CULTURE SHOCK

Learn Something New

This is the last column of the year, and I believe in looking forward. As a post-pandemic society, we have been up against plenty of economic and political challenges. I, for one, am tired of negative noise. There is opportunity everywhere. There are so many deals to be made. Whether it is a business deal, a real estate sale or investment or a deal with yourself.

What deals do you want to make in 2023? I am asking myself this, too. It’s time to get creative and specific. I’ll be honest; I have checked a lot of boxes on my list the last couple of years. Sometimes, it’s challenging to decide what new boxes to add. There are the stereotypical weight loss and make-moremoney goals we all explore. That newyear-new-me mentality that comes around every January. I have learned that greater success is found by breaking those big goals down to daily goals. Instead of saying, “I want to drop 10 pounds,” rephrase that to “I am going to walk 30 minutes everyday.”

I’ll quote Jesse Itzler’s idealism here by referencing his Daily Vitamins. I challenge you to make a list of seven to 10 things you needto do daily to be happy or to reach a long term goal.

I believe the most important thing you can do for yourself is to learn something new. Never quit learning.

Over Thanksgiving, I challenged my two nieces to a pie baking contest – live and on site in my in-laws kitchen (Jane and Scotty Howell). We made a grand mess and used rolling pins. Little 5-year-old August was on mine and John’s team, and her 9-year-old sister, Isla, was on her parents’ team. The adults had more fun than the kids, largely because it was our first attempt at tackling homemade pie crust. Homemade pie crust is not for the faint of heart. One slight misstep, and it’s a bust. I hit a homerun on the pie crust. Team Howell went one step further – Culture because why not? Our caramel pear pie included homemade caramel. It looked Shock simple. I was steady stirring the sugar while on the phone with a girlfriend, but when I lifted my plastic spoon from the sugar concoction, it was half gone. Seriously. I screamed and hung up on my friend. No plastic was consumed. John took over and successfully made a second batch with a wooden spoon. Lessons learned. Lacey Howell Stay tuned, we are going to do a Howell Christmas Cookie Bake Off and swap kids. Emotions will run high, and wine glasses will be full. I’ll have a full report for you in the January column. Cheers to a New Year, y’all. Learn new things. Don’t be afraid to stink at something new and make it count.

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram@LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.

Learn Something New Every Day

Homemade piecrust is not easy, but Isla embraced the pie-making challenge.

Daily Checklist

✔ Daily Walk/Fitness goal (I say find a way to break a sweat everyday). ✔ Diet (Instead of a restriction, vow to cook one meal at home daily). ✔ Make your bed. ✔ Cuddle something (whether it’s your person or your dog). ✔ Read (anything)! ✔ Call a friend. ✔ Laugh (if nothing else, watch Kenny Dean’s silly self on The Front Porch). ✔ Create a good vibe (Play music/light a candle). ✔ Journal (dump out those feelings). ✔ Try or learn something new.