Tues: Too Tight to Like

All my pants are too tight. The few that do still fit get worn over & over. If it wasn't winter, skirts would be my outfit of choice. It's happened gradually over two or three months from a lack of exercise and an abundance of eating crap. Come to think of it, I actually feel that way more times than not. The scales are avoided at all costs, because I don't want to know the damage that's been done.

Recently I heard Zonya Foco, a motivational health speaker on PBS (Saturdays @10am on KBYU 11) & was really impressed. She's a registered dietitian & talks straight to your 'wake up & listen' senses. Kind of like that no nonsense teacher we all had in school. We loved them out of respect, but never got by with minimal work.

Here's her website- http://www.zonya.com/index.php

It has an abundance of helpful information from Stress to Exercise, Shopping to Saving money. Best of all you don't have to buy anything.

Sat- Savoring the Savior's Birth

I can never get enough of the true reason for Christmas. Maybe it's because we have to consciously think of and search for Christ everyday of our lives. On the other hand, it doesn't take long to be overwelmed with the material part of Christmas.

Setting out our many creche displays of Christ is a must. I've painted & been given numerous nativities of the Holy Family over the years. The olive wood ones from Israel or the children's unbreakable ones all serve a special need. I still remember the cardboard 3-D glossy one from my youth. This black one pictured with gold leaf, painted in 1984, is one of my best efforts.

May you take time to review the Christmas story in Mark 2: 1-20.

Verse 11: ..."For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."...Then thank the Lord daily for sending His Son, Jesus Christ to save us from this world of sin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

Thur: Theater on the Thrift

Christmas in Manhattan is exciting & colorful. We spent a week on the Hudson River visiting Alicia & family. We managed to see two shows: The Rockettes @Radio City Music Hall & Mary Poppins @the Amsterdam Theater.

Standing in line for Rockettes tickets, we met a man that was in the World Trade Center on 9/11 & lived to tell about it. Thank you McDonalds for offering the buy one get one free tickets we used to get our $75 seats for the price of one. The show was amazing with eye popping events the whole 90 minutes. The precision of the dancers was right on, making our hips hurt as they did their famous kicks in unison.

At the box office for Mary Poppins, (no waiting) I asked for the cheapest tickets. Don't buy them online, the lowest is $85 with a $10+ service fee. Orchestra seats sell for $200+. We paid $31.50 to sit in our own booth. A corner of the stage was out of view, but it was fun to be in this beautiful theater. We had no camera with so didn't get any pictures of the interior.

If you go, make sure to see a play on Broadway the thrify way, if you're broke, that is. Pictured above are Radio City Music Hall's neon sign, great candelabra in the lobby & the stage.

Tues: Test Your Tastebuds w/Pomegranates

It's finally pomegranate time! Hurrah! I love the big red, tart juicy fruit. Watch for them to sell 2 for $3 or less. Give it as a gift for Christmas. It's fun, unique & healthy.

Tear open the top & peel or cut 1/6 section then dig at it all day long. Share with a loved one or put it in a tossed or jello salad. Yum-a-licious. My mouth is watering now. Never had or tried one before, now is the time to test your tastebuds. They'll love you for it.

Fri: Fistful of Finds

I've been on a nine day vacation & forgotten all about finding the best gift for each of you. So far I've found not one thing for the family, friends & unfortunate for Christmas. The mind has been void of the usual pressure cooker boiling inside. Instead it's been occupied with precious grand children as we played Candy Land, watched their excitement with trains or hanging Christmas ornaments. I failed to noticed the days running out. It feels good, kind of like being a kid again.

Why is the current push for the material Christmas such a hassle? Is it because none of us really needs anything? It's almost harder to think of what to tell others we want than buying it ourselves. We are so blessed that the current clothes, toys, knick knacks & such will do just fine for another year. The store offerings quit thrilling us long ago. Few can give what we truly yearn for.

Even though they're not for sale, could you use these?

One free day to do what you want (no work to do or distractions).
One clean house (magically transformed without effort).
Five meals prepared & on the table when you're out of ideas & food.
Five nights of hassle free family time to laugh & play.
Ten naps (deep & relaxing).
Ten bills paid with lots of money left over for fun stuff.
Twenty gifts bought, wrapped & under the tree.
Twenty days from now it will be a memory put away til next year.

I'll take ten naps & call you in January.
P.S. What do you really want for Christmas?

Wed: What Would Happen If...

Imagine if we started each day, by praying about who we could help. What would happen if we followed our instincts or promptings & actually did it?

What would happen if we all gave generously to the Food Bank & Sub-for-Santa or other charity in need this season? Think how happy that would make us.

"When you serve yourself, it stays with you.
When you serve others, it endures for eternity."

What would happen if we held our tongues, let someone in, spoke or smiled to a stranger? Everyone wins & pays it forward.

What would happen if we told a friend or family member how much we loved & appreciated them? They may not know & need the encouragement.

Jesus said, 'Walk with Me.' When we do, everyone is blessed.
What would happen if we did?