Does anyone but me find the holiday season stressful? I'm trying to just enjoy, but we all have so many expectations and don't want to disappoint each other. Added to all that is trying to eat healthy and find time to exercise.
Yesterday was my birthday. I got many lovely gifts and my family took me out to eat at my favorite Chinese restaurant. I planned ahead of time what I was going to eat: Chicken corn soup and Steak with Green Peppers. I shared the steak dish with my husband. He ate most of the meat and I ate most of the peppers & onions, so that went pretty well. Then my husband gave me a box of Fannie May truffles. I love those things. I had one, and some of the Cadbury chocolate also in the house, and was over my calorie count for the day. I've got to hide the chocolate.
My daughter is home for the holidays. I love her dearly and I only see her once or twice a year because she lives on the opposite coast. We have so much to talk about, and so much last minute shopping to do. Well, mall walking is exercise, too, and I've planned our trips to avoid mall food.
This morning I got a spark mail from my sister. She is as stressed as me, with more reason, but she took time to write and tell me about the deer she saw in the field by her home. I'm so glad she shared that peaceful moment with me.
Here is a poem for her and all of you to enjoy. It's written by Sara Teasdale.
The Coin
Into my heart’s treasury
I slipped a coin
That time cannot take
Nor thief purloin---
Oh, better than a minting
Of a gold crowned king
Is the safe kept memory
Of a lovely thing
