So It's a Write-off, But I'd Better Be the Optimist and Start Working on the Current Theme

I have the new prompt for LJ Idol, but have no idea if I can/should write a story with is. The concept is broad, but interesting. The deadline is later this week. However ... at this time of the year I'm only going to spend that extra time writing if I'm still in the game. I haven't heard which of the two of us doing a "write-off" yesterday have prevailed, so I'll start fleshing out something on the current theme, but it's December and I run a store. Every minute has a dozen tasks begging for attention. 

So far I'm still in it, but I have no idea. I turned in 
my blog post for yesterday as my write-off essay, 
and I don't know if I'll garner enough votes to stay in 
the game. Nonetheless, I'd better start writing on the 
actual challenge word. Ever the optimist - LOL. 

It's a swimming day, though, and I'm gratified about that. All of this stuffing (gluten-free, of course), gravy and other Turkey Day treats have caused me to put on four pounds. I'm glad I'll be swimming some of that off in 90 minutes or so. I really need the full-body exercise. As much as I move my arms while walking on the treadmill, the two exercises (swimming and treadmill) are quite different and hit different parts of the body (or the same parts in slightly different ways). I really need both my treadmill and my swimming pool to get an effective workout each week. 

The world is going to Hell in a handbasket. 
Such a quaint saying, I wonder what the 
origin of this one is? 

Of course the world is going to "hell in a handbasket". Huh! It's such an odd saying - "hell in a handbasket". I wonder what the origins of this one is? I suppose I could look it up - I'm only a click away from the World Wide Web of Misunderstanding (LOL), but I think I'd rather just contemplate today. I might make the effort later today while I'm at work and need a break from entering price tags or helping customers. "Hell in a handbasket" ... what a strange saying. 

The World Wide Web is not the same as 
the internet. The internet will get you there, 
but the information you garner and exchange
is from the web. 

Are there sayings you're familiar with that are odd or unusual? Are there sayings that move within your family that you've never heard anyone else say? I suspect that's the case for many of you. Those sayings can be a bond between family that isn't even thought about until you mention your saying in mixed company one day, and the meaning flies right over the head of the rest of the group. It can happen. A lot of the sayings I grew up with were European, and there's a lot of difference between "ach du liber!" and "Oh my goodness", despite they're being applicable to the same events. Do you have family sayings that have come down to you? Do you use them? Or do you just nod when someone else uses them, but don't actively carry the tradition onward? Curious minds ... LOL. So, I'd better get to the pool, then start work on the current Idol challenge. Ever the optimist, that's me - LOL. Have an excellent Tuesday. Slava Ukraini.