Rotten

This week is shaping up to be a real dog. Nasty-gram e-mails from the ex, ongoing fight to keep my youngest home next year instead of his father's plan to ship him off to boarding school (more time for his golf and dating, right?), and it's finals week for the three high school boys.

And it's cold, windy and snowing. 

And did I mention that work is piling up cuz I've been so distracted by the battle against boarding school?

Ug. How many pounds of chocolate (dark with less than 65% cocoa, per The Plan!) and how many bottles of vino do you think I'll go through in the next few days! :)

Working so very hard to choose happy. How's your week going?

OMG!

To those who have left comments on blog items which went unanswered, my sincere apologies. I just realized that comments are sent to my gmail account, which, until about 3 minutes ago, I literally never checked.

So, keep the comments coming and I promise to be more responsive!

The Gloves are Off.... And Gobo

I am about as conflict-averse a person as you'll ever meet. Which is probably why my first marriage lasted as long as it did - he always was "right" because voicing my opinion was too exhausting and, as I learned over time, not worth the fight.

However, the ex has brought a fight to my feet and it's clear he doesn't like that I'm not just caving in. But, when he brings my boys into it, I will fight like a Mama Lion.

That said, this whole standing-up-for-myself is new territory, it's exhausting and takes too much mental energy.  People who go looking for fights are sick. Thank goodness that the Mr. is so supportive. I'll provide updates on this whole sad/sick saga, but for now, just know that I'm still here, but engaged in battle.

In other news: still living and loving The Plan -- I've kept the weight off for weeks now. Anytime I slip, I just revert back to a "proven" menu. Also, discovered Gobo root at a local Asian market:

Gobo, or burdock, root is traditionally valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is highly esteemed as a blood detoxifier, a diuretic, and a topical remedy for maladies of the skin, including psoriasis and acne.

Learn more at www.wisegeek.com

Ciao for now and choose happy in 2012.

Out with the Old

New Year's Eve is upon us and I'm ready for a new calendar year, how about you? 2011 brought more than it's share of family-related drama and I, for one, am crossing fingers for a much quieter 2012.

Each year I make the same resolution -- to be more patient. I will say that over time, I've gotten better. But that might just be a maturation, aging-related change! What about you, any resolutions?

Re: The Plan (www.neighborhoodholistic.org), up until this week I was sticking with the general eating guidelines. I veered WAY off course this week -- just too many leftovers around the house (I hate waste). So, I'll jump back on the bandwagon after tomorrow. It really has made a consistent difference in my weight.

For all of you out there, best wishes for the happiest of new years. Sending hopes for peace and health. 

In 2012, let's all choose happy.

Tis the Season

Friends,

I sit here, in my bed, alone (the Mr. is traveling with his kids this week) and wee bit tipsy (blame Costco and the Bailey's Irish Cream at the front door!), so very grateful for all that enriches my life. My sons, my amazing husband, my friends and family, and the vast history of experience that inhabit me. My job, our relative financial security and the good health and happiness I get to enjoy every day.

As I prepare to serve chili, sub sandwiches, spiked cider and cookies to many of my nearest and dearest local friends and family, I want to take this moment to say "Thank you" for being in my life.

From the most sincere and loving place in my heart --

J.

holiday hustle

The past few weeks have been beyond busy. Since the surreal (but wonderfully relaxing) Thanksgiving, both of my cars have been totaled. Happily, all people are fine, but the cars are kaput. One was an older minivan my kids drove, the other was my nicer and newer sedan. Both are gone, baby, gone. So, I've been playing phone tag with various insurance agents, testing new vehicles and girding to lay out some big bucks for new rides. Oy. Not surprisingly, the Mr. has been supportive and wonderful in helping me coordinate all the various moving parts.

And, tensions are running high as we wait for college acceptances. So far, one boy is 2/5, the other has one bird in the hand and is awaiting word from several others.

Winter break is around the corner - yeehaw. Taking my guys skiing/snowboarding for what I hope will be some real quality time together. Yes, I'll miss the Mr., but it's important for me and my dudes to share some alone time, too (plus, the Mr. doesn't ski).

If I don't get back to the blog before the holidays hit, best wishes to everyone! Hope you find lots of happy this season.

Just call me Eeyore

That's right, the gloomy, down-trodden donkey best describes me these past few days. After a wonderfully restful and thoroughly enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday, I came home to an avalanche of crap. Sorry to be so crass, but there's no other way to put it.

Upside, the anxiety has resulted in a few extra lost lbs. And yes, the kids are fine. But between the lousy weather, a car wreck (again, all are ok) and general nastiness, lies and negativity being hurled around and about me by my own personal Voldemort, we're otherwise healthy and lovable.

Trying to go with the flow but not doing too well. Fingers crossed that karma will work it's magic quickly and that tomorrow will be a happier day.