Almost Christmas!

 I am off 2 days in a row, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I am very excited.  I haven't had more than Sunday off since mid October!  Then I work Sat and am off Sunday.  

I am so lucky that DH went to Aldi's today for our Christmas Day dinner.  We are going to have roast pork loin and potatoes and carrots.  I am going to roast some broccoli in the over too.  We are just going to stop by and give his folks a little something for Christmas - I got them a basket of goodies to eat.  Just favorite treats and snacks, I am also going to make cookies tomorrow.  Other than that, just DH and I.  

A close family member that got covid and died in 3 weeks made me convinced more than ever that we need to be very careful around DH folks - they are 84 and 85.  Our family member on my side that passed away was a very healthy and active 81 year old, with no underlying health problems.  So, no chances for us.

Tonight after work, i am going to make a healthy batch of brownies (got the Paleo Sweets cookbook earlier this year).  For me to watch my sugar (trying to lose this 15 I have gained since "retiring" and keep DH sugar low - as he is diabetic).  And I have a casserole I threw together today that we will have tonight.  Tomorrow, we will eat pretty clean, so we can enjoy a couple of cookies.  DH also got us a bit of fruit, so we can feel like that is a treat too.  I have been juicing about 2 bunches of celery a week, and it is not too bad at all!

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful Christmas.  It might not resemble Christmases we are used to, or envisioned for ourselves and our families, but sometimes that happens.  Blessings I wish on you all out there!

Thursday Thirst

So I am on day 4 of no sugar.  Think no added sugar, not zero sugar.  I still have 2 pieces of fruit a day.  Like in my smoothies, or an apple.  But I have it all, the fiber and all.  Any doubts at all as to how bad processed food is for us...just check out this article.  I could not believe it.  It is crazy.
https://www.eatthis.com/unhealthiest-foods-2018/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=msn-feed

There is a salad in this list that has 1000 calories!  WOW.  And if we think that advertisements do not mislead us, we are naïve.  Many of the things in the list might be things we try to be more healthy than what we really want (fruit smoothies, protein bar, Lean Cuisine, salad).  I would rather just try to eat whole food, so I know what is in the food and it is cheaper anyway.  Then, if I really want to try the candy bar, I have the candy bar...but not this month.  I am trying to go one month with no sugary treats, to see if it makes me feel better.  My tummy has been hurting a little more lately.

I think it is a combination of not getting the level of rest and sleep I was getting before I went back to work.  After all, I am driving an extra 10 hours a week alone.  Not to mention the 40 hours I am working and the stress of it.  I will be glad when Sept gets here.

I was looking at my FB timeline and a memory popped up that yesterday exactly one year ago was the last day in our City House.  We stayed 3 months in a noise, disgusting hotel, then retired.  We travel quite a bit, did lots of projects around the house...I read a devotional earlier in the week that said when we feel feelings, just be in it.  I learned that years ago for some things I went through as a young adult (normal life stuff, relationships, heartaches, job issues, disappointments) but when it came to a more gradual, should-have-been-all-positive aspect about retiring, I jumped the gun and had to jump into action.  I won't be fooled next time. 

After this gig, I plan to take off the rest of fall and all winter and look at things in the late winter/spring.  Maybe get a part time job or volunteer, or both. 

I think DH is doing his own adjusting too.  Finding himself busier with me gone, of course, but he has been checking in with his sister, helping at her store and yesterday met his brother halfway between city and retirement town and they played golf. 

Anyway, have a great day - it is Thursday.  Weekend, then short week next week! 

Photo Phun

I just sent DH 2 photos I want him to recreate with me...one of a woman in a long gown standing on a gravel road at sunset by a classic car and another a shot of 3 women dressed up in their gear riding their bikes toward the camera.  Fun!  Live it up!

I can't wait to see how I will not sit still while I can do whatever I want.  I am going to conquer the world...or at least get some cobwebs cleaned out!

Did early free lance appt Sat am.  Had to get up early AND dress up.  Waaaaaaa.

I am SO proud of my spouse...he bought a pry bar to take off moulding at RH next weekend, with no reminder/request/bossing from Me!  Amen.  I gave away some bar stools, clothes, motorcycle bag to some friends, large dog bed, etc.  I was restless, so I touch up painted downstairs bath and worked on magic sponge in downstairs master closet.  Downstairs looking good!  Carpet clean, stretch and couch to be taken down and loveseat brought up, and touch up trim...and it will be good to go!

On our day off from snow last week, I made a meal out of spaghetti squash and used sauteed mushrooms and jar sauce/pre made meatballs...it was SO good.  Fairly healthy and very filling.  Will be much healthier when I do sauce  from scratch.

I am going to do more adjustments like this.  Husband eats anything, more veggies than I.  But smaller meals, spinach smoothies, supplements and no morning/night eating have helped my tummy.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!  I am going to take a walk...is cool, but Sun is finally out.  Thank Him!