Yesterday for Christmas I commented on my Facebook that we were having Southern Snow for Christmas- otherwise known as rain. Today, the temps have dropped throughout the day and we’ve actually seen a few REAL snow flurries although easily missed if one blinked. I heard diddy and mom talking a little while ago about leaving the faucets running just a little tonight because it’s supposed to get in the 20’s and they don’t want to run the risk of frozen pipes. I can’t say I blame them.
December 26, 2010
Vacation to Recover from the Vacation
Even though we still have 26 days left in our trip (longer than many people’s entire vacations), I can tell that people are noticing that we are on the downhill slope of the trip. They are trying to squeeze in get together’s and I’ve been thinking about how grateful I am that so many people want to spend time with us. I’m trying my best to see everyone, but I know at the end of the trip there will be those that I never were able to get a chance to see in spite of really wanting to.
I mentioned to someone a few days ago that when I get home, I’m going to need a week to rest after all the going and doing. I guess a vacation to recover from the vaction if you will.
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Little Differences
For a while now I’ve been using olive oil soap as my own little found home remedy for acne. I guess I shouldn’t call it acne, because it isn’t what most people would consider full-blown acne, but since my hormones seem to have been raging this year it has shown up in break-outs. It really has worked wonders and aside from a little break-out I’m having right now (probably from the excess of junk I’ve been eating) I have noticed a huge difference in the way my face looks.
I’ve also started taking red clover in hopes that it helps with the peri-menapause symptoms I’ve been having. So far so good, although I suspect it will take a while before I know for sure if it’s going to make a difference.
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December 24, 2010
Reflections Of..
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over the past couple of days about this past year and all that has happened. I’ve realized many things, but probably one of the most profound things I realized is that some of the people in my life have really had a negative impact on my perspective of things. I don’t blame them, becuase ultimately I’m responsible for my choice and my reactions to things, but I’ve had to take a step back and evaluate those relationships that are one sided and draining to be in. Sadly, I have several and I’ve decided that I’m going to have to let those relationships go. Marcel has done the same and as difficult as it is in some aspects, in others it’s a weight lifted.
I’ve realized that as Marcel and I have started living our lives for ourselves and not being “YES” people all the time that people think we have changed and it has ruffled quite a few feathers. It isn’t so much that Marcel and I have changed- it’s that we have both started saying NO when we want to, even if it isn’t the most popular answer. What we’ve found is that those who get their feathers ruffled and create drama around those responses are those who don’t like the fact that we don’t do everything that “THEY” want us to do, or what they think we SHOULD be doing. It hasn’t been without it’s own set of problems, but those problems aren’t ours they are problems that lie within others. Of course, if you’d ask those same people- they would tell you it’s our fault, because ‘owning’ anything is beyond their realm of comprehension. But that’s another journal entry in itself.
I’m far from perfect and have made my share of mistakes this year. I’ve owned them all and I’m not too proud to apologize when I need to. I’ve had to do it on several occasions. One thing I will never apologize for is being myself. I am who I am- take it or leave it.
December 19, 2010
Sunshine on My Shoulders
I was sitting in church this morning and it really hit me just how blessed I really am. Don’t get me wrong- I don’t feel as though I take all the great things in my life for granted, but I believe that in all that has happened this year, I had really started focusing more on what wasn’t good instead of spending time being grateful for all that was.
Pastor Jenkins commented before prayer this morning about how difficult it is this time of the year for so many people and that suicide rates are higher this time of the year than any other. He talked about how some people don’t have a roof over their heads, heat in their homes, or food on the table. I’ve never had to experience any of those things- and that was the moment that it hit me that when I’m feeling down that I really should focus on what great things are happening in my life.
My blessings are many and I’m so grateful.
Right now I’m going to head out and enjoy the rest of the sunshine that we’ve been given today- plus spend some time with Blackjack (the cat) and MK (the other cat). They’re waiting.
Conversation Evolution
I had a great time last night with friends and at some point someone made a comment about Marcel smoking and how I deal with the smoke smell. Somehow that led to a conversation of how Marcel needs a smoking jacket, and from there it evolved into a conversation about humidors for cigars and where you can find them online. As far as Marcel- I think we should forget the smoking jacket and he should quit all together. My allergies would be thankful.
December 12, 2010
Tis The Season for Giving
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. When I was younger- I am sure I loved it because of the gift receiving aspects, but now as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that I receive much more joy from giving than I do from receiving. Don’t get me wrong- I love gifts; after all, who doesn’t, but it’s nothing like surprising people randomly and adding a smile to their face.
Today while running around, I stopped in at our local Krispy Kreme shop and picked up some gift certificates good for a dozen original glazed doughnuts. If you buy them- the price is close to $8.00 per dozen, but if you buy the gift certificates they end up costing about 2.75 each dozen. It was a pretty big chunk of change that I had to pay to get them, but I wanted to be able to give them to family and friends- plus pass them out to random strangers. Tis the season- and hopefully it will brighten someones day.
I challenge you to do the same- in any way you can.
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Time out for Tech
Now that the cruise is behind us and we have a little more time to hang out at home, mom has asked me to spend a little time working on her old computer and the new laptop. She wants me to update her scanning software plus add a few new programs and show her how to use them. I’ve got to make a cake for my brother on Tuesday, so figure since I’ll be home then that I’ll try to take care of everything then.
Sometime or another, I also need to get a few Christmas cards sent out- and get the tree up. I can’t believe Christmas is less than two weeks away.
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Good Eats
Up until now, this has been a vacation of indulgence when it comes to eating. I did pretty well up until the cruise, but the dessert choices were amazing. There wasn’t just ‘one’ great dessert, but many. Of course, I had to try them all. haha The last day of the cruise they had a chocolate extravaganza during lunch and I REALLY indulged then.
Even though we’ve been home a few days- I’ve still found myself on the indulgence side and know that if I am ever going to shed any pounds while I’m here- I’d better start making healthier choices. I stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies today and plan to start doing my best- including adding more exercise to the mix.
I have a 5k to do on December 31st and I’d better start training if I’m planning to make it.
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December 11, 2010
G-U-M-B-O
Mom is making gumbo today and I can’t wait. In fact – she’s making two pots of gumbo- seafood and chicken. Marcel is not a fan of seafood (other than fish), so the shrimp and crabs will be for us and the chicken for him. I was trying to remember the last time I had gumbo and I think it was probably 4 years ago. I don’t remember eating any last time I was home, and I never make it myself. I am so ready. I plan to make some potato salad to go along with it, and all I can say is YUM! To make things extra sweet- my brother and nephew will be here to eat with us. I heart family time!
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