I really like January. It’s the start of a new year, and like an Etch-A-Sketch, the slate is wiped clean, ready for fresh beginnings.
No batteries needed
That’s one reason why January 1st was the day my husband and I chose to get married. We wanted a day that signified a fresh beginning together. It’s also an easy day to remember.
This year marked 43 years together. It might be one of the only we have spent apart since I was in Okinawa helping out with our new grandson. FaceTime is handy in that regard, although my January 1st was my husband’s December 31st.
Another anniversary to celebrate is my time with WordPress: 13 years, so said the little pop up sent to my inbox. Wow! Really? That’s a long time, almost more impressive than being married over four decades, since a quick AI info grab indicates most blogs last about 2 years, and first marriages last roughly 21 years.
Surpassing the odds is an excellent way to start out 2025.
January is also when I begin anew my Goodreads reading challenge. I always plunk in 101 as my base goal with hopes of squeezing in twice that amount. The best I’ve achieved is 171.
As of today I have already read 8 books so using some quick math—8 books read in 15 days means the possibility of reading 8 more books in a month of 31 days which computes to an average of reading 16 books a month times 12 equals 192 books. Hmm, this could be the year of 200.
I’d finish this post but I have get down to the library to check out more books.
Moving through the alphabet of clichés, we now enter upon the O’s, and oh my, there are some good ones:
Off again, on again: intermittent; fickle. A nineteenth century American expression derived from a railroad term when a train car went off the track and returned to it. The expression found its way into a popular song, and today it can refer to a romantic relationship that starts and stops and then begins once again. I believe this can also apply to weather, as evidenced by one day of sun followed by three days of gloom this winter.
Off the top of one’s head: impromptu. A mid-twentieth century expression originally found in at least two separate books in which a character is noted to think impetuously. It is currently in use and describes a person who tends to act before thinking something through. *Ahem* I resemble take umbrage at the possibility of that truth.
Old as the hills: quite aged. A reference to when mountains first appeared could be one argument for this cliché, another could be the Biblical reference found in Job 15:7–“Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?” Writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Charles Dickens have also used the expression, and it applies today, although personally I will not comment upon the desire to look like a geologic formation as I age.
Old enough to know better: showing discerning wisdom. The phrase was often completed with but young enough to learn. Found in the nineteenth century, authors such as Oscar Wilde incorporated the saying into their works, as noted in Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892): “my experience is that as soon as people are old enough to know better, they don’t know anything at all.” Oscar’s observation still makes sense today.
On an even keel: well-balanced. A quick ship’s structure lesson–the keel is found at the bottom of the ship’s hull, extending from front to back, essentially being the spine. It must be straight and true in order for the ship or boat to ride steadily in the water. So, an even keel means the vessel is balanced, not tilting to one side or the other, which is a fitting metaphor for the how people deal with situations and fits in with the expression, “Steady as she goes.” Chugging through life’s waters without tipping over is an admirable strategy.
One good turn deserves another: providing a favor for one bestowed. A very old expression that can be dated clear back to a 1400 Latin manuscript, and is also considered a proverb. I think I have received this as a fortune cookie saying.
One picture is worth a thousand words: graphic illustrations can express more than verbal ones. In our visual society this cliché is an absolute truism, just think of Instagram and there is the proof. Apparently this expression began as “One look is worth a thousand words,” coined by Fred R. Barnard in the December 8, 1921 issue of Printers’ Ink. Not as catchy as the well known saying, which is why he probably changed it six years later to the one now in use, and acknowledged it to be taken from the Chinese proverb of one picture to be worth ten thousand words. It would have to be some picture to be worth that many words, although some Pintrest posts manage to say a lot without saying much at all.
On one’s toes: to be in full readiness. This refers to the image of those who are poised and in position for quick movement, such as a runner or a dancer and applies to anyone needing to be attentive to be ready to move at quick notice. Found in use since the early twentieth century, the metaphor of being ready is still applicable. Just be aware that one must watch out for one’s toes being stepped on.
On the carpet (called upon or to put upon): to be chastised. This one has an interesting history. Carpets in the eighteenth century were also considered table coverings and to put something on the carpet could indicate it was to be placed upon the table for discussion. However, the phrase, to walk upon the carpet, indicated to be reprimanded as only employers or the gentry enjoyed the luxury of carpeted floors. If an employee or servant was being called to walk upon the carpet they would be in for a reprimand. Carpets became more common in the nineteenth century, although found more in use by the well-off, and underlings were still summoned for chastisement. Getting called in to see the boss still has that effect of being on the carpet, be it bare wood floors or not.
On the tip of one’s tongue: unable to remember something precisely. An older similar expression is at one’s tongue’s end, which means that a person blurted out what they wanted to say instead of being unable to remember it to speak what they were thinking. Today people are still trying to get that stuck thought out that is on the tip of their tongue.
On top of the world: elated. P.G. Wodehouse is credited with the expression found in his 1930 Very Good, Jeeves! in the sentence: “If ever a bird was sitting on top of the world, that bird was Bingo.” Bingo being a close friend of Bertie Wooster, known for his romantic outlook. I always think of Karen Carpenter when I hear this cliche.
Out of the frying pan into the fire: from bad to worse. Pretty much self-explanatory, although it can’t be resisted to list George Bernard Shaw’s contribution stated in his 1903 Revolutionist’s Handbook: “We shall fall out of the frying-pan of the football club into the fire of the Sunday School.” That commentary could use some additional research for context, I do believe.
image: amazon
Own worst enemy: to be the source of one’s difficulties. Ancient philosophers already had this one out in circulation with the idea that “What is man’s chief enemy? Each is his own” (Anacharsis 550 B.C.). Although the cartoonist summed it up better with Pogo stating, “We have met the enemy, and they is us.”
Oh my and oh my goodness, I left quite a few “O” clichés on the editing floor. If I left out a favorite I encourage you to browse through Christine Ammer’s Have a Nice Day–No Problem: A Dictionary of Clichés.
As usual I set my Goodreads reading goal at 101 books for the year, and as usual I surpassed it. I was hoping to surpass my 2023 record of 171 books read over the year; however, I reached only 161. I think the distraction of traveling to Japan to greet my new grandson is part of the reason. But hey–it was an easy tradeoff to make.
Here are the five star reads from December:
The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
A surprisingly engaging story of a fourteen year old girl who runs away from the harsh life of keeping house for her father and brother. Set in 1911, young Joan hops a train to the city, changes her name to Janet and her age to eighteen, becoming the hired girl for a Jewish family.
Told by way of diary entries the story reveals more than a young girl’s struggle to make her way in the world. The story discusses with thoughtfulness Janet’s commitment to being Catholic while employed in a Jewish household.
What might have been a slow read becomes unexpectedly inspiring due to Janet’s genuine voice as she learns about her place in the world.
I know, only one five star for December. The others were mainly four stars, meaning they were decent reads, not necessarily exceptional reads.
I am looking forward to 2025’s Reading Challenge, as I have lots of Want to Reads on my list and hope to read at least one book a week this year–wait, that would mean only 52 books for the year (which was my original reading challenge goal when I first took on the Goodreads challenge. I better rethink my strategy. Then again, I could just enjoy reading and not worry about numbers.
January 9th is set aside for those, like myself, who relish, celebrate, expound the joys of discovering and knowing how words can make one’s day that much better.
It’s a delightful fact that Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, provided the term “nerd” in his 1950 book If I Ran the Zoo.
image: Tumblr
While “nerd” used to be considered a mildly derogatory label to describe a person who was a bit too devoted to something or operated outside more established social norms, “nerd” is now a means to attach a reference to someone possessing expertise or enthusiasm.
There is a vast number of lexiconical connoisseurs residing within the greater populace.
It’s a quiet existence for the most part. No Jimmy Fallon appearances nor competitive reality shows featuring celebrities enthusiastically endorsing their favorite vocabulary.
It is gratifying to have this one special day though.
I browsed through the internet and discovered a few Word Nerds and decided to give them momentum in their efforts to expand the awareness of appreciating words.
No, I’m not referring to January football action. Besides, I’m more of a soccer fan when it comes to fast action with people running around on a field with a ball.
This touchdown refers to being home once again after two plus weeks in Okinawa. Like what Dorothy said: “There’s no place like home.”
image: ABC News extra: I saw a pair of these at the Smithsonian in Washington DC–there is a definite “ooh” factor
Granted, there were memorable highlights from my trip, the main one being my daughter-in-law’s doula and welcoming my grandson into the world. I even cut the umbilical cord.
Other highlights:
The ocean views. Being on an island means the ocean is a prominent part of the scenery. Having grown up in Seattle, and lived along Northern California’s coast, I am a fan of ocean views. What is especially thrilling is watching the sun rise out of the ocean because duhthe sun would naturally rise out of the east. I’m used to the sun sinking, not rising, in the ocean being from the western side of the world. The sun leisurely ascending out of its watery rest, slowly rising as mound of fluorescent pink, (much like an egg yolk that’s sunnyside up), traveling upwards into the sky to hide behind the screen of clouds is an unforgettable moment.
Besides scenery, food is noteworthy.
The guard dogs are friendlier than they look
Eating lunch Yaki style involved grilling our meat at our table and being served a variety of side dishes delivered by:
Robbie or Roberta, our robot server
Another time I snuck away after our breakfast at a Hawaiian cafe to quickly explore a nearby beach:
I could easily spend more time at this beach park
Another highlight is being aware of the noticeable differences in culture. For one, cars are incredibly smaller. My 2005 Honda Civic would be considered to be a large vehicle.
considered a compact by USA standards, my Honda is practically in the luxury model status in Okinawa
image: Wikipedia–small on the outside, yet surprisingly roomy on the inside
Cleanliness. Okinawa, Japan in general, is clean. Little, to no trash is evident, not because there is a surfeit of trash receptacles; it’s expected people deposit trash properly either at designated places like at the multitude of convenience stores or they take it home. Restrooms are clean and I am a definite fan of how the Japanese provide heated seats, with an option for waterfall sound effects.
image: daily mail options, plenty of options
I also noticed an abundance of vending machines. They are found not only in front of stores, but in residential neighborhoods, even in unexpected places like seemingly abandoned lots:
Handy, I suppose…
I never saw anyone actually using these vending machines, causing me to wonder the viability of the goods.
Another cultural notable is clothing sizes. I needed to pick up a couple of warmer shirts and some leisure pants. My son took me to the local mall (that’s a post in itself) and I ended up buying extra large in size. I am a petite 5’3 and I felt hefty after trying on the available small.
Women’s Clothing Sizes: Japanese vs. Western
Japan
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
U.S.
0
0
2 – 4
4 – 6
8
10
12
14
16
U.K.
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Italy
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
France
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
N. Europe
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
image: plaza homes (I should have consulted this article first
Cars are both tiny and in excellent condition. Unfortunately, Okinawa, for a small island, has a big vehicle problem. A combination of local commuters and military influence creates a snarl of traffic that turns what should be a 20 minute drive into 90 stop and go. Reminds me of Seattle’s 405.
not much of a difference is there?–except for the car size
One other aspect that I couldn’t ignore is how businesses insert random American words into their store names. Perhaps that is supposed to project an international appeal. A neighborhood store advertised itself as “Rolling Stone.” What it sold was a mystery.
I also discovered, after my suspicions were confirmed by my son, that the several hotels clustered together around the bend were indeed as they sounded:
Not exactly subtle
Yes, it seems to do brisk business
It was explained to me that Japanese children usually live with their parents until they marry at around 25. To get some privacy couples will book a room at one of the numerous establishments by the hour or for a longer stay. Christmas in Japan is celebrated more as a romantic getaway time with couples booking stays at resorts enjoying the festive lights and decorations.
While I appreciate my time with my son and his family, and aspects of the Japanese culture, I am a product of the USA and I am glad to be home. However, I really do miss those heated seats, especially at 3 am. Inland Northwest nights are unforgiving in that regard.
Don’t be fooled—Only in resorts is this showy light display evident
Traditionally people associate Christmas and its various holiday garnishes with the Dickens ideal: snow, carols, festive meals, gift exchanges—along with the modern additions of multiple opportunities to attend a plethora of events ranging from craft fairs to baking workshops to White Elephant exchanges to the ubiquitous children’s church pageant.
Christmas is not the huge wintery event here in Okinawa. It’s strangely different, if not refreshing, to not be reminded every minute in every place that this is Christmas time.
Okinawans, from what I have seen so far, acknowledge Christmas in their own unique way. For instance, the three story mega mall has the usual festive yuletide trimmings hung throughout the stores, which cater to resident tastes. There are some Western stores such as Gap interspersed, but for the most part the mercantile is mainly Japanese in consumer orientation.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? The shoppers are 99.9% Japanese shopping in stores catering to their needs and preferences. Then why, oh why, is all the piped holiday music in English?
This question did not get answered.
Around the island only an occasional house is festooned with lights. In fact offices and stores only discreetly acknowledge the season with decorations. An office counter might sport a miniature snowman or the grocery store might display enticing holiday food items like the end cap of Martinelli’s. Although Travel guides sell the island as a season of lights, it’s not really promoting the holiday. One tourist spot, the American Village (really, this is a place—think anime crossed with Disney overtones) advertises the holiday light display will be up through March. I think most Americans tend to cast a discouraging eye towards neighbors who have lights up after the first week of January. The HOA might have ruffled feathers if lights are up through March.
The big ingredient is also missing in Okinawa: there is no snow. Balmy days provide the going weather. That Currier and Ives setting is not happening. Snow on palm trees? In actuality, the Japanese treat Christmas more as a type of Valentine’s Day with romantic excursions.
And you know what? I am absolutely okay with the lack of the usual festive trimmings that seems to be expected, at least in the good old USA where I am usually celebrating Christmas. I like the idea of a low key celebration.
This year Christmas is in Okinawa with my son and his family as we await the birth of his son.
Pause.
Now that sounds like a Christmas with meaning. The way it was originally intended.
While this year’s Christmas has no snow and minimal Ho Ho Ho, it has greater significance for me as we focus on the joy of welcoming a new member to the family.
May your Christmas be cheery and bright as you reflect on the importance and reason for the season.
Hmm—sounds like a recipe for the winter humdrums because the weather outside is frightful, and while I often do find some inside diversions that are delightful (such as reading and more reading), the above title reflects the tedium of my 14 hours of air travel to Okinawa.
Last year, around this time, I traveled solo to Okinawa to meet my DIL (daughter-in-law) and my new granddaughter. This year I was invited to return to Okinawa to be my DIL’s doula for their expected son. An honor I couldn’t resist.
Having flown last year to Okinawa, I felt better prepared for the flight, airport layovers, and overall stamina needed. Last year the hours in the air weren’t so bad, perhaps since I had splurged on Comfort Plus and snagged an aisle seat. Delta serves great meals, BTW. I also bought one of those advertised wraparound-the -neck pillows. Definitely a recommended purchase as I could nap without my head flopping about.
However, preparedness aside, this year I noticed my body didn’t travel as well. Backside, knees, shoulders all began to complain after six hours of sitting. Even my mantra of “Watch some TV, get some sleep, wake up to eat, and then repeat” did little to alleviate my discomfort.
I can’t imagine what it’s like being squished into economy for 10 hours. I’m glad my family convinced me into buying extra leg room.
All that discomfort and tedium faded away once established in my son’s guest room. Playing with my granddaughter, hanging out with my son and DIL, and touristing are all pleasant aspects of the visit.
An extra bonus is that Okinawa weather is a tonic since with its blue skies, warm sun, and offshore breezes. I left behind in Idaho grey skies, snowy days, chilly temps, and a longing for sun. Today in Okinawa it was a balmy 66 degrees at 10 am and I slipped outside to soak up the rays.
Yes, I did pink up sitting in the sun for a few minutes. Who can resist an ocean view on a sunny balcony? I sure couldn’t!
Doula duty is coming up in a week or two. Until then it’s play, sleep, eat, and repeat with my amazing Okinawa fam.
Nope, didn’t happen. Shakespeare and Santa were not pals. England during the Renaissance didn’t actually celebrate the holly jolly season like it is currently done. For one thing, the timing was different. These days Christmas sales start around July, with Halloween getting a minimum nod, and Thanksgiving receiving a cordial nod. It’s all about the merc, it seems. Instead of Santa, the Lord of Misrule presided as the seasonal host, whose main job was to organize games and entertainment. That “Twelve Days of Christmas” song that is piped through every store while we shop, shop, shop refers to the days celebrated beginning on Christmas and going on until January 6th. Gifts were exchanged on New Year’s Day. Christmas during Shakespeare’s was more about living than giving, with the emphasis on getting through the bleak season of cold.
Winter was tough in those days. No central heating, no Starbucks warm ups, no snow tires, and no Amazon for last minute orders. There was also the very real concern if the food gathered in the harvest would last until planting could begin again. To pass the long, cold season Elizabethan folk created a myriad of festivals and celebrations to get them through winter.
While he didn’t write a specific Christmas play, Shakespeare did mention Christmas a few times. In Taming of the Shrew Christopher Sly in the opening prologue mentions how the play the audience was about to watch was to be considered folly and fun, much like gambling and tumbling. In Love’s Labour Lost Shakespeare has a character acknowledge that Christmas is part of winter and snow is part of winter. Basically Shakespeare is acknowledging winter is cold and snowy, just accept it, and he would ease the hardship of this harsh season with his comedic plays.
How do you perceive winter? Is it a thumbs up or a thumbs down season for you?
Nose out of joint: to be irritated by something or someone. A somewhat confusing phrase traced to 1881. It implies the nose can be dislocated when it can’t see it has cartilage instead of a joint. So–this term projects a sense that a person is getting upset enough to feel like they are broken when they aren’t, just seems that way.
image: Flickr
No skin off my nose: it doesn’t bother me. An early twentieth century expression with a reference to boxing with the idea that unless someone who fully committed to the fight they will get some skin off their nose meaning involvement is going to possibly hurt a little.
No sweat: no extra effort required. A phrase related to “no problem,” meaning that the exertion needed to perform the task won’t be enough to cause someone to perspire. Slightly older than “no problem.”
Nothing new under the sun: it’s happened before. A Biblical term from Ecclesiastes 1:9–“What has been what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” A phrase still appropriate today and used by the likes of Shakespeare in his Sonnet 95.
image: Crossroads Chapel
Nothing ventured, nothing gained: a person has to take a chance sometimes in order to succeed. An expression found as early (or even earlier) as Chaucer “naught venture, naught have,” and has shown up through the ages in similar forms with the most recent being “no pain, no gain,” uttered by business and sports pundits alike.
No way: not happening. American in origin, linked to the 1960s. It is a proclamation that means “under no circumstances,” which reflected an era of short, stated feelings such as “far out,” “dig it,” “bummer,” and “out-of-sight.”
Now on to “o” as in “oh my, what clichés shall we next ponder?”
Colder weather, darker days, earlier nights are downsides of winter, although on the upside those are inducements for more reading opportunities. Here are the five star reads for November.
The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson
image: Amazon
What starts out as an aging man’s hope to find that one woman who made a difference in his life sixty years ago turns into a story of a young woman on the verge of thirty who needs to find herself. Told in a simple, yet captivating style, the story interweaves the story of several people who find unexpected answers through second chances.
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
image: Amazon
Another perspective of WWII by way of the Betchley Park codebreakers is presented by the talented partnership of Sepetys and Sheinkin. Told through the alternating voice lens of brother and sister, Jakob and Elizabeth, their relationship is reminiscent of Enola Holmes and her brother Sherlock. The story provides engaging historical insights on the valuable work on breaking the Enigma, the coding machine. There is also the riddle of whether Jakob and Lizzie’s mother is alive, if she is a spy, and what her contribution to the war effort might be. Witty, informative, and appealing characters help the story transcend the age designation of middle grade or young adult.
Crook o’Lune by E.C.R. Lorac
image: Amazon
Though it is the #38th entry of this particular detective series, it can be read as a standalone. Its languid pace and attention to detail creates a relaxed approach to a puzzling set of circumstances that involve sheep rustling, arson, and manslaughter. Think All Creatures Great and Small mashed with an Agatha Christie detective plot.
What types of reads brighten your long dark nights of winter?
Pam Webb 