[cottagebythesea]

I'm passing it around; who's next?

After 5 days off, it's hard to get back in the work mode, even if I do only have to go in 2 1/2 days this week. I'm eager for the girls to show me what they got for Christmas, though, and I do love having them home from school.

I know one thing, I'm good and ready to get back to clean eating and am seriously considering doing a full two weeks of Phase 1. I've been indulging the Cookie Monster within me, and that has to stop! I do have a New Year's Eve sleepover party to get through, but other than that, I'm hopping back on the wagon and securing my seatbelt tight so I won't fall off!

OK, time for another coffee. At least that's on plan!

[Lexxiss]

Good morning Linda, and thanks for getting us started!

I'm not too chatty yet here this morning. It's my early day at work so I have to be there in about 45 minutes. A few things I'd like to get done around the house but my smoothie is made already. We split the pups this week so the older guy is going to stay at my moms house while I work so I need to get over and do a little sweeping and shoveling at her house. We didn't get much snow just a little skiff but it has the possibility of snowing more later.

Happy Monday everyone!

[Ruthxxx]

Good morning to Linda and Debbie and Beachers to follow. This sure does not feel like Monday or the end of December. We have slightly cooler weather (normal temps) and no snow is predicted until 2015! ! It seems more like Easter than Christmas week. I know it won't last but, for now, I'll take it.

Had a lovely, simple lunch at Sister Joan's house yesterday. Cousin Cathy was there and my stomach muscles are sore from laughing at my wittiest cousin. I was feeling a tad over-tired but laughter sure changes your mood. In my post-Christmas notes, I have written to pace myself better next Christmas to see if I can avoid the slump which always manifests itself by pretending I'm getting sick.

Not much on today's agenda except a doggie playdate and some desk stuff. The Monday morning coffee groups will be meeting at the Church Hall but I think I'll skip that and spare myself the agony of blow-by-blow descriptions of Christmas problems. There are a couple of really negative women there and I sometimes have to bite my tongue to keep from saying "Get over it!" My 2015 resolution will be to avoid unpleasant situations which put my BP up!

Time for a shower and tackling the day. Watering the houseplants will be first on the agenda - they do get neglected during the holidays! Hmmm - just remembered that I have an amaryllis to plant. I'm sure life will need a pop of red by mid January.

Have a lovely day, Beachers. Look for pops of red or whatever colour will brighten the day.

[CyndiM]

Good morning Two more weeks off so I'm just making my chore list for the day. Yesterday I realized I could walk in place while cooking and cleaning so feeling better about not getting on the treadmill while I'm busy. I'm catching up with friends while I'm off so another friend is coming over for lunch today. That will make a nice break in the middle of the day. Tonight we are off to see the Hobbit. My expectations are low so I'm sure it will be fun.

Cottage - I've been much too friendly with the treats this season too. I am actually looking forward to getting back to clean eating on Thursday.

Debbie - Hope it's a good day

Ruth - We have had our heat off for at least half the night recently. I think that is coming to an end but it's been a nice change. I guess it really will be winter soon. Love your resolutions so far

Okay, I need to figure out what I'm making for lunch, get some laundry in, and work on one of the cupboards before my friend gets here.

[WaistingTime]

Good morning.

Tammy - Hopefully the steroids will do the job quickly. I managed to be on them for 3 months without gaining weight - it is possible!

Cyndi - I'll be interested to hear what you learn from the elimination diet. My symptom that totally vanished was joint aches; it took about three weeks to notice a difference. My SIL found she is sensitive to so many things, soy being top of the list. I'd never realized how many people react to that.

Last night I finished the last of the (dark) chocolate bar that was in my stocking. No sweets left here! DH tracks our weight daily and reported that at the end of 2014, I am just over one pound below last year's average weight. I'll take it! I would love to drop just a couple of pounds before our big trip (since I'm sure I'll gain at least that while traveling) but that would take some real sacrifice on my part and and I'm not sure I'm that motivated.

I am very happy to be off work now for a few days. Post-holiday returns were crazy. Working out with my mom and trainer today. Running a few errands. Relaxing!

Have a great day.

[TwynnB]

Good morning chicks! I am happy to say I actually fell asleep after waking up, taking my meds, visiting with DH. What a nice little nap .

Linda - hope your day is pleasant, I'm sure the girls will be chattering away with Christmas excitement!

Debbie - how are the pups getting along? Didn't you say he's not potty trained? How's that going?

Ruth - your cousin sounds like a hoot! Make sure if you cut back next year, it's not on her, lol!

Cyndi - glad to hear you get a big break with how much you're working

Karen - Wow, you're a better married person than I, that would annoy me with my DH telling me my weight comparison!! (except mine is above last year...and there's no way he'd guilt me at this point in time....)

Ahhhh, DH went back to work (he'll have off thurs/fri though), and I have the kids all week, won't that be fun?!?! Normally wouldn't bother me except for this restriction thing.

I should go to the doc for a recheck today or tomorrow, guess I'll find out my plan. I originally thought of going back very very PT next week, guess that's a big ole NO now!

Oh - I did get a book called Zendoodle. I looooove doodling, and saw a blogger that loves it. I've lost all my hobbies while having young kids and working PT, so this was a drawing thing I could pick up easily and occupy some time with. Yay!!

[Lexxiss]

Twynn, The pups are doing really well together! Kirby was marking but it wasn't due to lack of potty training. The day we had him neutered when we put them in the car we went right over to Glenwood and the marking issue has gone away thank goodness! Kirby is with Kirk in Glenwood and Bing is here in Idaho Springs with me. Bing can stay at my moms when I work but I don't think that will ever work with Kirby. I think it will be a long time before he's not a gate runner. He is absolutely adorable, though.

Well, back to work

[mcsgabby]

Good morning everyone!

Linda - I’ll take that cup! I’m ready for the clean eating to start as well!

Debbie - We are getting more snow today and tomorrow - I’ve heard about 5 more inches! Ugh!! I’m still sore from the shoveling the day after Christmas. Stay warm!

Ruth - I think avoiding unpleasant situations is an awesome resolution!

Cyndi - Have fun with your friend today! Let us know what you think of the Hobbit. We have it on our list of movies to see.

Karen - Have fun on your days off!! Congrats on the maintenance success!!

Tammy - Love zendoodling!! Another good book is Creative Doodling and Beyond by Stephanie Corfee. I picked it up at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. If you want to try it out, make sure you get the full book not the kit. The kit comes with some (cheap) supplies and the book is considerably smaller. Not a good deal that way.

The plan today is to get some more sewing done and then DH wants to go have a burger for dinner as a last hurrah before we start phase 1. I did make an effort this week to cut down on excess carbs and drink more water. I lost 1 pound by doing that so I feel pretty good about it.

I also need to get my January schedule done so I’m not rushing before we leave on our trip. I’d much rather find myself amazed at how relaxed I am before we leave instead of wondering where the time went.

Everyone have a wonderful day!!



Gabby