Day #22 - Christmas is almost here

Well, it has been a while since I last wrote anything, but I haven't forgotten it, just have been so busy between work, Christmas, and then we took on a project to feed the homeless through the winter.

On the 13th, Vito, Charlie Sbarra, Giancarlo, and I went to Camden with two car loads full of donated food.  We stayed up very late the day before, cutting and wrapping coffee cakes, pretzels and other baked goods that was donated to our efforts.  That morning it was pouring down and freezing.  We were soaked to the bone, and I have never felt so miserable in my life, but that is nothing compared to living in those elements all the time and hungry as well.  It is a real eye opener to get out and mingle with these people.  They were so grateful for a piece of pizza, a sandwich, a donut or cake, a piece of fruit and a cup of hot chocolate.  The experience was wonderful but terribly sad and it zapped the energy out of me for days.  Not to mention that I can't stop thinking about these pour folks especially since we had the Blizzard of 2009.  I so hope they made it to a shelter, but so many were living in tents and under boxes.  I don't know how our country can ignore this tragedy.


So any way, after that I have been working like crazy, also had to decorate for Christmas as I was running late, and trying to get Christmas shopping done, which I was also late doing.  Then to top it off, we had the great Blizzard of 2009 with over 30" of snow in our yard.  It immobilized everything for several days, so yesterday I got brave and ventured out and got everything done.  But really tired!
Tonight Mama flies in and I hope and pray there won't be any flight delays or she will be terrible so upset.  At least I now have all my presents wrapped, Mom's room is ready, and I just have to do a little baking.


Speaking of food, I have been oh so good!  It has now been 22 days since I started my diet and I lost a total of 15 pounds!!  Yeah Athena!  Now I am off of the diet for two weeks and I imagine that the way I gain, I will probably gain a little back, but if I can keep it under 5 pounds through the holidays, I will be happy.  On January 1st, I am going back on the strict diet for another two weeks and then maintain for two weeks until I get this weight where I want it.  I am really happy though and my tight jeans are now loose.


TIP:  My tip for getting through the holidays without over doing it, is using a smaller plate.  No seconds unless it is non-fattening foods, and limiting alcohol consumption.  As for baked goods, yes I am going to have some, but I am going to be very selective and limit the amount of those as well.


O.K., Christmas is here and I am going to try my best to be a good girl.  Maybe Santa will bring me something nice for being so good!