Traditions

What is a tradition?

Wiki - Beliefs or customs taught by one generation to the next, often orally.

Merriam- Webster - an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom).

When I think about the traditions that I have been a part of over the years, I think that I should have been a part of more. These are the things that help you stay connected to the people you care about, the things you love to do, and give you a life to live.

Here are a few of the traditions that I was a part of and helped create.

• Opening at least one present on at 12:00AM on Christmas morning - (from family not Santa- He only comes while you're sleeping)
• Eating black eye peas and cornbread on New Years - one of Grandma's specialty meals
• buying at least one of my mom's Christmas presents with my brother

Most of the traditions that I had/have are going to be holiday traditions. In college, I sstarted doing more of the things I like on a regular basis, such as:

• Bowling
• reading
• working out
• traveling

But....I think things are so much more important and fun if you can look forward to them every other whatever.

Of course, I can't go back and change the past (not sure I would if I could), but I can live for the now and create some new things that I enjoy.

I was a part of creating coffee night, which in my opinion has fallen by the wayside (others seem to disagree - smile ), but it was great because I had something to look forward to every Thursday.

I have joined someone else in their hope of creating a new tradition that is women, wine, and conversation. We'll see how that goes. I don't know but a few of the people, but I'm optimistic.

Over the next year, I hope to create some new traditions. I invite you to be a part of the ones that intrigue you, and also to create some new traditions for your life.

Here are a few ideas that I have:

• 3rd Saturday of every month - Cook a full breakfast
• Attend a matinee movie at lease 1 Sunday a month - - I did this almost every Sunday before I moved and it was so great and relaxing
• Try a new activity every other month
• take at least 1 trip with at least 4 other people every year -
• Taking a family trip every year - I've always wanted to do this, but it has never been consistent
• Go bowling again - I don't know how often though

I'm sure there are some more that I could think of, but it's about time for me to find some dinner.

The Break-Up

Gary: Is that how you want to play it Brooke? Because I can play it like that. I can play it like Lionel Richie, "All night long."