Just wanted to check in with all my fellow IP-ers and say best of luck to all between now and the end of the festive season...and here's a toast to all who are determined to continue to stay ON plan the next few weeks!
I read how much resolve many of you have expressed ...and exercised (!!) of late and you will for sure reap your rewards for staying true as the New Year rolls in and through out 2014. YAY!! No matter how long or short you have been on...you are ahead of where you'd be if you waited until January 1! Next year you will be one of the skinny ladies at the party....in a knockout outfit.
Thanks to all who have so kindly checked in on me. My heart is full and I appreciate the true friendship of so many of you...with out ever laying eyes on or having the honor of sharing anything but a cyber cup of coffee ( but lots of true grit) with in the last year. You are all truly what the holidays are about. Family and friends. Taking the time to value what can never be replicated or imitated while seeking self understanding and respect. A gift, yes, but also for those same family and friends who know our true value and love us, a gift for them.
We are leaving for Chicago in the next few days. The Austin kids arrive over the weekend with the two babies. Sadness is really giving way to excitement over seeing the youngest grandkids who are the age where Christmas is nothing short of magical...!!
They are hoping for snow...esp for the 21/2 YO to build her firstsnowman. And our adult kids, {who are so tired at this point... they are anticipating a few extra hands to help finish wrapping, drive the older grandkids to events and orthodontist apts, and attend the school musicals & concerts, help bathe and read to the little ones to try keeping some semblance of ordinary... }Well..they are just as excited to have us arrive.
My mother raised 6 kids with an 18 year age range, so she would expect us all to keep that magic along with the important elements of the daily routine. My dad is in Dallas with my brother. I hope to get back to Austin in January and see him. A scholarship was established at the local high school in my mother's name and the first one will be awarded in June at graduation. As valedictorian of her class and someone who got an education on the GI bill after WWII ...nothing is more fitting. There is a lot to be grateful for. Being raised by someone like that put me at a real advantage in life. There was not much money...but what mattered was abundant. Reflect and rejoice in what has been a blessing.
Am finding it is not too hard to balance holiday temptations with sticking to P2 on days when there is not a reason not too. Will probably want to do a week or two of P1 or 2 in January and that is OK. It helps keep the mindset where it needs to be. All the clothes fit and it is nice to feel I look my best...but also am viewed as healthy. No one bats an eye at me seeking out the veggies...or bringing a lo-fat lo-carb addition to an event. Actually others are appreciative of an option other than the dips and sweets. There is not much left when I retrieve my tray at the end of the night!
Wishing you all magic, motivation and an especially merry holiday season!
kathie