[tiredoffat]

Hi. Good to hear from you Roll. Don't apologize. I know it's a busy season and it's great that you have wonderful events to attend. I continue to try to eat a bit less of everything, but not deny myself some holiday treats. For example we made gingerbread houses today and I tasted the cookies. I'm just not baking as much though.

The party last night went well. The old friends were very nice. I realized though that we're on different pages of life. In some ways I wished I could have been invisible at the party so I could just watch all the people. There were lots of people I'm not ordinarily around like young business types. It was fun to see the fashions. The house was an old brownstone with high, high ceilings and interesting detail. I love architecture. The mood was joyful and festive. The food delicious. The host and hostess were gracious. It was fun to be in the city and be a grownup for a while since my life is so full of children (a great thing, but sometimes it's fun to be a grownup).

I hope that you're all doing well today. I'm getting lots of cleaning and preparation done for the big day next Saturday. Take care. Thanks for being here.

[rollmdl]

Welllllllllll,
I made sticky buns with LOTS of pecans and butter. They went over big.
Our party was incredible. The home we celebrated in overlooks the bay in Tiburon-----it is gorgeous AND homey. The kids performed, piano and violin. We have some very accomplished musicians in our group. Then we ate and sang old songs, some madragals, rounds, quodlibets (different songs, sung at the same time, that fit together)I don't know if you have ever heard the song Night of Silence sung with Silent Night, but it is a moving piece. Lots of desert then more singing (of christmas carols) . The kids went downstairs to play and watch movies while the adults did more singing and we played some games----Quiddler and Cranium (with teams). snacking Lots of hysterical laughter. I ate too much.

I have one more overeating day planned-----December 25th . That's it. I love that piece of information about the three day grace period for adopting the fat (at least that's how I heard it) Thanks for that, Julie.

I do have a bit of a food hangover today (I don't drink, or I'd have one of those, too, I'm sure).

I'm back on track today. No perfectionism allowed.

We're going to the Christmas Revels tonight.

I'm getting into the spirit--------better late than never.

Love You All,

Roll

[I'm Living]

GOOD MORNING s, you all sound in such happy and wonderful spirits, HI ROLL your welcome for the onfo, your celebration sounds wonderful, I think its lovely to have kids around for the holidays season thier little faces all full of expectations and wonder, it helps to remind me of my childhood xmases we all seem to be busy at these times and I have,nt posted as much as I,d like , but hey don,t sweat it your post,s are always looked forward to either long, short or infrequent, I love the sound of your pecan sticky buns, they sound yummy, and even if you think they are not traditional fare, any food made with love is always perfect, HI TIRED I,m glad you enjoyed your party as well as you could, we all take different paths in life some people seem OK with just staying where they are while others continue to grow, if we,re that sort we do sometimes lose patience with others and expect more from them then they are able to give, don,t blame yourself for fallouts with friends it happens but if they are true friends then it shouldn,t matter , a true friend should be able to express thier selves and expect not to be judged, I was listening to a CARPENTERS CD the other day, and the words hit home it reminded me of how I was maybe 20yrs ago in the song she sang there were the words, I KNOW I EXPECT PERFECTION IN A QUITE IMPERFECT WORLD AND FOOL ENOUGH TO THINK THATS WHAT I,LL FIND sometimes wefeel others don,t meet our expectaions because of the high expectaions we have of ourselves and when others fall short of that, we feel let down, I,ve learnt to not judge myself so harshly, to look at all the things I am and to love and appreciate myself for that , and I also learnt that I may not always measure up to others expectations, but thats OK because I,m only MORTAL and not expected to be perfect I,m not preaching but I think when we look inside ourselves and see just how wonderful and unique each one of us are then it is easier to see others that way too HI CAROL good luck with your shopping, I.m glad you treated yourself to some lovely treats at the health food store, and WAY TO GO on your JEANS AND WORK PANTS getting looser YOU GO GIRL, well thats it for me bye for now take care, be good BLESSED BE OF LOVE TO ALL, JULIE

[I'm Living]

GOOD EVENING s, just dropped in to WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS, I, m off tomorrow morning bright and early about five thirty , to spend the holidays with my family I hope SANTA brings you all your xmas wishes, and your days are filled with love and kindness, REMEMBER TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELVES, and when we return to each other I will not read any recriminations WILL I well bye for now BLESSED BE AN EXTRA OF TO ALL, TIRED, ROLL, CAROL, please stay safe over the holidays catch you later, JULIE

[cacmsc]

Julie I am sure your already off for your holiday I wish you a great time with your family and friends. Your info. on friendship is helpful thanks.
Tired I am glad you went to the party it sounds like it was interesting. I think we all change over the years. What path we take for ourselves is sometimes very different that others may take. I still haven't heard from my friend June in Florida. It seems maybe her and the hubby have just moved on with some friends they met this last year. I think I will just send a christmas card today with a little note wishing them a merry christmas. Life is short and I am not going to play these childish games. But I have to say it does hurt, so if she meant to get back at me for not coming down to Florida this past year it hit home . But I am going to move on not dwell on it anymore. Sounds like your hubby may be right with his thoughts. Sometimes we do have higher expectations or just have different beliefs than others. I am very much a family person in case you haven't noticed. There is to much to do in life to let these little things get in our way. We need to live everyday to our fullest! We are headed in the right direction with taking control over our health. By using this site, I have felt so much better about everything. I think our talks on here help with the emotional eating and gear us up to make better choices. Thanks everyone for being here!
Rollmdl hey glad to have your input again. Boy you are a busy girl but sounds like you have been attending some good functions! Your pecan buns sound wonderful. Yum! I am sure they were pleased you brought them. I feel any food people like fits into any holiday.
I am sure your tree is beautiful.
Tiredoffat I am sure those little kids at school will be a little high on giggles and laughter today. Hope your not planning on teaching too much?
I only have to work until Wed.! My kids will be in at 10:00 this morning. With a wind chill of 21 below and actual temp. -2 they will be so glad to be in Syr. New York!!!!!!!! My son wanted snow and yesterday we got some.I called and told him his order was in. Its going to be 30 on Tues. and Wed. 40. Crazy weather this year! It was 50 when I spoke with him on Saturday in Seattle. They enjoy having a white christmas and that we will have. Not our 200 inches like last year not yet anyways.
I think today after meeting them at the airport its going to be an office day. To cold out to be messing around out there. I can rearrange my schedule and stay in for the most part. Few reports to get off my desk. Thurs. - Jan 2nd I am off! That will be a nice break to spend with my family.
I baked cookies, made fudge some flopped and I of course ate some. But today thank goodness for that 3 day pass will be right on the mark today with eating. I did workout on saturday. That was a good healthy thing to do. Not like eating those cookies and fudge! But my regular eating went well the actual food choices.
Intake for today: coffee health food bar 150
2 poached eggs, rye toast, potatoes 400
homemade chili 350
polish sausage and sauerkraut 300
carrots, celery sticks w/ natural peanut butter 80

[tiredoffat]

Hi Carol, Julie and Roll, it's great to hear all your thoughts and stories. Julie, I really appreciate the wisdom. I'm always searching. In fact, I love the search more than anything. I love wondering and trying to figure out what is love and truth and beauty. . . It's my passion. I really "listen" to your thoughts. I can feel your connections. I feel special being in your realm.

Roll, I loved hearing about the wonderful party. I love singing yet I'm not very good at it, but I love it. At college many of my friends would sit around and play the guitar and sing. I hope you will continue to share stories about your festivities.

Carol, I'm glad that your children are coming. I enjoy hearing about your family. You sound like the mother of grown children that I'd like to be. Enjoy them.

All is well here. There's much to do in the next few days. Lots of wrapping, cooking and cleaning for the big celebration. The shopping is pretty much done with the exception of a few last minute food items I have to pick up Thurs. and Friday. Yes, the children at school are very, very excited. In fact today I had to pop in a video at the end of the day (educational yes!) as they just couldn't contain themselves. I have some crafts and fun activities planned for the next couple of days and then it's vacation.

Eating is going well with a few treats along the way.

breakfast - smoothie (400)
treat - chocolate covered pretzels - 5 small (150)
lunch - salad with turkey, orange (400)
treat - choc. chip cookie (150??)
dinner - pasta with meat sauce (500 about)
treat - egg nog (can you believe how many cals in this - this will be my Christmas glass)
1600 plus eggnog

[cacmsc]

Tiredoffat once in awhile we need those little treats. Don't beat yourself up its christmas. Sounds like your doing well with your intake other than your treat but no biggy there. Its expected almost needed ! We are only human!
My kids came in yesterday I met them at the airport and then got some breakfast and went on with my day and they slept. It was nice to spend some time with them last night. I did have to go with my oldest daughter her little 4 yr. old had double ear infections so we went to urgent care. Thank goodness for those places it was pretty quick and the med's will help. So the kids went with their dad to visit my youngest daughter and see her house. My son and his wife where shocked on how much damage the kids had with the flooding a bit ago. It is sad they only wish they were here longer to help out.
My eating yesterday wasn't too bad. I didn't stick to my plans but not overall bad.
Intake: health bar 150
scramble egg mixture w/ everything but the kitchen sink in it 1/2 order
1 1/2 whole wheat toast dry w/ little jam
chili w/ cheese
tortilla chips 8
1 slice 3 cheese bread plain
1 choc. crinkle cookie, 1/2" fudge square, 1 nutmeg log
1 diet soda and water throughout the day
worked out for 50 min. 25 treadmill burned 223 cal. 4.0 speed, 5.0 incline! I did it I increased to my highest level of incline! It is hard but good and that makes me feel like I am accomplishing something.
T

[tiredoffat]

Hi Carol, I'm glad to hear that your little one is on antibiotics and hopefully feeling better. I'm also happy to hear that your family has arrived safe and sound.

Hi Roll and Julie. I hope you're doing well. I'm officially celebrating starting now until Jan. 2. That doesn't mean major binging, but it means no tracking. I'm throwing my energy towards a happy Christmas celebration for all. The shopping for gifts is done. The food is almost all bought. What's left - some wrapping, a bit more shopping for food, some food prep and cleaning the house. I hope you're all doing well. Have a good night.

[cacmsc]

Tiredoffat good for you and I wish you well on your celebration and boy do I understand! Yesterday was a good day in some ways but the intake with cookies wasn't so good. We did major frosting of all the cut outs in the freezer. The grown kids helped and I whipped up the homemade frosting.This years frosting came out great I must say myself. I didn't use a recipe just put it all together adjusted it as I went along. Then the big kids went to work all around my island it was fun. They are all very artisitic and it was fun for them to express it. I loved every little cookie they did. First we went to see some lights in the village park and at some private properties.
Well its so much fun having all the kids home. I think my son is moving to Hawaii next. He promises to send Dad and I there every year to visit. It is just so far away but as he said mom its not much different then us being in Seattle. I guess he is right. I think they are trying to break it to us gradually. He will have a job with out a problem and its beautiful. As long as he has his health that I am grateful for the rest doesn't matter.
Today I have to work then I am off until 1/2/05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to have a break. Yesterday I had a really busy day but loved it all I del. 2 families christmas baskets from a local church. These two families on my caseload were very pleased to get the food. That makes me feel really good to beable to help out. We are all so very lucky to have the material things in life we so often take for granted. Its a good reality check to see the way others live.
I am going to try and exercise today if I can fit it in. That will balance out my unhealthy eating. I can only hope. It is a holiday and I intend to enjoy it too!
Off to breakfast with a friend this morning before work . Gotta fly and have a super day. Just in case your not checking in Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! Together we will be supportive of each other after the holidays to get back on track!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember eat the things you really want and don't waste calories on the everyday stuff! Christmas is only once a YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tiredoffat]

Very good advice Carol. Enjoy your family and the festivities. You sound like a very nice mom. I'm going to try to follow your advice. Now I'm off to wrapping gifts. Take care everyone. Have a Merry Christmas!

[rollmdl]

Just a quick note to say that I won't be posting for the next couple
of days. I'm picking my parents up at the airport this morning and
I'll be pretty busy with them. Lots of cooking, cleaning and caretaking.
We are having a few friends over for Christmas day and we're having a big meal. My mom and I will be cooking for the next two days. My daughter has the flu. I really feel for her AND I hope my parents don't get sick.
They've both had flu shots and my dad is on so much medication, I don't think a germ could penetrate the pills' protective barrier.

Your festivities sound so inviting. I wish you all a happy holiday and much love. I'll start posting again on the 26th.

Love to you all,

Roll

[tiredoffat]

Happy Holidays to all! Boy will I need you all after this holiday indulgence! Cleaned all day and had a dinner party tonight. Went well. We're into the season. Thanks for being here. Merry Christmas!

[tiredoffat]

Hello again. The fact that you haven't posted tell me that all is well. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday. I'm having a quiet moment while the boys are swimming, then we're off to celebrate. What a treat! Again thanks for all your support. I know that my happiness this season is due in a big way to all of your caring support.

[I'm Living]

HI EVERYONE OF MY s, YOU ALL SOUND LIKE YOU ARE ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS, TIRED you go on and sing your lungs out girl when you sing with your heart it always sounds like a choir of angels, thats what I think when my
grandkids sing to me thier all tone deaf and I love them dearly, ROLL looking forward to catching up with you CAROL all your baking and cooking sounds tempting and yummy makes me just reading about it you all sound like you haven,t strayed to far off the beaten track and have been good with your eating, I,ve been fine, I,m home in the country now, had a beautiful time with my family and caught up with friends, bit of a bummer on thursday, had an accident, I had a green turning arrow but the car on the other side of the road thought he would run the lights and hit me , but I,m OK and cars can be fixed, so all is , needless to say though I was a bit shaken up emotionally so I didn,t feel like eating much anyway, boy am I a killjoy, maybe it was my punishment for the pavlova I scoffed before the fender bender, I ,m not sure if it was SANTA or the watching me anyway just a quick HI from me be good bye for now BLESSED BE TO ALL, JULIE

[tiredoffat]

Hi all. I'm officially done with the eating part of the celebration. I tried it all. My clothes are tight and I have a tummy ache!

Great Christmas. Lots of festivities and fun! Glad to have just my intimate family home. The snow is falling down and it is beautiful out.

Julie I thought of you when I saw a man at an Australian beach running into the ocean with a surfboard and a santa hat. Looked like fun. Sorry about the car accident - what a bummer. I dented my car this week foolishly too. I was rushing and didn't see a pole when I was backing out. Oh well, like you said - no injuries.

Hope everyone else is doing well. I'll be checking in a lot since I'm starting back to my 1500 tomorrow after at least a couple of weeks of overeating. I really reverted back to some bad habits - just shows that food and I have a bad connection, one I need to be cognizant of. Take care all. Thanks for listening. Feel free not to read all my messages this week as I'm really going to use this sight to get back on track STARTING NOW!