Tag Archives: Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge

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Click here to read everyone else’s replies to this week’s question and here to see the full list of topics for the year.

After thinking about it for a little bit, my answer to this week’s prompt is simple: I want to visit The Grand Canyon.

When I was about six years old, my mother read Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry to me while we were driving somewhere on vacation.

It was after dark and the stars shone brightly in the sky above our car as I listened to the adventures of a brave little donkey in the Grand Canyon. I remember feeling so cozy and entertained on that trip even as my eyes began to droop a tad. Brighty was in terrible danger at times (or so it seemed to my young mind), but I was sure he’d make it through okay in the end. Mom surely wouldn’t have read it to me otherwise!

I believe this was a tale that one of her parents might have read to her when she was in elementary school, too.

At any rate, the descriptions of the Grand Canyon were so vivid and beautiful in that book that little Lydia decided she wanted to see it for herself one day. I’ve always loved nature, especially if it involves places as large and majestic as this particular portion of the world seems like it would be.

It hasn’t happened yet, but maybe it will once this pandemic ends and travelling internationally for the sheer joy of it becomes possible once again!

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Click here to read everyone else’s replies to this week’s question and here to see the full list of topics for the year.

I’m going to assume that everyone already knows about practical ways to stay warm like wearing multiple layers of clothing, choosing thick, warm socks, and doing something active like cleaning or exercising to get your blood pumping faster.

Eating hot, hearty meals is another trick up my sleeve on cold days. If you like and can eat spicy food, that will make it even more effective.

Filling foods that take a long time to digest really go a long way in warming someone up. This is even more true on days when you know you’ll be spending more time outside than usual. It’s much easier to brace the cold when your stomach feels like a happy little furnace that filled with fuel.

I do not know why spicy meals are even better at doing this. Maybe it’s because they make your mouth and esophagus feel extra warm while you’re eating them?

At any rate, some of my favourite things to eat on cold days are chili, stews, soups, spaghetti, and other dishes that have a nice balance of complex carbohydrates, fat, and lots of protein from meat or beans. If you pick the right ingredients, you can get at least one serving of nearly every food group in a single meal as well which is an awesome bonus.

Stay warm, friends! If you live in a part of the world that is not freezing right now, I am just a tad jealous of your balmy weather.

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Click here to read everyone else’s replies to this week’s question and here to see the full list of topics for the year.

Welcome back, everyone! I’ve missed this challenge while it was on break for the winter holidays.

Let’s take a quick look at my 2021 goals.

• I did a pretty good job of exercising (almost) every day and finding the good in the world in 2021.
• Meditation was not a habit that stuck, so I’ll try again with that this year.
• I did get vacccinated against Covid-19 last year and am currently waiting for a spot to open up so I can get my booster shot.
• I tried as many new things as I could given the circumstances. Most of them were food related!

What are my goals for this year?

Meditate Daily. I need it for so many different reasons, one of which I’ll mention below.

Grow Leaner and Stronger. I gained weight, lost muscle mass, and ate more junk food last year because cooking and eating delicious meals were some of the few safe things to do in lockdown. I’m working to reverse those trends in 2022. Since I’m already exercising, I really just need to clean up my diet in order to hopefully become healthier and feel better soon.

Find an Effective Treatment Regiment for My Migraines. I was finally officially diagnosed with migraines in 2021 and am currently working with my family doctor to find the best combination of medication, dietary changes, meditation, lifestyle changes, and other treatments to reduce how often I suffer from them and how painful they are.

Spend at least 15 Minutes a Day Practicing Spanish (and more if possible). I’ve done it every day so far this year! Maybe I’ll be able to count myself as somewhat fluent in it by the end of the year?

Make One New Friend. When I was a kid, I never would have guessed how much harder it is to make friends as an adult. If I can meet just one person who becomes a good friend in 2022, I’ll be thrilled.

Go On More Hikes and Nature Walks. This is something I find both relaxing and invigorating. I can’t wait until the weather warms up enough for me to go wander around outside again.

How about all of you?