[jekel383]

Ruth your post made me laugh! Guess what I think my scale is broken....I am going with that until Tuesday...Like Pearlrose just trying to maintain (although the scale said otherwise today)

Debbie I am cooking our health Christmas dinner on Monday. Turkey breast, butternut squash, green beans, mashed cauliflower and gluten free stuffing....I do love meatloaf

Beth that's great you can get a nice walk in doors. I too have been indulging this week.

The way I look at it, this is one week out of the year. I am usually pretty good with being OP and have been maintaining for the past few years. One week of overdoing it will mean 3 weeks of getting back in check, but that's ok....that's life. Today I treated my Lt and my district administrator to a nice breakfast out. I had one egg and apple walnut pancakes (not the best choice but not too terrible) Lunch was a salad followed by a sinfully delicious frozen yogurt. Not in the mood for dinner so will drink lots of water and snack on raw veggies. Tomorrow I willl be good OP. Christmas Eve I am bringing in a cold cut platter, salads and cookies to hold the fellas over during the holiday. I plan on eating turkey, cheese and cole slaw (bakery cookies don't seem to tempt me) DS and I are having pizza (its out tradition) Christmas I will try not to overdue it at my sisters. Monday I'll begin gradually reining myself in. Since I am working all week and New Year's Eve I shouldn't have too much difficulty getting back to my normal routing.

Three different people told me I looked really tired today.....I think they are right, I'm really beat. Been going to bed around 8:30 every night this week.

On a side note DS will be attending our local community college in January......and moving home next month too.

Have a nice relaxing night.

[Beth19]

Good evening, chicks!

Today was my last day of school for the year....of 2016 that is. The kids love to make the "see you next year" joke when they leave on Christmas break! Even high schoolers still think it's funny lol

DH is working at a vocational school this year and brought home a box of cookies from the culinary arts program. I will admit they are delicious, but I think it's much safer for the family to have 1 plate of pre-made cookies rather than me do much baking. I think I will make another SF pumpkin cheesecake for the weekend....

Ruth, when I was cleaning off my car this morning I couldn't help but notice the snow was the perfect packing type. If I had little kids a snow man would have definitely been on the day's agenda. Glad you got your shopping done. I am sure I will make a small grocery run tomorrow.

Jennifer, I think you have a good attitude. The holidays are just 1 week, and even though it takes time to undo the splurges, we all realize that SB has to be a way of life rather than a short term diet. I know short term dieting is the reason I spent my life on a roller coaster of weight gain and loss. Glad DS has a new plan.

Debbie, hope you had a good day at work!

Thinking of Pearlrose and wishing safe and easy travels for her.

[Beth19]

Good morning, chicks! First day of my vacation and I woke up early. But that's okay, I am sipping coffee and mentally organizing the day. DS1 won't be home until tomorrow but I'm sure the grocery store is on today's agenda.

It is clear right now and I can still see the moon while the sun comes up. Lovely. Enjoy your day, whatever it brings!

[Ruthxxx]

Good morning! I am off to Brockville shortly for a haircut and then a few more groceries. I am definitely way behind on party prep so won't linger in town. Steve and Heather are picking up my bubbly mid-afternoon so I need to be home and well-organized by then. Actually, right now, I feel like going back to bed but ...

It's first light here now and looks like a clear day with temps above freezing. Sure hope so but I will want some more pretty snow for the Eve.

Time for another coffee and list making of what is ready and what is yet to come. Why on earth did I ever start the Christmas Eve open house anyhow?

[jekel383]

Another evening check in for me.....Beth that joke never gets old, we used to say it in college too lol. I went to BOCES in HS for graphic art. My grandma LOVED going to the annual open house. She wished she could have a kitchen like the one at school. On Fridays the culinary class would come around with delectable goodies they made....oh such yummy memories...Ruth I'm sure your Christmas Eve open house will be lovely...Debbie I hope your day went well....

Got all of my running around done on my way home from work. I was going to clean tonight, but truthfully the house looks fine and DS isn't checking for dust lol. Tonight I'm just relaxing as I have work in the morning.

Hope everyone has a nice evening.

[Ruthxxx]

Woke at 2 and finally got up at 4. Coffee is much needed this morning. Lots to do, of course, but it will all come together.

Update at 5.52 - Well, not a good start. Just got my second cup of coffee and discovered the milk was sour - I drank the first one black. Sheesh! Just realized I forgot to feed the dogs. Maybe going back to bed will be a good idea.

[Beth19]

Ruth, I hate those mid-night sessions where your mind is whirling and you can't get back to sleep! Hopefully you will get a nap today. I'm sure your party will be a success. Remember people really just want to be together and socialize.

DS1 will come home today and stay until mid-week. He had unused vacation that doesn't rollover and so took the whole week off from work; the company was already giving Friday and Monday. I will make pea soup and meat pies for dinner. Yes Ruth, I know that is supposed to be Boxing Day but it has become our Christmas Eve tradition. (DH's father was born and raised in Montreal) I did make 2 apple pies yesterday using a mix of stevia and agave nectar so I'm looking forward to those!

Jennifer, we love hearing from you no matter the time of day! Hope work is smooth today; is Christmas Eve generally calmer than New Year's Eve? I suppose those inclined to make trouble don't worry about the holidays.....stay safe.

Pearlrose, hope you are enjoying your trip!

Debbie, does the diner close for Christmas?

Have a great day, chicks and remember the "stuff" part of Christmas is the least important part.

[Lexxiss]

Good morning!

I can't seem to get focused this morning. Perhaps it's because I gave up caffeine. LOL.

Ruth, I hope your day is running more smoothly now. Your party will be fantastic!

Beth, when I see your son gets such a long time off. Dinner sounds yummy!

Jennifer, I agree, DS won't even notice the dust.

I guess I will just putter around and stuff will probably get accomplished. For some odd reason I'm going to drag my bike to the basement. It's in front of The fireplace. It might be nice to have a fire sometime although we only use the fake logs. Dinner is at 4 PM at my moms house. I took my mom to her breakfast and then visited with my sister while she made the meatloaf. She made me breakfast which was a bonus. I finally took apart a sweater I had made for Bing. It was beautiful yarn and didn't fit my two pups. Think I will make myself a hat. Not today though.

Happy Christmas Eve!

[Ruthxxx]

Driving to Westport to get my pre-made veggie tray was an experience! The ploughs had not been out and I think I was the first person across the roads. I hate it when I can't even see the centre line on the road because of snow. The trip home was much easier and faster although I did stop at the florist in Elgin to get my Christmas centrepiece. Now the tablecloth is laid and the flowers are looking lovely. I am going to have a mild drink and some lunch and then zoom into hostess mode before 6 PM. The hyper Pypers will be here by then and Margo and Elaine will be very helpful at putting the food out. Elaine works part time for a classy caterer in Ottawa and sure knows how to set up cold cuts, cheese and things like shrimp and smoked salmon.

In case I don't get back in before I take off tomorrow, I'll wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the good stuff possible for 2017.