After taking 2 very long weeks off for this special time of year.  I realized there were a few things I learned. So I thought y'all might benefit from learning yourselves.

Things I learned on Winter Holidays:

1. When my parents got a new dog I suffered from a severe case of sibling rivalry.

2. December is the month I decide to ruin myself, then I spend 8 months after that in a remorseful comatose of self loathing and depression.

3. As soon as I do not have to blog I have a bazillion great ideas.

4. Despite my objections- I did in fact want something sparkly for Christmas.

5. Not having an outburst outlet, means I burst out.

6. I miss making up inside jokes.

7. A New Year's resolution may start a few days late cuz you have left overs from Christmas that would be a shame to waste.

8. I am easily convinced that sitting around eating bon-bons is hard work.

9. A box of Ferreros that costs $5.99 seems appropriate to eat in one sitting.

10. Window shopping is recommended while wrapped in winter layers. Otherwise anticipate breaking a pig in a blanket sweat.

11. A musical revolution over 200 years old can still bring me to tears.

12. January is a strange month for weather and behaviour.

13. There should be a special Oscar category for CGI or motion capture actors & tigers

14. Family is a bountiful source for blog fodder.

15. I really like spending time with Jilly. She's truly the bestest tinker.

16. My trio's tradition of doing mini Christmas before we part for the season is a great way to ease into the holiday hubbub and bally-hoo!

17. There's something special about a new snow fall, especially the white fluffy floaty ones.

18. There are worse people I could be than myself.

19. Turkey+time =toots

20. Keeping a New Year's resolution is tough if you don't really want to.

21. Pig is a delicious animal.

22. Being a meat eater is not for me. how can I love one and eat the other?

23. Christmas carols late at night on Christmas Eve in the church I grew up in makes me cry, then laugh until I start crying again.

24. I am lucky to love my family as much as I do.

25. Even though Hubby says he only likes black athletic socks, a new pair of purple argyles really bring out his personality.

26. People should stop bullying Justin Bieber, he's a good boy.

27. Being the loudest person in the room means I should probably try listening.

28. I can still remember all the dirty/made up lyrics for most of my fav childhood Xmas songs.

29. I enjoy being happy and jolly. But other people tend to be annoyed/overwhelmed/intimidated by the level of my enthusiasm.

30. A Christmas threat becomes empty if you beg your Momma for the 90 piece nativity set and ceramic tree.

31. My favourite parts of returning to work after the holidays are the hugs and New Year's well wishes. I would like that type of reception all the live long year.

   This is not the entire list, but I worry that too many lists that are too long- can wear out my welcome- and I want to be welcomed until my next holiday:) Here's to you and yours! I hope you had the most magical of Christmas times. I hope that Santa was good to you! And that all your New Year's resolutions are on track. Or at least at the train station.
 
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   Alternate titles include:  The Resolutionator, My Body/My Self, Everything Old is New Again, You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello and This is Going to be the BEST Year Ever- the Farmer's Almanac said so.

    Well, jingle my Xmas bell and ring in the New Year! I've missed all 6 of my loyal readers!  And am enjoying my new found popularity in the Russian market.  Who knew they were fans of the middle of the road humour I am all about.  Hmmm*insert shrug.  There have been a multitude of changes over the past 2 weeks... For one you might've noticed the image to the right...Why yes, that is my new logo. Oh really?  You think so? I'm a big fan too.  I am also planning on a huge website overhaul to celebrate my first blog-iversary- Exciting times for those of us on the ground floor. Many more floors planned, but I am awaiting zoning by-law approval.  

   Now, this Year's resolutions include soon to be classics and renewals of the ever popular standards.  For example I am taking level 2 Ukeology with my Fav teacher Judy Marshak, a continuation of last year's initiative. There has been significant progress on my YA novels, so that's coming off the back burner and being put onto the mid-burner.  I am back to being a pescetarian, which is a type of omnivore.  A fancy way of saying meat makes me sad and sick, plus fish can't cry, they don't have tear ducts. Hubby and I have also started juicing.  The amazing flavours of cabbage and kale finally in one condensed murky glass...that was sarcasm, though most of his concoctions have been a dis-licious veggie blast.  The whole eating right and exercise thing seemed to be working, so that is to be continued with renewed fervour.  Which brings me to what I have been worried about...I owe us a weigh in.  Sigh.  I'll be honest, all the goodies and boozes and baddies caught up with me this holiday season.  For example, Hubby and I finished a box of Ferrero Rochers in a sitting, mind you it was a Sons of Anarchy marathon, so it was over a few hours, but still. Those delicious hazelnut nuggets went down like butter... which I also ate a lot of.  Looking at myself in the gym wall mirror this week has given me pause. I am definitely up... but just how much is yet to been seen.  So, I guess it's time for us to see what comes of bad decisions.

And now for the moment I've been avoiding:  Week 12 measurements 

Height still 5'8"
Weight 173.6 (-2.6 lbs)
Bust 40 (-/+)
Natural waist 33.5 (+.5")
Hips 44 (+1")
Arm flex  r:13.5 (+.5")   l:13.5 (-/+)
Arm rest r: 12.5  (-1")  l:12.75 (-.75") 
Thigh standing r: 25 (+.25)  l:24.5 (-/+)

For a total gain of .5 inches but a loss of 2.6 lbs



  That is one strange weigh in.  I knew that I would be up, but to also be down... It's a wonder that people don't drive themselves crazy with their numbers.  From what I understand the muscle I gained before the holidays helped me to fend off some of the weight, though not the bloating.  Oh and as had been the pattern no inches gained or lost on my bust line.  Surprise, surprise, surprise.  I am definitely happy to be back on track, it's not necessarily a fast track, but now I know what direction I am going.  So as soon as that Pot of Gold is gone I will be back to my strict no junk regime...I mean who can resist that chocolatey flavour rainbow?