December 25, 2007
The Mic is On: I’m Sitting by the Tree . . .
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
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It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
… Sitting by the Christmas Tree
I’ll be sitting by the tree thinking about Christmas stories . . . feel free to drop by to leave yours. I’ll collect them all to share with the world tomorrow.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Oh, and bring links of your storie to share or just tell one in the comments when you come!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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94 Comments to “The Mic is On: I’m Sitting by the Tree . . .”
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Ramkarthik said
Hi Liz,
Good to be here after a long time. Merry Christmas.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Ram!
Sorry, I took so long . . . my son just called! Merry Christmas!
Ramkarthik said
Liz, It’s great coincidence that we have MIC conference and Christmas on the same day, isn’t it?
Vernon Lun said
Merry Christmas Liz and all.
Here are 10 gifts to share!
http://www.theideadude.com/2007/12/10-best-gifts-that-are-worth-million.html
Ramkarthik said
Merry Cristmas Vernon
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks Vern!
More gifts to share. How cool is that?!!
Ramkarthik said
Oops, I mean to say “Merry Christmas”
ME Liz Strauss said
Do you have a Christmas story, Ram, about you or your friends?
Vernon Lun said
Merry Christmas, Ram.
Ramkarthik said
Liz, Well yeah!
It’s not like a story, but it is something that I used to do along with my friends 10 years back, when I was in my 3rd grade I suppose.
I lied in an apartment. There were around 15-20 children of my age. We used to play together everyday. During Christmas we come to the ground in our apartment and we used to talk there about plans for Christmas.
After planning, we used to go and cut a small tree and plant it in the ground, decorate it and then wish everyone Merry Christmas.
After this, we’ll go to our respective house and we’ll prepare many gifts on our own with whatever is available in the house.
At around 3PM, we will arrive near the Christmas tree and once everyone comes, we’ll share the gifts.
We used to do this every year. But now I have shifted house and I’m really missing it.
Ramkarthik said
I’m making many typos now.
“I lived in an apartment”
ME Liz Strauss said
Ram,
Don’t worry. Typos aren’t a problem or a worry in a lovely story like that.
ME Liz Strauss said
Wow, Ram, I keep thinking about your Christmas story. I sure see why you miss it. It’s hard to replace a feeling of being together like that.
ME Liz Strauss said
Vern!
Your spirit here and on the other post is more than a gift!
Ramkarthik said
Liz, Those are really pleasant days. Do you have any story, Liz?
Dar said
Merry Christmas, Liz, Ramkarthik, Vernon and all!
I’ve never been free to join in on open comment night, but tonight I’m getting to join you by the tree. How awesome is that?!?
I’m bringing you “The Gift” if you’d like to share an old fashioned Christmas with me. I’ve posted it at: http://creativecareersforintroverts.com/the-gift-old-fashioned-christmas
Hope you enjoy!
Liz, thank you for sharing Christmas with us…
Ramkarthik said
Merry Christmas Dar
Shall I give my story itself as a Gift to you?
Dar said
Vern, I enjoyed your 10 Best Gifts, and I felt a reall connection with you while reading it. We connected at the million-dollar gifts, those things that are really priceless, those things that cannot be bought, and don’t cost a thing.
Thanks for sharing it, kindred soul.
Dar said
Ramkarthik, you are a gift, and you bring a gift as well, I absolutely accept your gift.
What a lovely tradition you created as a child. Will you keep the tradition (or bring it back somehow) now that you’ve shifted houses?
Oh, I can picture being there, sharing and watching others open their packages!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Dar!
How wonderful of you to bring a story! It’s great to see you. Merry Christmas!
Yeah, it’s awesome that you’re here!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Dar,
I can picture Ram’s tradtion too.
I can even picture Vern, you, and me with them.
Ramkarthik said
Dar,
I would love to have that back. But now it seems impossible because everyone has studies and things.
It would be great if I can experience those again. You should see the happiness in the our faces when we receive gifts from our beloved ones.
P.S: Thanks for accepting my story as the gift.
Ramkarthik said
Liz,
How do you feel when you picture everyone in that scene? Isn’t it great?
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh you betcha, Ram.
It’ a real feeling of belonging.
Ramkarthik said
Liz,
As a kid, you always do something innovative. Those might be very small things. But the happiness it brings every time when you think is worth more than millions of dollars.
ME Liz Strauss said
Looking back the feelings of childhood are priceless, aren’t they? . . . We don’t remember time. We remember moments, and the people we were with when those moments happened.
Dar said
Liz, Ram, It sure looks like we all did exactly that… we brought our gifts to the tree, didn’t we? How awesome.
ME Liz Strauss said
Dar,
I always hear your smile in every word that you type.
That’s so cool.
It’s a gift in itself.
Dar said
I’ve been thinking… about how we can change the world, one person at a time, one thing at a time… (Liz, you know what I mean?)
And I’ve been wondering about the impact of traditions, and how they give meaning to people.
Some traditions get lost, because it seems we’re so busy nowadays.
I wonder, can we bring them back? Start new ones?
Whatcha all think?
Ramkarthik said
Liz,
Indeed we are having a great time under your tree Liz, sharing gifts and stories.
Dar, Your presence adds to the happiness.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Dar!
Sure we can . . . but the best traditions grow up on their own. They seem to happen from people interacting in really cool ways. . . . Just because we want to.
Ramkarthik said
Dar,
It would be great if we can bring back the lost traditions. But thats almost impossible for few. But surely we can create new traditions.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Ram,
We could make a tradition to meet here at this time every year.
Ramkarthik said
Yeah Liz,
Indeed we can. And it would be great to know what presents everyone has got. Your blog is a great place to meet. You have the MIC on on every Tuesday. Can you please have it ON for every Christmas whether it is Tuesday or any other day? It would be great to meet here at this same time and share gifts and memories.
And maybe if someone asks in the next Christmas about the stories we have, we can tell this.
Dar said
Ram,
I agree, surely we can create new traditions. I’ve been thinking about that a lot, not just on the holidays… Last week, I asked my niece if we might work towards that, so her generation will have some million dollar memories as well.
Thank you kindly.
Dar said
Liz,
Excellent idea. (It ran thru my head, too!) Okay. I’m in. I’ve even put it in my calendar for 2008, so I don’t miss it, if you share your tree with us, even on a non-Tuesday. I’ll join each of you under the tree again.
Ram,
Yes, perfect idea!
Ramkarthik said
Dar,
A little work is needed to create a tradition and execute it properly. Once it is done, then we can have the priceless memories for long time.
Dar said
Yes, Ram. I like the way you think.
ME Liz Strauss said
Well, Ram, I think I might be able to do that for you and Dar!!
Yessirree!!
ME Liz Strauss said
It will surely be easy next year, won’t it. I think the Tuesday will be Christmas Eve . . . not a good night to have Open Mic anyway.
Ramkarthik said
Dar, Thanks!
Liz, Thanks for accepting it!
ME Liz Strauss said
Ram,
You make it easy.
Ramkarthik said
Liz,
I make it easy to hear but you make it easy to bring it to practice.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Merry Christmas everyone!
Dar said
Liz,
Thank you for being so generous.
And Ram,
You have a giving spirit as well.
I’m thinking about the gift I can bring to the tree next year already (hehe).
Ramkarthik said
Phil, Merry Christmas.
Dar,
Maybe you are right. I do have a giving spirit.
And you make me think what your Christmas gift would be for the next year.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Phil!
Merry Christmas!
What wonderful Christmas stories do you know?!!
Dar said
Hi, Phil
Merry Christmas!
Has it been a beautiful one?
Phil Gerbyshak said
Ooh boy Liz, my favorite Christmas story was the year I flew home when I was in the Navy to surprise my family for just a few days on leave. They were surprised and we enjoyed each others’ company until I had to go back.
Dar - My Christmas has indeed been beautiful. I talked to every member of my family today, and spent time with half of them in person. Super wonderful time, especially as my 9 month old niece is just starting to talk. Almost an “I love you Uncle Phil.” Gotta love nieces
How’s yours been?
ME Liz Strauss said
Phil,
I bet that was something special. I can imagine the smiles on their faces. I can sure see the smile that was all across yours.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Yep, smiles were all around. That was definitely a favorite.
Oh yeah, and then the one when I was in Korea that my brother and I spent together, when he had never been in country before, and he trekked 3 hours by train to come visit me. That was the best gift ever!
People are my gifts, and I love them more than any thing I could ever get.
Ramkarthik said
Phil, It is always great to see our loving family after a long time. And that too on a Christmas day would b really great.
Phil Gerbyshak said
You’re right Ram. The longer it’s been since you’ve seen someone, the sweeter it is to connect with them.
Dar said
Yes, Ram. I’ve got some thinking to do, lol!
I actually had a really ‘different’ Christmas this year. I had made a decision not to buy gifts this year (oh heavens, did I just confess that?)
I chose the 2 most important things I wanted to do this year and did them. I wanted to be with family & friends (and visited them all day today).
The other was to create handmade gifts, but not too many. I made small, glycerin hibiscus soaps (cherry blossom w/oatmeal). That was my present to everyone this year.
It felt so good. It was stress free. I actually felt like I could enjoy the entire season this way. And, maybe I just started a new tradition for myself…
Phil Gerbyshak said
Dar - sounds like you made some great choices. Good for you! My wife and I had a year or two of no gifts, and just each other. Those were some sweet times. We’re back to gifts, but not doing them for a year or two reminded us that we are each others’ best gifts.
ME Liz Strauss said
People are my gifts, and I love them more than any thing I could ever get.
You’re sort of like the Tiny Tim of the Internet.
That’s so cool!!
Phil Gerbyshak said
Tiny bubbles…
John Richardson said
Hey Liz and Phil…
Two of the most masterful communicators that I know… online at the same time.
Merry Christmas…
One of my goals for the new year is to become a better communicator, both with my blog audience and with my personal contacts. You have both been a big inspiration… Any helpful tips are always appreciated…
John
Dar said
Phil,
Those are the best gifts, aren’t they? Being able to surprise someone by being there when they don’t know you’re arriving.
I know you brought a lot of joy to your loved ones doing that.
My baby brother was in the Army, and used to surprise us. It’s a wonderful thing — the gift of yourself!
And, what wonderful memories!
Dar said
Hi, John
What a cool goal!
Merry Christmas…
Yes, they are excellent communicators, aren’t they?
John Richardson said
Dar,
As a recovering introvert, I find your blog to be very interesting. It’s good to see there is a place for us quiet types…
John
Phil Gerbyshak said
John - great goal! You might want to start with the subscribe to comments plug-in like Liz uses. Helps folks keep up even when they can’t be on the page.
And thanks for putting me in the class with Ms. Liz. She’s the comment queen!
Phil Gerbyshak said
Dar - you are absolutely right. The gift of ourselves is a fantastic gift, especially to those who enjoy it. Introvert or not, time is a gift that can’t be replaced.
John Richardson said
Phil,
I’ve been wanting to test that plug-in. I’ll have to set it up and give it a go.
John
I imagine it is a white Christmas where you are…
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi John!
Welcome back!
I can’t imagine you needing help, but the best thing I can you is . . . be really glad to see people when they come.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Great tip Liz! You are always here to welcome us! Thanks for sharing that.
And John…we’re always glad to help out, so ask away. If I think of more, I’ll share it.
Oh, quick one: How about a bigger, more casual picture of you, to invite people in even more?
Ramkarthik said
Sorry I had a phone call about some project to do. So I had to go and attend the call. Really sorry that now I have to work on that project. So meet you all next Tuesday. Have a great time.
Once again, Merry Christmas.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Bye Ram. Merry Christmas!
Dar said
John,
(I’m a work in progress,lol.)
Thank you. I like the way you said recovering ~ it shows that growth can occur ~ and the endless possibilities that brings with it. Yes, even for the quiet ones.
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Ram!
Thank you for bringing that lovely Christmas tradition. Thank you for coming.
John Richardson said
Liz,
I usually set aside a time each morning to respond to comments. Unfortunately that doesn’t make them very spontaneous. For he new year I want to try a more timely approach.
John
Dar said
Bye, Ram. I enjoyed getting to see you this evening.
Dar said
Phil,
I so agree. Time is a gift that can’t be replaced. And, time with precious people is even better.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi John,
You might get away with a couple of times in a day.
Phil Gerbyshak said
Time to spend some time with my wife. Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks for the conversation. I’ve made 2 new friends tonight, and I plan to invest some time on each of your websites (Dar and Ram) soon. Thanks to both of you!
John and Liz - Best to the both of you. Looking forward to continued conversations with you in 2008 and beyond!
Dar said
Bye, Phil.
Good to talk with you, and you are now my friend as well (thank you).
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Phil!
Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for coming by to see us all!
Dar said
John,
Speaking of blogs… I was getting over 100 sp*am a day on my fairly new blog, so I set up a filter. I just found 2 posts recently that a reader had sent almost a month ago (unbeknownst to me). I feel badly about it, as I had not responded. I decided to wait a few days past Christmas to write and apologize. (Sigh)
I like the idea of the subscribe to comments that was mentioned.
What do you enjoy most about your blog?
Liz, how about you?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Dar,
Spam really stinks and I’m sure the reader will understand. I’ve lost many comments to spam I’m sure.
It makes me sad. Some days I get spam in the thousands.
I most enjoy the people that meet me here every day. It’s really like coming to a coffee shop and having a bunch of friends waiting in the morning.
Vernon Lun said
I’m back from Christmas dinner. I did have a story. This year, to my surprise, my daughter of 13 years wrote to Santa as she has done every year even though this year, she knew ‘Santa’ was really Dad. So I drank the milk and ate the cookie and replied with my letter decorated in a Christmas theme.
Tonight, I realized why it was so cool she did. It became a ritual between two people and it reinforced a bond between us every time it was performed. I hope we continue to do this every year, and I know in time, when we are apart, the ritual that we started will continue in emails and phone calls when she has a family of her own.
Wait, I hear her calling to play a new video game she got today. It’s an invitation I can’t refuse.
Merry Christmas to everyone. I’m blessed to know you all.
Dar said
Merry Christmas night, thank you for sharing it with me, Liz. It’s been a long day, so I’m going to sign off now.
I appreciate you and everyone here.
ME Liz Strauss said
What a wonderful ritual, Vern!
How honors you and your relationship with your daughter. I can see why you can’t refuse her invitation to play.
John Richardson said
Dar,
My 10 years in Toastmasters has challenged my introverted ways. I have been amazed at how it has changed my life. One of my favorite things about blogging is sharing some of the things that I have learned with others all over the world.
John
John Richardson said
Dar,
I use the Spam Karma plug-in for Wordpress. It has really helped me keep spam under control. I find it works better than Askimet for most types of spam. You might give it a try and see if it works for you.
John
ME Liz Strauss said
John,
I’m thinking I’d like to get to know Toastmasters, but I wouldn’t know where to begin.
John Richardson said
Good night everyone,
Time to sign off…
John
Suzie Cheel said
Hi Liz, Happy Xmas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pathway/2136632087/l
love from Down under
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Suzie!
How are you! Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for bringing a story!
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, John.
Happy Christmas. I’m glad to be seeing so much of you these days.
ME Liz Strauss said
Well, it’s time to go to sleep, but I won’t turn off the tree.
Merry Christmas, everyone!!
Please leave a story!
Doc said
Merry Christmas, Liz. Had to sneak it in while there’s still 36 minutes of it left here.
DaveOlson said
Liz,
I can’t believe you had a party on Christmas day. Sorry I missed it. Had an absolutely wonderful day with all of my family. It’s the first time in 18 years that my parents have been at our house for Christmas. Hope everyone else had a fabulous day and looking forward to a great new year.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Doc!
Thank you! Merry Christmas! I hope the lights of the seaons stay with you all year!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Dave!
It was a quiet get together. A few friends over for conversation. We talked about traditions and how important they. I’m delighted you had time to spend with your family.
I hope you were filled with the season’s best feelings the whole time you were with them.