Morning, girls. I'm rather worried that I'm not going to make it to the 29th so I'm frantically doing everything that needs to get done. I absolutely HAVE to make the baking/jar mixes for gifts today as we're having some friends over to celebrate Christmas tomorrow night.

I'm trying to think of what to serve tomorrow night - I don't want it to be too involved as I have doctors appointments in the afternoon and won't have time to spend a lot of time cooking. DH suggested pizza - I suggested that we each make our own individual pizzas. I think it sounds kind of fun and the kids will like it. We're going to be decorating cookies as well.

Other than the mixes, just some house maintenance on schedule. Laundry, of course (does it ever end?!). Today is also my day to change bedding. Even though the baby's room is set up, there are still things that I want to put away - toys, blankets, baskets with supplies, etc. so I will try and get that done as well.

Enjoy your day, girls! I'll try and check back later.

Bad, bad day SBD wise. I wanted to be so prepared for today and have some things in place b/c today is the office holiday party and I do not want to feel hungry going in there. And I just wasn't prepared food wise.

So I went into work late so I could cook a chicken breast on the stove for lunch. I have some raw veggies and ranch dip (is it ghetto to go into the party, grab a plate, leave and put my veggies and dip on it so I have something to eat in there?), the chicken with frozen broccoli (egads, with it thaw in the fridge and be mush by the time I micro it?) and string cheese.

We're leaving for NYC tonight (just in time for the snow!) but have nothing to make for dinner so I am freaking out about going off the plan. Once we get into NY we have to stop at a store so I can grab eggs and turkey bacon to make at my dad's, as well as snacks. Honey roasted peanuts and hot dogs on the street will not a friendly SBD Ph1 Camper make.

Why did I decide to do this now?!?!?!

Sorry, stressing today. NO time to read and respond until I get internet when I come back on Sunday. Have a good weekend Chickies and PRAY FOR ME

Murphy - Being a teacher is tough. It's always baked goods or mugs, unless you work in the sticks and then it's maple syrup (so says my Mom!).
A life list is a list of all the birds you have seen. It can be ever or for specific areas. Yes, we've traveled to get good birds, sometimes on the spur of the moment (though only by car). Awhile back we met people from all over the country who headed to Maine for an African bird that somehow landed there. Luckily birders are some of the nicest people I've ever known and they all go out of their way to help each other see the bird.

Beachgal - I've become a real tea fiend too - caffeinated and de caf. I started because my desk is near a window and my hands are always cold but now I just love drinking tea. Good luck on the early release

Schmoodle - thinking of you and your friend.

Pacer - Kitties aren't all they're cracked up to be either, especially when they want to play at 4 am Sounds like a tough spot to be in.

Pam - the bread is just a variation of my standard whole grain bread recipe. I use applesauce in place of some or all the liquid and add a big tablespoon of cinnamon. Today I also added sunflower seeds and raisins.

Sophie - Have fun getting ready. It does seem like it's going to be a long winter.

Zeff - Good luck with your busy day. Pizzas sound like fun and it goes well with the cookie decorating - decorate your own pizza first, then cookies

Someone asked about the Christmas Bird Count, here's the info: www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/ It's a lot of fun though it always seems to be cold and snowy!

Okay, off to get ready for the party.

Cyndi - I just have to tell you that a long, long time ago I was in Tobago and that is bird paradise. I remember going to this inn where when the owner rang a bell all these birds came in flying to be fed. I have never seen so many different birds, can't remember them but I do know that they were very rare.
Sophie
most of the shopping done but have to go to a veggie and fruit specialty store.

I finally got a chance to stop in.

Schmoodle my prayers are with you and your friend. Remember you are giving the greatest thing there is and thats your time - your time making those things for her and her family and even though you yourself can't make it go away I know who can so give it to God He will take care of her.

Stephanie hope all works out

and prayers to everyone else needing them and a to all

miss you guys!!!

I am so excited that Brian and I are going to spend Christmas Eve with Kiko and her family. I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to talk to another woman about what is going on in my life. All my friends I talk with on a regular basis are male and they don't always look at life the same way.

I sent Robert an email telling him we had all the electronics unhooked and he could send someone to get them any time before the 27th when I would move them to storage. He sent me a note telling me that I'm not legally allowed to remove his property from "our" house. I've got my lawyer trying to reach his lawyer now. I am not keeping this stuff forever (it's been almost a year since I filed for divorce).

Meals have been on plan but I've been snacking on illegal stuff.

Good afternoon! After reading the posts, I am feeling so bad about the teas, travel mug and homemade goodies I handed out to my kids' teachers today! I made homemade caramel corn and candied nuts this year. It was easy to make in large quanitity and put into cute tins. But from the sounds of it, they probably have a stack of it at home!!
Today was DD's holiday party. She made a super cute ornament with her hand print and picture. Something that will be proudly displayed on the tree for years to come! DS has his party tomorrow.
We are supposed to get hit with a lot of snow and ice tonight. My brother and SIL are supposed to fly out to NY tomorrow for the weekend. It is her 30th bday, and my brother surprised her with this little trip. I hope the weather doesn't cause them any delays, they won't be there too long!
Not a lot on the agenda this weekend besides work. I have started wrapping gifts besides my own kids stuff. I need to work on that this weekend when they are in bed.
My hand is feeling better. Still playing it careful, they were stressing the possibility of infection, so I am trying so hard to watch it.

I am half OP and half off. Doing my best right now. Weight is holding steady, I guess I'll take that for now.

Jen - I think the tea and travel mug is a great idea! DH got a gift from one of his students today - imagine his surprise! College kids never give gifts. It was a really cute set of cookies - they were shaped into trains. DH nibbled a little and we gave the rest to DS, he really enjoyed them!

-
ugh! I'm pissed at my landlord! Instead of fixing the damn flooring in the kitchen the RIGHT way, he's just doing a half-as*ed, hackneyed job of it. I wish he would just do something right instead of the cheapest way possible for once.

frick.

*breathe deeply* *breathe deeply*

I have to keep my blood pressure down and this man is not helping the situation any....especially by planning to do this two days before Christmas. What an arsehole.

Thanks Zeff. I found the cutest snowflake travel mugs and my mom got the same tea set as a gift, she raved about it, which gave me the idea. I am hoping they are tea drinkers! I am mostly a coffee gal, but every now and then I'll try tea, especially flavored ones. I also stuck small bags of Lindt (is that how you spell it?) candies in their bags. My cleaning lady gave me a HUGE bag last week, and it was getting me into trouble. So I had to give it away. Broke my heart, but these are the situations that got me into the trouble I am in now. Need to change habits! Dancing carrot for me for giving away some awesome chocolate!
Those train cookies sound so cute! My DS would love that. He is a train nut. And my little nephews are turning into train nuts too!

Zeff - that is too bad about your landlord. Fixing it right the first time would be the best idea! Good idea to try to remain calm. I can't believe how close you are to your delivery! How exciting!!

I wanted to comment on TBL winner too. I was so happy that Michelle won! And seriously, no one could tell Heba she needed a better bra!! DH said the same thing as soon as she walked out! How embarassing!!

I always appreciated good homemade treats Jen. I don't think most people worry and watch the way we do so I'm sure she either enjoyed the treats or had someone nearby more than happy to take care of the yummies for her

I survived the annual office party! My food was mostly on-plan though I had half a spinach square that I'm sure had cream in it. I also nibbled on one homemade orange almond cookie and the tiniest corner of a slice of homemade cranberry bread (I no longer waste calories on mixes or store bought stuff). But no chocolate anything, no apple cheddar muffins, no candy of any kind, no eggnog, no full fat cheese including brie... So all in all I did well and I don't feel totally deprived. Now to go work it off on the treadmill

CindyM - WAY TO GO! You make it sound so easy!! Sounds like you sailed thru a lot of temptations. I hope I have half your strength at my next holiday gathering!!

If I hadn't come home where there are not temptations like that I would be seriously tempted to eat more sweets. I've got some cravings now but a workout should get rid of them. I can nibble on a small cookie on rare occasions but it makes it harder to be around sweets for a few hours. That's one reason I save my treats for really good, home baked stuff (and of course, the calories!)

It is amazing how much more in tune with my body I am now that I started SB. I thought of myself as weak before, not being able to resist my cravings. DH didn't get it, said the cravings were "all in my head" (he meant that in the nicest way of course!). But he didn't get it. And now I am learning what my triggers are, and if I do have a craving, the best thing is to resist because they will go away!!

CYNDI, I'm impressed!

I'm glad your hand is feeling better, JENSKI. Take care that it doesn't get infected now. I think your teacher gifts will be much appreciated, too, so don't worry.

BARB and KIKO, I'm so glad that you two are spending Christmas Eve together! It's great that you've finally managed to meet each other, after living so close. If I ever get to Grand Prairie, where my BIL lives, we'll have to arrange a get-together so I can meet you both. I've known you both for so long, I'd love to meet IRL!

ZEFF, I hope that landlord of yours gets everything taken care of before Christmas, but try not to get too stressed about it. It's not good for you OR the baby.

JENNE, have a safe trip to NYC, and good luck staying OP!

SOPHIE, I hope you got all your shopping done today before the snowstorms hit. We're have three storms heading our way, with the first one due tomorrow. I really think we're in for a rough winter this year.

STEPH, and prayers for you.

SCHMOODLE, I hope the best for your friend, and you are such an angel to see that her family is prepared for the holiday!

PAM, another I'd love to get in my stocking is Kurt Russell. Oh, yeah!

MURPHY and GONNA, hope you both had a good day!

I added a new recipe to the Phase 2 crockpot board.
Blueberry french toast. Sounded good to me!
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158950