1. Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2023 is ‘rizz’. Hmmm…before today had you ever heard the word? Do you know what it means? (Apparently it’s short for charisma) Have you ever used the word? If you were in charge of the world, what word would you declare word of the year for 2023?

I had heard it but before reading this same article the other day, I had never used it nor heard my kids use it. They are currently using other slang such as “no cap” and “On God”. So dumb. My word would be “ridic” for ridiculous, because this world…is.

2. What’s one word you tend to abbreviate in your writing or speech? (as in rizz for charisma)

Ahh, that would be legit. Because saying “This pie is legitimately good” is just not as cool as saying, “Dude, this pie is legit.”

3. Are you a Hallmark movie watcher this time of year? What’s your favorite character from a holiday- themed movie, book, or TV special? 

Oh GOD NO. The same five people rehash the same five sad stories? No. But to be fair, I read some pretty cheesy romance novels so I know it’s similar. I think my favorite character is George Bailey, because every adult and parent probably knows the plight of feeling like you’re drowning and holding everyone back.

4. Something you look forward to eating this month? 

All the different homemade sides at our party Friday. Everyone has to bring something and sometimes they are fantastic.

5. What’s the most stressful part of the holiday season for you

Can I say all of it? It’s the “you still have to live your normal busy life on top of the shopping and parties and whatnot.” It’s all so much and I hit a moment, about 5 days out, when I panic that I haven’t gotten everyone enough or what they really wanted.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

UGH. I am trying to stay afloat but it’s not looking too good. I will say, I left at 6:45 last night, got my daughter from dance, and then took my son to get his paycheck, then cooked, and THEN I was able to relax and take a bath to read. Oh, as mentioned yesterday: the ball I was juggling that was inevitably dropped? That would be not realizing her dance studio annual pictures were held at studio 1 and not 2, which is normally where she has class. So the poor kid had to call me from the uniform store next to the studio. Why, you may ask? 1. She left her phone at home. 2. My husband is bad about answering #s he doesn’t know. Sigh. I thought he’d be really mad about having to go back for her when I got home but he was not, thankfully. I will say, I feel like, because I feel so rushed and stressed, I am closing off, emotionally. I am not excited or engaged. This needs to change but the only way I can see for it to do so is for it to be next week, once the bill submission deadline has passed, my queue is significantly lower, we’ve gotten through two parties, and I can focus. UGH, again!