Chasing Squirrels

This morning on my walk, I met the cutest little Lhasa-Apso out with his owner for a morning walk. It was pretty early (7:30am) and there really was no one out on the river on this blustery day. This little dog just thought he was  *it*, though...and he was so cute!! We stopped, and I petted him...He continued on his way with his owner. I was listening to some new music I have recently added to my Ipod Workout Mix, and just really enjoying the fact that no one was around!!

A short while later, I came across the Lhasa-Apso and his owner again, this time sneaking some clementines (I think) from a tree on property...I pretended like I didn't see the owner covertly sliding the clementines in his pocket - Frankly, they are a favorite of mine too, and if I weren't such a chicken (OK: and if I had pockets!) I probably would have filched a few too! Again, though, what drew my notice was not the owner and his activities, but the dog and his happy grin as he waited for his owner to get a move on.

A few minutes later, the dog and his owner disappeared from sight, and I continued on my walk...The sun was starting to come out a little bit more, and the chill in the air was lifting. I rounded the corner, and suddenly, this flash of blonde dashed across my path!! I laughed, because it totally snapped me out of my own head...it was the Lhasa-Apso...I guess he figured his owner got to pick a few things he liked (clementines), so it was turn (apparently, squirrels are his delicacy of choice!)! It was delightful and inspiring to see this dog dash as he went to go chase the squirrel...complete abandon in the moment, in the joy of chasing that squirrel.

Today, my wish for everyone is that you can pursue what you like with such joyful abandon. I hope it's not squirrels, but if it is...I sure hope you catch a few!

'Tis the Season....

 

Eggnog. Poundcake. Kringles. Sugaree's Coconut Cake. Latkes. My mother's "Black Beast." Sausage Balls. Seven Layer Bars. Mint Brownies. Peppermint Ice Cream Pie with Hot Fudge Sauce.

These, my friends, are just a few of the delicious goodies that usually make their way into my home during the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, usually, they are eaten in short form and with much delight by myself and the other members of my little family.

Think about it, folks...the holidays really are that time of year when you let yourself go - things that you don't normally indulge in, whether it is food treats, alcohol, shopping...we actually let in and really enjoy! Or do we? After you eat that yummy sausage ball washed down by that egg nog, how do you REALLY feel? For me, although it usually looked and smelled delicious and tasted sublime going down, it was almost always immediately followed by my fervent wish that I had had more willpower and had not eaten/drunk that...

This year, of course, things are going to be a little different.  We (graciously, I hope!) let the dear family and friends that normally send the goodies to us know that we will not be partaking this year, and asked them not to send the goodies to us.  As I made the request, it did cross my mind that maybe the children will be disappointed not to have Kringle on Christmas morning...and I know for a fact that my eldest daughter is a fiend for pound cake.  But I have learned the hard way that these yummy morsels really do represent a "moment on the lips, forever on the hips."  And, quite frankly: we have worked WAY too hard this year in changing our eating habits and lifestyle choices to be set back by indulging in some goodies that, while ephemerally yummy, will only result in us having to work that much harder to get back on track.

The truth is, this time of year is so hectic and fun-filled,  I really am not sure that I would be able to resist that yummy plate of Seven Layer Bars sitting on the counter.  I have found that, for me, it is too easy to allow myself to go too long between meals at this time of year, and when I do that, I find that it is very easy to reach for whatever is on the counter without thinking about it too terribly much.  So I have amped up my efforts to "stock my pantry for success" (and my counter!!)  and I can assure you: chocolate covered oreos are NOT part of that equation!

So, this year, my family will be gnoshing on edamame, almonds,  and there will probably be plenty of dark chocolate to be found around my house, as well.  We are going to put the focus on being together, on creating memories, and on celebrating the fact that we are making better, healthier, more fulfilling choices.  I'm quite certain that the children will sneak a few handfuls of candy while we're making our gingerbread houses, and there is no doubt that the holiday parties at school will be highly anticipated as much for the goodies on the table as for the feelings of good cheer...

But, you know what? My bet is that in the end, long after the last sip of holiday punch is drunk and the last morsel of the holiday cupcakes are gone, the memories of family, tradition and evenings spent enjoying the glow of our Christmas tree will nourish my children for years to come in ways that holiday goodies never will.

And that, my friends, is the WHOLE point.