from Netflix

• Beauty and the Beast (I know it's cheesy and faux romantic, but I loved it when it first came out in the early 90s.)
• Flipper (for Sloane)
• Gilligan's Island (for Sloane)
• Gilmore Girls (for the grown-ups)
• Little House on the Prairie (for the family)
• Lost (So. Jack or Sawyer? Or Said?)
• McLoud's Daughters (for me, from Australia and really cool.)
• West Wing (all me)

Happy 08.Day to you all!
I hope you take the time this weekend to revel in the silly and appreciate the little things.





Please click here and follow the links to more images by the photographers who lent me their 8s. Click here for the post that inspired this one.