Christmas Catch-up and Look who I saw!

I do not want to be one of THOSE bloggers who start a blog, lose some weight and disappear into the never-land of the internet.  I have not been able to blog over the last week due to the fact that I had no internet connection in rural Kansas where we were visiting with my in-laws. Well....there is internet, but dial up just doesn't work for me. Very little cell service there also. But, I'm home now and ready to catch you all up on my goings on.

We left for Kansas Wednesday night after work. Stopped half way in Norman at my Aunt's where we dumped most of the presents. Early Thursday morning headed for Kansas. Pulled into the driveway just as lovely large white fluffy flakes began to fall. Alas the ground was too warm and the snow didn't last, so there wasn't enough to play in, but it was lovely to look at for a day. The next morning I got up to cold, but sunny skies. Just the kind I like for a walk/run. So off I went down rural roads, the sun shining and the frost nipping at my nose. It was a nice run.  After I returned, I did a little TKD practice, but decided that turning kicks on gravel and frosted ground was a bad idea. I saw a fall in my future and went back inside.

A trip to the store later and I had the fixings for dinner. My rum raisin apple pie was on the agenda for my father in law. It's the only time he gets it so I make it for him at holiday dinners. I did not eat any however as I have never liked apple pie. I did partake in a couple of snicker doodle cookies, but overall kept my sweets to a minimum.  I can't say I ate healthy food over that weekend, but I can say I tried to moderate my portions. I spent most of that weekend cooking and doing dishes, but managed to get in some quality Yahtzee games with the kids. We had our presents with the in-laws on the 23rd and I received a lovely robe and slippers. After my weight loss, I realized that my current robe was a 26/28 and will wrap around me about 3 times. The new one is a size large and fits. It is red and fluffy and I love it.

Christmas eve morning was spent packing up to head back to Norman. Three kids can do a lot of damage to a house in 2 days time. Took a while to find all their toys and gifts and such. Packed up and headed south, the traffic was surprisingly light and the day was sunny which made for an enjoyable and quiet ride. Especially when combined with the headphones the kids were wearing. 

Upon arrival in Norman, I found that I was requested to finish the German Chocolate cake my Aunt was baking and other various cooking duties for dinner the next day. We say dinner, but here in the south we really mean late lunch or 'linner" as we jokingly call it.  There was a huge spread planned with ham and turkey, casseroles and salads, desserts and cookies and rolls. Your typical Christmas luncheon from hell. That's ok, because I do not like German chocolate cake and by the time I finished cooking on Sunday I was not so much in the mood to eat. I had food, good food and I enjoyed it, but my portions are significantly different from years past and their were no seconds or thirds.

The presents were unveiled early Sunday morning as Church began at 11am. We were up at 6am. Thanking God once again for coffee.  The children were all thrilled with their gifts. Son got a new iphone which has been attached to him since. He also got these and I quote: Really cool neat headphones that go over your WHOLE ear. Like not IN it, but Around it and the SOUND is like so MUCH better....... Yeah kid. Those are called HEADPHONES and they were the original ear buds. He is totally into music and is constantly streaming pandora. Thank god for unlimited data plan.

The girls got their wish: Nintendo DS and a princess suitcase and a diary with a REAL lock and key. They also got plenty of new clothes, some barbie stuff and a couple of new board games I'm looking forward to checking out this weekend.

I got plenty of nice things and then some....well weird ones. But, the husband tries and I love him. Plus we've been married now far to long to get upset over a less than stellar Christmas gift. Who wouldn't want a waterpick anyway?  I did however get the blue ray copy of Super 8 and my friends who grew up in the 70s if you haven't seen this you must. No really. Right now. Stop reading and go watch it. Come back later...... I love that movie. It is funny and cute and thrilling and there is action. My 14 year old loved it although I had to explain a few things about the 70s to him.  I spent the whole movie going, "I remember that." And "I HAD one of those." Fun fun movie.

The less than happy gift this Christmas was a roaring case of bronchitis, which I have been nursing. I had to go home early from work yesterday and YES doctors do get sick. And YES I've seen a doctor about my cough. I've heard all the jokes before. I suppose as physicians we see any personal illness as a bit of a failure and I HATE canceling patients, but I hate coughing all over them more and when I cannot walk a few feet without hacking, even I must surrender.

Today has been much better. Thank you Prednisone. Thank you inhalers. And I am starting to feel a bit better. Which is a good thing as BFF and her 2 kids arrive today. It is our annual New Years gathering where we hang out for a few days, play games with the kids, laugh, watch football, drink a bit and visit. Presents to be opened New Years day with black eyed peas to follow. Yes you read that right.....if you don't know why you eat black eyed peas on New Years day you must be a damned Yankee.....google it.

I am sorely lacking exercise since my taekwondo gym is closed until the New Year. I miss it terribly, but cannot workout as I am wheezy wheezy right now. It's OK. I'll not quit. I have a gained a little weight. I'm up about 10 pounds since the cruise at Thanksgiving, but as I look back over this year I see mainly success and HEY, I'm still here. Not giving up. Not ever. I have a goal and I will reach it.

And now a few random things......Stephen Kings new book 11/22/1963 IS AWESOME. Simply awesome. I haven't finished it yet. It is long long long, but oh so worth it. You really should pick it up. It's just plain great.  My new iphone 4s has the Siri thingy lady in it and frankly creeps me out a bit. Although I haven't used her for real information, I have enjoyed my family and friends asking her random questions like how do you roast a pig or where can you bury a body near here. 

My in-laws got me a pair of the fuzziest damn slippers you ever saw. In fact they look like I shoved my foot up a small dog's ass.  I simply must post a picture for you to understand.  I really really wanted to return them, but they seemed sooooo wanting me to like them and the GIRLS just freaked over them and think they are the best thing ever. I'll admit they are the warmest slippers I've ever worn, but of course a small dogs orifice would be wouldn't it?

Just before I left for Kansas I had the awesome opportunity to meet one of my bloggy friends in real life.  Yes....I met someone in real life and had lunch with her. Someone that I met on the internet. NO it didn't end like one of those made for TV movies where someone gets kidnapped and the message is....beware the internet stalker.  No it was very pleasant and amazingly Jan from Writing to Wellness was exactly as expected. Intelligent and kind and a lovely conversation ensued. Of course as a fellow family physicians we spent a lot of our time talking about medicine.  We had a tasty lunch with promises to repeat anytime we get the chance. She even had some very nice things to say about me in her recent post. If you don't read Jan's blog, you should. She is amazing and not just because she's lost a ton of weight. She is inspiring for a whole host of reasons not least of which how she handled her breast cancer she's been through over the past year.

Well.....I suppose I should stop here although there's so much more I could go into. That's what happens when you haven't had a good chat with friends in a while. I'm amazed at the friends I've met here on line. I never dreamed that when I started this blog to help me stay on course with my healthy living I'd meet so many great people. I hope to be back to regular blogging although this weekend will be busy with my best friend and her kiddos. We plan a whole day of grown up only fun on Friday. Likely some shopping, dinner and maybe a movie.

As always thank you for your support and never give up.