It's a Christmas Post! Which is a Christmas Miracle!

This picture is a couple of years old, but it popped up in Google Images when I was searching for a link and I really love it so what the hey.

I decided to gift my poor neglected blog a post. What I have been up to? Had a phenomenal Thanksgiving with MVP and Mandy here (everyone but Danger Boy was home) that was low-key immediate family (including my 21-year old nephew who is living with us) which felt just right. The day before is actually my favorite day because I love the warm camaraderie of the bustling kitchen, although our new tradition of a day-of bike ride and the dreams of a lottery-win-bayside homesunder a sky drawn with cornflower darkening to cerulean has its charms. As do the tables in the sand set with holiday-themed floral arrangements.

I got new running shoes when we visited our local Road Runner outlet and wore them exactly once the Monday before Thanksgiving before falling victim to a chain of maladies that has kept from exercising for almost a month. I think I might be over it. Holding my breath.

Work is insane and fulfilling. My second job is the same. I am working hard with International Eating Disorder Action --we now have a website along with our blog (that's the kind of thing I mostly write these days), Twitter (@IEDACtion) and Facebook group. We are loosely organized to be more adaptable to react quickly than a group like F.E.A.S.T. (which is hands down the number one family resource I recommend); I think we can complement each other and magnify our respective voices.

I am also stoked to be receiving and providing support with a new FB-based parent support group--Eating Disorder Parent Support or EDPS. It's co-ed, well-moderated and for carers only, which is important to me. Once you learn enough to start following the money, you recognize the value of independence from those who profit (irrespective of the good they do) from treating eating disorders. Of course this is not to say there cannot be incredible collaborations, it's just a consideration. I am thrilled to be working with so many smart, passionate people.

Though it seemed an iffy proposition for a bit, we will have a respectable semblance of Christmas here. Thank you Amazon Prime. We are almost tree-only on decorations this year (my 40-year old self is appalled; my 50-year old self is giving that self the finger).

Christmas Cards are out though no letter--posting to FB I think. The cinnamon rolls were a breeze this year--Social Butterfly was a lean mean dough-rolling machine today. As well as a remarkable cleaner upper. I covered the bar and dining room table with peanut clusters, put them in bags and realized that left us with none so I will be reprising that activity in the next couple of days. 

The last three weeks, with the one week of back jacked-ness and another two of super-cold, have made me very aware that lack of productivity makes me cranky. Me no likey.

I missed Mr. Fix-it's work party, but am going to make at least three that I am really looking forward to. This is the time of year when my friend Sandra and I sometimes (not every year) find ourselves closing a party down and paying for it the next day. It's always worth it. Nothing solid for New Year's Eve, but I can be really happy with a movie and sushi. 

I cannot believe SB is going to Australia in two months (I am also insanely jealous) and DB has one semester of college left. Mind Blown. Truly.

So that's the post-7% beer followed by a hot bath state of the state from me. I am nostalgic over the days of Jen's Holiday House Tour, but the only constant is change and I accept that. If I don't post here before 2015, my wish for you is a holiday and a new year filled with fun, family, friendship and fulfillment. 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[suburbancorrespondent]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too!

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

Hey, I recognized that photo!
You've done well, Jenn. The baking here is very behind schedule (teens have had other plans) but that is pretty normal anymore.
I dropped the ball on gifts (some are still being made, some were purchased, some weren't...) and I hope my husband does something to pick up the slack. On the other hand, I am surprisingly laid back about it all.
May you all be happy & healthy throughout the holidays.

[lanes]

I love that your 50 year old self choose to express her point that way. You know she's right! Merry Christmas and happy new year!

[jenn]

Merry Christmas! My tree is lights-only this year, with a dozen half-assed candy canes thrown on in a burst of guilt. I find myself truly excited by the prospect of a Christmas without the dread of takaing apart the tree overshadowing it. Your work with eating disorders is inspiring. Go you!

[Slow Panic]

I love that photo. My 47 year old self has been giving my 40 year old self the finger for weeks. We are pretty much tree only too. And thank God for Amazon Prime. I did 99 percent of my shopping there.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

[Little Miss Sunshine State]

As Mr Sunshine State says...2014 was the worst year of our lives. So.Much.Stress.

We will have a very quiet Christmas with just the 4 of us plus our son's GF for breakfast, watch a few movies and a few finger foods in the afternoon.

We declared a serious budget on Christmas gifts. $25 limit per person.

We are on our second batch of Peanut Clusters and last night I made Red Velvet Whoopi Pies. Christmas baking makes me really happy.
Enjoy your family and Merry Christmas!

[Cassi]

Well, except for the cold and back here at the end, it seems like you had a busy but great 2014, and that makes me happy :-)

You are right about the constant change --things are definitely different for us this holiday as well, and right now we only have a tree that's still undecorated and none of the gifts are wrapped. And we're not stressed about it.

[Busy Bee Suz]

Ha. I give myself the finger daily! Sorry you've been laid up with health issues...I DO hope it is over for you now.
Wishing you and your family ALL the best for this holiday and for 2015! I miss you.
XO

[Jen on the Edge]

Yeah, I'm kind of missing the Holiday Homes Tour, but I'm not really missing blogging, so it all balances out. :-)

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

It's such fun reading how your life has changed so much over the years...gotten better and stayed just as interesting to read about. Have a VERY Merry with your family!

[Smalltown Me]

Merry Christmas!