Tag: gifts

Naughty or Nice? 😈😇

It’s December time again and that means you’ll only be reading a few more posts from me until I break for the rest of the year. This will sorta be a Christmas one as next week brings my annual year in review. That’s gonna be a biggie so lace up your boots and get your gear out for the 2024 wrap up! Today though is about those two words above of being naughty or nice which I know totally applies to the holiday season, right? If you were the latter, you’d get most of what would be on your list to Santa but if you were the former, coal in your stocking was told to you I bet. Some may know I always wanted the UW wrestling buddy doll you see Warrior with down below. I had talked about a dream I had years ago and even used a pic of one in the audience. This time~~~ you get Warrior holding his as he was so excited when they came out.

I’m not too fond of those words in the title today actually. First off, being naughty can pertain to some stuff totally unrelated with being bad. Ya know~~~ when “BAD”means more of adult language if you get what I’m saying. 🤭Secondly, being nice is not defined as we may think. When growing up, we are told by parents or other adults to be “nice” always and for many of us, we were. Well, I hope you tried your best. Nice implies a somewhat artificial connotation by my standards. I have been nice, done nice, put on that happy face, and all that but you know what? It doesn’t get you anywhere warriors. By this, I mean that it can come across as obligatory or out of guilt. I am not that way anymore although sometimes, I stray like we all do.

Being nice can imply you get taken for granted, treated like a “doormat” or it is just assumed you will do it all for others. Nope, that is not how it should be and Warrior would never have engaged in any of that. I’m not saying he wasn’t nice but I think it’s more about the word of being KIND… That’s a totally different word. Just like my thoughts on neutrality versus maybe being in the middle of last week. It just resonates better and works in a whole new way. When we are kind, we do to others out of goodness which is heart centered, and not head centered from how it’s supposed to be. Are you feeling this with me?

Kindness involves more action and doing while niceness involves more passivity and being. Yes, they can be quite similar and often times are very much. It’s another one of those word combos we as a society tend to lump together (no pun intended!) like coal as being too synonymous which in fact, they really are not. Let’s revert back to that word of naughty. Seriously, were any of you ever called that as a kid? It seems extremely outdated but who doesn’t like alliteration with those two words? It reminds me of the Golden Era in the WWF years for fans old enough to know. Redemption or revenge as well of a few posts ago.

Unless you really were horrible as a child, naughty seems so extreme. If there were financial constraints in a family, maybe a few gifts were received this time of year but most got a little something under the tree. 🎄 Kids nowadays get truckloads but I gotta say~~~ mine were always limited to probably 6 or so. There’s that number again.

I know times are very different now but spoiling or doting in unhealthy ways does little for self-worth. I had always desired to do that 3 gifts rule. Do you know what it is? One gift is something you’d want, one is a need, and the last is one to share I believe. Correct me if I’m wrong. I would often give my kids something to share like a sled or board game. I have spoiled a little though. When I was young, we did receive a small toy in our stocking along with candy. I put other fun items in ours nowadays because sometimes we do like to start our own traditions and that’s OK. Too much candy isn’t good anyway! I like candy canes though… Don’t get me started on gift giving though as I know that can be a tricky area for many. I prefer gift cards to give to some but it does depend on the person. Sometimes, it just becomes too materialistic for me as I’ve said before.

So, warriors~~~have you been naughty or nice this year? Oh, those words… My dad did actually place toy lumps of coal in our stockings one year as a joke but I do not recommend that to try on little ones. They will truly believe they’ve been too naughty and Santa doesn’t care. We can’t have that. This month is yet another crazy one in my family and it will be quite busy. Hard to believe month 12 is here but I am ready for new energy. You are running out of days warriors so get your lists in and remember to practice kindness. I will as well. The UW wrestling buddy doll isn’t on my list anymore but it will always be special to me in other ways. I’m never naughty… or at least not in the kid way! 😂 We can be nice, but it’s better to be kind.

🤶🏻🙏🏻🦌😬🛍️🛒❤️💚🎄🎅🏼❄️☃️🍪🛷🍬

The Christmas Parties 🎄🎅🏼

Ho -ho-ho everybody! It’s December warriors so get your Holiday gear on and prepare to celebrate all the festivities! The Ultimate Warrior Elf down below seems intimidating (I know…) but only presents are given if you’re good, right? You might get that lump of coal in your stocking if you cross Warrior Elf… 😬 Creating that outfit was so time-consuming to me, I’m sure Warrior himself was laughing. 🤣 I had made a few. No, it’s not perfect but who truly is? It was super spontaneous so maybe I need more of that. We need the silly! 🤪

I had to get that elf outfit similar to one I wore years ago. More on that soon. This post is a 3 count as it continues on of my attic stuff AND gifts received of last week. This idea kept coming in my head but had to fit Warrior in which was quite the ULTIMATE challenge for me. The elf outfit isn’t the only connector….. Some of you may recall the mention of my Dad working at NASA for 50 years. One of the many highlights was the annual Christmas parties that took place every year, usually the 1st Saturday in December. My entire family would go and what fun we had. Dad always helped plan in some fashion and even took over the play once his friend retired. There were costume characters, a lunch, the play, and of course~ everyone’s favorite, the Santa line.

My sister and I were made up to be Raggedy Ann and Andy one year. Kids today probably don’t even know who they were. 🫤 Very hard just smiling and nodding without words all day. She even continued with friends being Bert and Ernie of Sesame Street. Us kids couldn’t be the BIG characters with those gigantic heads walking around. So many cherished memories as I believe that party tradition has been discontinued. 😞It was amazing though. I can still taste the McDonald’s orange drink along with the ice cream getting scooped by that tiny wooden spoon. Not to mention the strobe lights always being part of the show. My mom hated those! 😵‍💫

The toy chute was the BEST part. No, it wasn’t quite like “A Christmas Story” with Ralphie getting Santa’s boot, but kinda similar. Just like Warrior Elf below isn’t dressed like “Buddy” but still both elves, at least Warrior *** IS*** for this post. The toys kids got were incredible and not just some cheap little trinkets. NASA really went all out. One year, this giant doll came down the chute for me. Each paper had girl or boy along with your age written on it. She was beautiful with long blonde hair, a gingham dress and matching hat. Once I get to THAT box in the attic, I know she’ll be found. I loved her right away and named her Diana missing the IN in front, (just kidding…!) Elizabeth. Some might get that ‘lil tidbit, haha… Princess Diana always fascinated me so I had my own little piece of the Royal family.

I’ve had countless other gifts over the years that meant so much like I’ve written, but decided to share her story today. I also know (and here’s the other small connector) how Warrior loved when he got his very own wrestling buddy doll. Multiple people have mentioned this and no, my doll didn’t mean I achieved stardom like him BUT I treasured her as he did his buddy. I’m sure you all have presents that you can still remember loving and maybe they weren’t even from your childhood. Did you read about “Braveheart” last week? See, that wasn’t from my youth at all.

Let’s get to the elf part of the story. When I was Raggedy Andy, all I could think about was being one of those very special elves helping Santa and the kids. The woman in charge was a dear friend of my Dad’s, but if I recall correctly, you had to be at least 16. Why? I don’t really know but that year I was only 15. Guess I took a year off because at 17, I was ready! My senior year was the BEST ! April 1 especially (hint look below, ⬇️) but this was only December. I was so excited after watching those elves for years and now it was my turn. Forget the characters, I was a Christmas elf. I had my green tunic with red trim, matching hat, (like Diana), and those pointy elf slippers. I even had my photo taken with “Snow White.” That photo is also probably in the attic yet to be found.

It was a busy day as no sister that year but I stayed to clean up and eat dinner with my Dad. My dream came true of all those years being at the many Christmas parties NASA held for countless families. Now, I want to go find that photo and Diana. 🥹 I’ll keep everyone updated…… Warrior had watched and practiced with so many Superstars and then finally got his big break in the business. His years eclipsed mine but again, it’s the emotion and determination we had. You might have similar stories of achieving a goal, dream, or even holiday wish. My teaching career began as an aide, and the thrill of having my own classroom finally made me so happy. I had made it (in a way) just like the Ultimate Warrior graced his “classrooms” or arenas for all those years.

Enjoy this time of family, friends, and fun, but don’t forget to take time and BREATHE… I’ll be here for one more post until my holiday break. That one is getting to be the “year in review” so I’ll have to do some reflecting. You might not have a doll, elf, or anything like mine, but look to those holiday memories and what genuinely stands out for you while creating the new. Unwrap those boxes in your heart just a little to bring the Christmas magic back in.

😇🎁❤️💚🤍

P.S. Be a little spontaneous too. You never know what you might do. Mine was the Warrior Elf, but be playful and you’ll find yours. 🎉🫵🏻🤭

Be a Brave heart 🤍💙🗡️

It probably already has been THAT time of year again for many of you, but those holiday moments of December are upon us. It is the season of giving, but we all know it is also the season of getting. You can define that anyway you wish but COME ON~~~ we want stuff as gifts from others but perhaps not in the same way when younger. I really don’t ask for gifts at all much these days although there are always a few items catching my eye. 😉 It’s just too much for me and if I want something for myself, I get it without asking. That’s just how I am. I wrote many years back on my other blog “Spirit and Belief” all about this so give me a gift card, that’ll be fine. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Birthdays are different celebrations in my mind so I’ll just let that be. Santa 🎅🏼 is magical (for those who BELIEVE in the spirit) as I do but I have gotten away from many materialistic approaches. Grandchildren someday will be quite another story I’m sure. 🥰

So, what about being a brave heart like my title above? Yes, you might notice the photo below with the Ultimate Warrior alongside my old VHS tape of the movie “Braveheart” and its matching cassette. Yep, ALL I wanted in that year of 1995 was the movie. The tape was a bonus. Of course I wasn’t a little kid then but boy, did I feel like one with the possible anticipation. I can’t even remember what else I asked for because really, I was 23! I’m not a big “I WANT…” person. Even the lists were small as a kid. My few things are treasures without a lot of collecting. OK, now I have many crystals, but it’s not overwhelming! Back to the story at hand….

A few months or maybe just a month leading up to Christmas that year, I would leave clues for my mom. I would also *** BLAST*** “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. And yes, I have that CD now as well. I can sing it pretty well but just not as high of an octave with her powerful range! I sang that song just like I prepped years later when voicing the Canadian national anthem of “Oh Canada” as those NBA Toronto Raptors won the title in 2019 from the (ahem— ) Golden State Warriors. That was another post as I digress… Mariah and I were singing a duet as I kind of hoped the message was well received. 🙏🏻🤞🏻 I do remember wanting and then getting many desired gifts as a child and so that Christmas morning of 1995 felt like it did years prior. I laugh now but yes, it’s ALL me. That’s how I am. That movie is so sad in many ways but I also was a big Mel Gibson fan then. So, there ya go~~~ a little more on that other reasoning. No, as I’ve stated before I did NOT just like that movie because of the face paint or how I found out years later Warrior loved it too. 

I’m not surprised he loved it because of the principle of fighting for freedom and defending a cause like previously mentioned. Back in 1995, I wasn’t even following Warrior but had heard about some passionate movies of his over the years. I can’t forget the beautiful yet haunting Scottish music either. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎼 Unlike my attic post of last week regarding donating items, this VHS tape and cassette of “Braveheart” gives me reason to wait. I don’t have it on DVD and yet it remains. I had remembered some other items stored in the basement in our old entertainment unit drawer. I’m sure others still have a VCR right? Guess I’m still a brave heart fighting for that movie. I loved it all those years ago and still do. It’s kind of the same for Warrior. Again, not the concrete idea but the emotion. Different reasons but STILL brave hearts to the core. 🥹

I’m also reminded of another movie. Not to worry as it’s a holiday classic AND a cartoon. One of my faves is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” but not necessarily for the religious aspect. I love how it was brought into a cartoon but I’ve mentioned that years ago. I compared this Peanuts classic to WMVI as I can quote both quite well! 😁 I would always joke with my brother as we imitated Linus and his “speech” about the real meaning of the holiday. I have us on tape to prove it but again~~~ a cassette, UGH! Those fun times of him with his first mini boombox. Once we bought blank tapes, watch out! Our jokes and stories were crazy but I would still laugh every single time. 🤣😂 Like Sally says: “I’ve been looking for you big brother!” “All I want is what I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share!” She just wanted money in the end but yes Sally that works too. 💵

Did any of you make those Christmas lists as a kid? I did but like before it was brief and never even filled a page. Remember a few years back how I wrote about the catalogs received in the mail? Yes, the good old days but as years went on, I did still write things down. Nowadays, kids might take screenshots or text messages like mine do.. . I’m still old-school like many know but will accept others ways. Make your list count warriors if you choose to create one. You still might not get exactly what you want but maybe one day you will. If you don’t, it wasn’t meant to be.

Be a brave heart with how you approach this upcoming season. You can give but don’t always expect to GET. If it doesn’t work, don’t let your feelings get too “gutted”. We shouldn’t be losing our lives over this crazy time like William Wallace fighting for freedom. You can sing like Mariah all you want, but it might not be as appreciated by others. Your “fair share” as Sally put it could be something even greater than a concrete gift. Look for the deeper gifts. That will be the only brave heart you will ever need. ❤️‍🩹

P.S. I was never a “Scrooge.” I was always a brave heart for years finding that PERFECT gift for someone. I had to release expectation. I don’t miss the stress. You will KNOW those worthy of actual gifts and those who just expect them. ❤️💚🛍️🎁

The Season of Nostalgia

How is it December warriors? I hope this year has treated you well as we all get nostalgic around now. I bet you have your own Holiday memories, traditions, and even favorite gifts received in the past. Christmas Day years ago was spent at my Aunt and Uncle’s house out of town after dropping off our overnight bags at my Grandparents. I treasure those memories and so fortunate to have had so many wonderful years out there with my extended family. I also loved this beautiful ballerina jewelry box I got from Santa one year. It became a favorite gift I used for a long time.

I hope Warrior had some good memories from his past as a kid although I heard they didn’t celebrate all that much. Maybe he did have a favorite gift but if not, I am so glad he could start his own family years later with new memories. Yes, it is the season of nostalgia but what about other types of “seasons” we will always remember? When it comes to the Ultimate Warrior, we as fans get nostalgic every time we think of his career, big title wins, promos, and all that good stuff. We all have those times in our lives that will be remembered more fondly than others. When it comes to my past career, I had to really think about it.

I came up with two answers based on both my preschool jobs. The first was probably around 1993-1994 when I was co-teaching with these great ladies and it was at my favorite school. We had the best times together. The second place of nostalgia was a little different to remember. Even though there was some friction in the beginning, I’d pick my first few years there from late 1996-1997. There were the core five of us but later on, we added a sixth. It was a challenge for me but we need those life lessons and I recall both times with such nostalgia. How could I possibly forget finding some U.W. items at both jobs? Yeah, those count too!!

I wonder what professional time in Warrior’s life that he’d pick? 🤔I’m not talking about winning the belts since those were just two nights but what about before or after? Some fans loved the 1988 time being in his prime while others think winning the Heavyweight title in 1990 brought about his “downfall.” It’s the in-betweens that got me thinking. Maybe he had no time to be nostalgic back then but that’s a good question to have asked him later on. He may not have been able to define just one part of his career to reflect upon but perhaps he did have that nostalgic season of sorts.

As time goes on, we need to establish new traditions as yesteryear fades. With my kids being older now, gone are the days with tons of toys under the tree and playing all day. It is difficult saying goodbye to those times as we all know while moving on. We can’t live there but need to be excited for what’s to come. I have way too many moments or seasons personally to not get nostalgic about and we never want to lose them. That’s why the Ultimate Warrior and others passed will always live on because they are part of us too, just like our own nostalgia. Remember though, he wants us to keep moving forward because we have this great life to live and should to the fullest.

Even though I have mentioned this time of year being filled with Holiday cheer, maybe you have nostalgia for some others. It isn’t just Christmas ya know? As long as you make it all good, that’s what counts. Share your favorite stories with those you love and you’ll find pieces of nostalgia everywhere. Maybe you can all gather ’round and watch some Warrior DVD’s or maybe some of you even have a VCR hooked up? That’s nostalgia right there.

I do hope whatever season of nostalgia you celebrate, have more laughs than tears and then go on and make new ones. I know this sounds like an end of the year post but nope. You’re stuck with me a few more weeks until we welcome 2022… Oh boy, what new stories to tell then? So, warriors- make any season of time nostalgic, not just the Holidays. You’ll have those times in your life you may not want to look back on fondly as Warrior did also. They make us who we are though.

Nostalgia will always be there and I hope most of you fans reading remember the ‘ol WWF days. Today’s fans will have this time to share in the future as the newer logo of WWE suggests: “Then, Now, Forever, Together.” Enjoy this season since we will never get another one. Oh, I know my editing is not all that great but Warrior would’ve made a great Santa, don’t ya think? 🎅🏼🎄💚❤️

www.spiritandbelief.com

~~~Find me here for a more spiritual filled blog with other topics plus book info available too! My book is filled with lots of stories on how Warrior’s energy inspired my psychic gifts to come out more… It has family stuff, dreams, wrestling tidbits, and more. It’s on Amazon and other outlets.

~~~ I am also on Twitter and YouTube plus some U.W. Facebook groups (: