Thread: DECEMBER Tracking

Good morning all. I've got to start nudging my body clock back into more reasonable hours. This waking up at 4 o'clock is fine, but dozing off at 7:30 in the evening is downright unsociable.

Heather, when you have an official "weigher-in" it's almost inevitable that you'll take her comments to heart. Hope you're feeling better by now. I give myself a 5-lb range, and I'm at the top now, too. January is coming. We'll get a move on then.

Shelley, gotta dig out my Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD. That's my favorite.

Peg, will you be MY gramma? All the stuff you do for your dgks sounds like such fun! And BTW, you don't have to justify (especially to me) anything you decide in terms of helping out your family. The worst regrets are often the result of things we could have done but didn't.

We drove a few miles up the road to spend some time with son and dil--the parents of our resident student. They are finally arriving at a place in life where good things are coming together--home, finances, job satisfaction, kids doing well, and good health. Of course, about this time, apparent Alzheimer's in an aging parent (other side) comes along. So...there's never an end to life's interesting challenges.

I "complained" to dh about the presents under the tree, but I couldn't stay mad. He said he's done--nothing else will show up.

Donna--you digging out from under all that snow? What a mess! About your son--did the dr. mean to say that they can only operate under emergency conditions?? That's a bit scary. No wonder he's anxious.

Rachel, lovely to hear about your musical adventures. Enjoy every minute. You have a lot on your plate in the coming weeks.

Teel, Brenda, Alida, Berta...out there doing your thing. Can it be only a week until Christmas Eve? What I'm looking forward to is the solstice, and the beginning of longer days. Bit by bit, the light comes back. No wonder the pagans (and all the rest of us in turn) celebrate at this time of year.

Take care everybody.

Good morning!

I was AWOL yesterday and might as well be today. I have so much to do, I just don't have the time to respond to you all! But know that I love you, and I am receiving all your wonderful cards (snail and electronic!) and I am thankful for your friendship. XXOO

Thank you all for such warm compliments. You guys are such great encouragers. Wish I could post a bit more today but I've got to run. You'll all be in my thoughts. Going to be a busy week so it might be a few days before I can stop by again. Will miss you all!

Have to get ready for church today. I'm packing my food to eat there since we're having a party for my 2 and 3 year old Sunday school class. Lots of goodies so need to prepare myself so I can have a day of successful on plan eating. Feel pretty lousy today after falling so hard off the good eating wagon. Ugh! Will I ever learn? Probably not, especially this time of year.

I will watch the candle situation with the kids. And you are right! I love Christmas candles. Yummy! Better to have baking smells then the actual product in the house to overindulge on.

Everyone, take care today! Will be a busy day. I've packed up all my baking goods to keep at my mother's house when we start the Christmas day goodies. Anything that is left over I'm going to have her donate to her church. She has a Helping Hands pantry that provides to hundreds of poor families each month. We don't need that stuff here. Kids get plenty of opportunities for junk without it being here too.

Hey Barb, what was the movie that you talked about last Christmas? There were lots of positive comments about it. I never rented it and now can't remember the name. DH is going to be gone at least one night and maybe two --- has to go to Lubbock for a funeral. I thought I might give myself a chick flick night.

Yes, I'm sure today will be especially busy for everyone.

Heather, that's a good plan - to keep the goodies at your mother's house. I fell off the wagon big time on Friday. Ironically, I was rather proud of myself or ordering a salad at the staff luncheon. Then, for a complicated number of reasons, I broke into the Hershey's Kisses I'd bought to make Chocolate Mice. I was practically using a shovel! I've made more reasonable choices since then (although not strictly LC), but every sweet I see draws my eye and makes my mouth water. I ~know~ that wouldn't be happening if I'd stayed away from candy in the first place.

Rachel, how I wish I could be there for your concerts! I'm sure it will be beyond beautiful. Bless you for making such magic for people to experience!

Barb, I'm sure lots of wives would roll their eyes at your complaint about DH's excessive presents, LOL! Most men are so hapless -even freaked out- about Xmas presents for their wives. But, I ~do~ know what you mean; feeling the need for reciprocity or parity in presents generates uncomfortable feelings, after all. But then, think of all the things you do for DH - supporting him and loving him for all these years. I'm sure he just wants to show his appreciation.

I am having a winter solstice dinner on Thursday for 8 or 9 of our neighbors. I cannot burn a Yule log for them as the fireplace is downstairs in the den (with gas logs to boot). But, I will dim the electric lights and light up the place with lots of candles. I've got to find a good recipe for wassail (mulled cider and brandy?), and dig out my Christmas Revels CDs. I'm still pondering my menu.

Judy, I think the movie was Love Actually. It is a really warm and touching story about all types of love. The story follows the lives of several loosely connected people in London. If you rent the DVD, be sure to watch the extras, which have some really great omitted scenes. Be aware that there is some "typical" British humor and a few (funny) scenes of simulated sex.

Originally Posted by Peg

And, this morning, he proposed that if I would dust, he would vacuum.

Too funny! I proposed that DH help me with some housework this weekend (mainly for moral support) and he went off on a mini-tirade about how he cleans the kitchen every morning and does the laundry every week. Oh well, it was worth a try, LOL!

Judy, my first thought was LAST CHRISTMAS??? How can I possibly remember? But then, I did--and Teel is right. Love Actually is the one. Not for kids because of funny and (if you can imagine) sweetly pornographic sex scenes. Some "language" too. In fact, I think I'll pop that in the video right now. Dh is watching football, and I'm holing up in my room. Ah yes. There it is.

We had the most beautiful Christmas worship this morning--all music, with an orchestra and choir. I'm so glad they decided to do it during the regular worship time.

I've been playing with dolls today, and just kicking back.

Hope ya'll have a warmhearted week in anticipation of Christmas. See you tomorrow.

Hi guys. I'm just wiped I'm so tired, but couldn't resist popping in here for a visit.

We went to town yesterday and I went looking for a new years dress. All I did was get myself all upset. You know how it feels when you see THE dress. And you know that this year you will look really, really, HOT in it? Well, I found that dress! It's black and is floor length in the back but comes up in the front to the knee. It's got 1 row of a flounce in the front that's covered in sequins and it's very low cut. I was so excited when I tried it on. It fit alright, but then.....that damned roll at the waist just popped out!! You know...the one that you try not to admit is there so you wear bulky sweaters? Yup...that one. I wanted that dress so bad I can taste it...it's all I can think about. But, I put it back and bought a different one. It's nice...but it's not HOT!
Now I'm kicking myself for not buying it anyway. I bet if I had it hanging right in plain view I would stick to the right woe and be able to wear it by new years. Too bad it's a 110 mile round trip back to the store to get it...cause I would. *sigh* now I feel just like I used to when I weighed 240 and couldn't find something nice to wear. And, it's my fault!!

Barb: My son's name will go on the list for hernia surgery but it will probably take 2 years for his name to come up. So, the dr. said if it strangulates they will have to do emergency surgery. I hate the idea. He was born with a hernia in his groin and it strangulated when he was 8 months old....I'll never forget his screams of pain. Our medical system sure needs a lot of improvement!

Judy: Thank you for the e-card. So nice to be remembered this time of year.

Rachel: Thank you also. I really enjoyed the link to your site and being able to see a picture of you and dh and read a little more about your traveling. Wow...do you ever see the world. Glad the performance went well too.

Terry: I think your dh and mine are related. I've been going nuts all day trying to finish baking and wrapping etc. My dh came to me at noon and asked how much more I had planned to do. So, I started listing off all the stuff that had to be done. He then told me that if I didn't sit down he would refuse to go to darts cause I was making him feel guilty. My answer was okay...so what are you going to do...go to darts and feel guilty or sit on the couch and feel guilty, cause I still have to get this stuff done. Yup...he's at darts.

Alida: Survivor tonight. I have to watch it at 5 cause the Christmas Train is coming to town at 8:30. Can't wait to see that even though it means braving the cold temperatures that have hit us. Lisa Brokaw is singing on the train when it hits town, and the food bank will have cookies and hot chocolate for small donations to the food bank. I'll be rounding up a few goodies to put in the boxes they put out for Christmas hampers for the needy. So....my vote for tonight is Ozzy. I really think he deserves it. But, I think Yul will win.

I wish dh and I would decide not to give gifts to each other too. He goes sooooo overboard every year even though I tell him not to. Then I feel guilty. I'm with you guys that I could buy what I want and not feel guilty about wearing something a little tight or that I don't like (I still have a few things that still have the tags on them cause I don't like them, but don't want to hurt his feelings....like a 5 colour striped turtleneck...I look like a beach ball).

Guess I should leave and get the veggies ready for dinner if I want it all ready by 5. I'd rather lay down for a nap but it's not going to happen this time of year. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Hi guys,
I finally get to sit down and take a breather. I've been hurrying and scurrying all day it seems!
I went grocery shopping, then came home and put them away. Then I started on some housey chores...aacckk! Then one thing led to another...yanno, you clean one thing and the other thing that's next to it needs some attention, and the next thing you know, you've got a d@mn chain reaction of cleaning going on...LOL. Oh well...it didn't kill me, and my house looks pretty darned good if I do say so myself, but sheeesh, *my tired*

DD and DGS will be here Wednesday afternoon. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that the snow forcasted for Denver doesn't close the airport or slow things down. The last time they went through Denver, they got stuck for over 24 hours.

Sorry this is so short, but I'm in desperate need of a hot shower and a wee morsel...yeah, I wish I could stop with a *wee morsel*...HAH!

Anyhoo, you all are in my thoughts as we are all headed to the *home stretch* of Christmas weekend.

(((hugs all around)))

Much love to you chickadees!

Shell

Hi girls! It's starting to look a lot like Christmas here..........no snow (it was almost 80 today), but otherwise things are moving in that direction. Yesterday I spent considerable time wrapping presents. I'm not finished, but well on the way to getting things completed. Today's projects included going through pictures on the computer and pulling files off for the digital photo frames for my dad and MIL. What a hoot some of the old pics were. Obviously there aren't any really old ones, we haven't had a digital camera that long. But, I did find pics from before I recommitted to LCE. Oh boy, I do not want to get there again, and I have been headed that direction for the last week. So, you would think that I would have sealed my lips and been totally clean for the rest of the day........ nope, I made another recipe of Oreo truffles and a recipe of sausage balls. Oh well, January is coming and I still am planning to join the mindless eating challenge as well as going clean with my eating plan.

It looks like DH will may be gone two nights - he's leaving early tomorrow morning, the funeral is at 10:00 on Tuesday. The drive is 8-9 hours. He has some things he wants to do in Lubbock, so he may stay over until Wed. morning before returning. I need to do more lots more cooking and finish some shopping and wrapping. I want to watch chick flicks, take myself to the movie to see The Nativity Story, get the house cleaned, and finish a ton of school planning work that needs to be done. Something tells me that I'm probably overly optimistic about getting all that done.

Oh Shelley......I understand that snowball cleaning thing. I looked at the pans under the stove burners today. I was totally disgusted. Scrubbing them took a while. DH cleans the kitchen and generally does a good job. I don't know how both of us missed that mess for so long. I hope all goes well getting DD and DGS in on time. I know you are excited to see them.

Donna.......call the store, have them mail the dress to you, return the other one the next time you are in town, then go to Wal-Mart and buy one of the shapers that are bra to panty length. Problem solved, image restored, rolls hidden. And, sweetie........ you are not the only one with waist rolls. I have some good ones myself. On another topic, your comment about your son's two year wait for hernia surgery highlights a big difference in your health system and ours. Ours may be more expensive, but you get what you need in a timely manner. A two-year wait for a surgery would never happen here unless it was the patients choice.

Rachel.......I've thought about your choral group and the wonderful performances several times lately. I wish I could have been at Carnige to hear you. I think that is just the neatest thing and so very Christmas special!

Alida,...sounds like you are busy. I hope it's the kind of busy that you enjoy, not the kind that makes you totally stressed out.

Barb and Terry.......Thanks for remembering the name of the movie. I do plan to hit Blockbuster tomorrow and have it ready for watching tomorrow night. I knew someone would know exactly what I was talking about.

Peg.......How was the Nutcracker? What fun to be able to take "the girls". Did DGS like his surprise?

Heather...... I agree that you should be extra careful with the candles. If it's the smell you like, they have candle warmers at Wal-Mart for $5.00 that will melt the wax and give you the wonderful fragrance. The wax is not hot enough to cause a serious burn if one of the kids happens to spill it. You have an amazing positive and giving spirit. Your family and friends are very lucky to have you in their lives.

Berta......Are you about ready to snowbird? What's your route? Do you tow your home each year, or leave it here permanently. Where did you tell me that you go, Corpus area?

Brenda..... A flute -- pretty cool present. I wanted to play a flute when I was in high school. My dad was adamant that I should play a clarinet. I was not one to argue or throw a fit, but I always regretted that I hadn't pushed more to get the instrument that I wanted. Yea for your DH in coming up with something so special and more than that for helping out with the Dad problems. Isn't it great to have a good guy who comes through for you. (PS: I should have travel arrangement info for the Chicago trip sometime next week.)

Ok girls.......I have the give the kitchen another cleaning before I hit the sack. Have a good Monday everyone. I will, it's a holiday!

Oh gosh, I've had one of those frazzled and busy days, too, and should be in bed shortly. So a quick howdie, a kiss and a promise for tomorrow.

Just so you know, I'm NOT a flautist---yet. Like Judy, I played the clarinet (b-flat and e-flat), and alto and soprano sax in high school and college. Funny, Judy, Dad wanted me to play clarinet--I think he listened to too much Pete Fountain back then. I've been longing to play an instrument again, but really didn't want to deal with reeds (Shell and Judy will totally understand, LOL). I think I'd mentioned wanting a flute "sometime" but never thought DH would remember

Hugs to all of you dear friends. We're all having busy weeks, but I'm delighted to see even the least bit of you here. Hope I have more time tomorrow.

Monday mornings sure roll around fast! I'd better enjoy them now, because in January, "real work" will kick in again. Can't say that I've ever experienced the "snowball cleaning" effect. I was going to wash cars yesterday, but it never got that warm out, and with any luck, we'll get some rain.

Brenda, this is going to sound ridiculous, but I've been seriously (?) thinking about dropping in a music store and asking about tuba lessons. Ever since I used to go to the nursing home where my mom lived and watch the "Raytown Ramblers" play Dixieland, I've been smitten by oompah-pah. Yesterday, at the church performance, the way the tuba provided the backbone for everything was inspiring. Who knows? I might actually look into it. Good for the breathing, no? Hope you'll be pursuing your flute lessons in the new year.

Hallmark actually has a band I could play in if I got good enough. And there are brass players at the church, so I might be able to find people to play with there. My dh was a good trombone-player in his youth--played in a dance band, and in the army. It would be a dream to think he might actually play again, if I played with him. Disturbing to the neighbors perhaps, but fun for us. Oh well.

Judy, sorry, but I must have missed something. Who died? I watched Love Actually, and it always makes me laugh and feel good. Hope you find a pile of chick flicks to enjoy. Dh and I watched The American President for the gazillionth time on Saturday, and I never get tired of that one either.

Donna, I'm with Judy. If you can possibly get that dress mailed to you, please do it. There are ways of dealing with the middle. Get the dress.

Shelley, I know you're excited about your "kids" coming to town. Enjoy every minute, and if you're absent from here, we'll understand. Take pictures!

Be well everyone.

Pictures of my girls, if I can get this thing to work.

Well, only one girl. The other file was about 5 kb too large, and I don't have time to go back and "ensmall" it right now. This is Kaya, the Nez Perce, with her dog Tatlo and her Apaloosa horse.

Good morning!

Barb nailed it -- Monday mornings come around way too fast!

Last night, we celebrated Bob's birthday on the Plaza with the kids. I ate off plan and I am feeling the effects this morning. The merlot is just not sitting right. Or maybe it was the pasta?

DONNA - I agree with everyone -- get the dress! I bought a one-piece thingy that works great for rolls. It's like a Lycra cami with a soft bra attached. The end of the cami comes down about mid-hip with some elastic on the inside so it doesn't roll up. Works pretty good!

You were right! Yul won. My vote was for Ozzie, too. Next season sounds interesting. One tribe lives in luxury and the other doesn't. Hmmm.

PEG, I haven't commented on your new home yet! The dormers sound charming, but I also wonder about the stairs. That was a big criteria for me when we bought this house. Sorta planning ahead, yanno? You will have so much fun re-doing it!

JUDY, after being so good, I am joining you with mindless eating. But all the extra-curricular stuff (parties, dinners) is over so I have one week to settle down before Christmas Eve. I haven't seen "Love Actually" yet either. Let me know how it was!
(Harrumph. It's in the EIGHTIES? Rub it in.)

BRENDA, a flute?! How wonderful! Do you sorta know how to play, or will you be starting from scratch and taking lessons?

SHELLEY, I HATE that snowball cleaning stuff. Happens all the time in this house. It's sorta the same thing with decorating, too. "If I do this, I will have to do that" sorta thing. When is your last day of work before Xmas? Soon, I hope!

BARB, a tuba?! How wonderful! (see Brenda, above!)

TERRY, enjoy your Winter Solstice party! What will you be serving?

RACHEL, how great the concert went well! Now onward to Carnegie! When do you leave for New York? Does your group go in a van all together or individually? I remember you mentioned you and Roger were going to stay overnight (The Hudson?) So cool! What a fabulous way to start Christmas!

HEATHER, good idea about keeping that baking stuff at your Mom's. Your church event sounds wonderful. Definitely the spirit of the season. And those wax scent burners are great. I can't wait to light mine on Christmas Eve. Just the wax thingy sitting there smells good!

~~~~~~~~~~~

This was sorta hit-and-miss from memory. And we all know how GOOD our memories are! LOL. Busy week ahead. No more time. Down to the wire. YIKES. XXOO