Unwanted Christmas Gift

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas I gave myself an easy, but unwanted, Christmas gift--extra weight. I don't know what it is about that time of year, but all of my resolve hitched a ride to outer Mongolia and left me incapable of resisting the cookies, candies, chocolate, breads, desserts, turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, and ice cream. I just shoveled it in. In my defense, I did try to exercise a bit, but when all of my kids came home and wanted to hang out and do other stuff, I let that slide as well (we did do Just Dance several times so that counts, right?).

So, now I have this extra weight, but I don't want it. I don't like it. I want to return it and exchange my fat self for a thinner one.

Of course, we all know it ain't that easy so . . . .

I've gone back to my regular eating habits--no sweets, no ice cream--basically no white sugar or flour. Lots of salads, fruits, fiber, lean meat, and water. And I'm back to exercising every day.

I'm trying a new exercise program called KettleWorx. It's a 20 minute routine, 3 days a week, with a kettlebell. I add an extra 10 minute routine, use a heavier kettlebell, and do it 5 times a week. I like the routine and it feels like I'm getting stronger. Now, if I can just get that extra weight to drop off. Why is it so much easier to gain weight than to lose it?

Anyone know where I can return my unwanted Christmas gift? Do you think Walmart will take back these extra pounds--they take back everything else :).

Christmas Performance

My daughter is a member of Applause, a performing choir, that performed at a local mall yesterday. She is the tall blonde. They all did a wonderful job. I love that they learned sign language for this song, A Gift of Love.

Merry Christmas!

Grandpa's Christmas Music

We've now collected enough Christmas music that I can turn on the CD player and listen to it all day without repeating a CD. I love Manheim Steamroller. I can listen to that music over and over and over again.

With all the great Christmas music we have, including some new favorites like Alan Jackson's "So Let it Be Christmas," my ultimate favorite music is what my grandpa used to play. Most of the songs are from the Big Band era. My grandpa was a DJ of sorts, back in the day. He used to play music for wedding receptions and parties. He built these enormous speakers--5 ft tall by 3 ft wide--and he had at least 1000 albums. We've inherited all of that. Grandpa had hoped my husband would carry on the DJ business, but we simply didn't have the time.

Grandpa loved music. He didn't play any instruments and he didn't sing, but he loved to listen to the famous bands of the day. And he loved Christmas music. He created a reel-to-reel tape of his favorite songs and that's what he'd play during the season, especially on Christmas Day. Before we could open any presents (I lived with my grandparents) he'd start the "Christmas Tape." Then we knew it was officially Christmas.

We now do the same things with our kids. We make them wait to come downstairs until we have Grandpa's music playing because it isn't really Christmas without that music. I'm sure it's because of all the memories that are wrapped up in those songs, but I never tire of hearing them. I'm thankful we were able to capture all of those songs from the reel-to-reel so that each year I can enjoy the music that was such a part of my childhood and I can share that with my kids.

Sing a Song for Christmas

I have a story published in the December issue of the Friend.

Here's a link to the story if you'd like to read it. It's based on a true experience I had with an elderly neightbor.

Interestingly enough, this story is making the rounds on the internet. I keep seeing it posted on different sites, which is pretty cool.

I hope everyone is enjoying the last few days before Christmas. We're getting slammed with snow and will definitely have a white Christmas. My kids are counitng down the hours until Christmas Day. Can't wait!!

Merry Christmas! May you all be blessed with the peace and joy of the season.

Buy Books

Looking for a perfect Christmas gift for someone?

May I suggest buying a book?

Of course, I'd love it if you bought my book, but if my book doesn't appeal to you, buy another book. Reading seems to be a lost art. Kids are addicted to computer games and too many of them haven't fallen in love with books.

When I was in Denver last year, I found this amazing bookstore, The Tattered Cover. It's three stories high. I was paralyzed with excitement as I browsed all the sections.

Don't you just love the smell of books? Or how they feel in your hands when they're brand new? Or how the pages feel between your fingers? Isn't it great when you've read that last page and close the book? Don't you love finding a character you care about or a story that lingers with you long past the last page?

Books. Books. Books. Buy a book for someone you love.