I always check this thread because all your positives make me happy but haven’t ever posted here. Here goes!
1. It’s just about summer and my garden is full of happy summer blooms
2. My daughter came to our trivia night last night and we had a good natter- and we won trivia!
3. I have a clear weekend ahead and might be able to get Christmas shopping under control

And an extra one, my head has been in the right place this week, with the result that the slight tightness in my work trousers waistband has disappeared 😀

Have a great day everyone!

Welcome Mariet!
Well what a bad couple of days we’ve had. One leak in the roof is bad enough but we had two! Fraught 24 hours but I will still post some positives…
1. Have now had three days staying away from the ‘crunch’ foods.
2. No movement on the scales but clothes are feeling more comfy.
3. Out with a dear old friend for dinner…. it’s always good to catch up.
Hope everyone is keeping positive especially at this time of the year!

My exhuberance is bubbling today 🙂 Sun is shining after two days of on-off rain and overcast weather . . . gentle breeze is whisking the sun around for a GLORIOUS clear blue sky day! House is fast becoming HOME with the (possibly 6 months culling of) pantry, cupboards and wardrobe throughout now completed, and (the last of) bagged donations ready for distribution!!! Craft station is working well . . . therefore so is the dining table which was reclaimed in that shift!!! Contents of courtyard tubs are flourishing! First tomato yesterday, strawberry (one ONLY) this morning, spinach for dinner tonight 🙂 and sufficient rhubarb for a dessert early next week!!! Christmas gift shopping done and wrapped with some gifts already delivered! And today . . .? with such glorious weather, bed has been stripped and remade, dressed with all the girlie trimmings and so the “””””boudoir””””” looks like its being presented for a magazine cover!!! All rooms have been dusted, vacuumed and scented for that GREAT FRESH NEW LOOK/FEEL! (Was SO difficult to decide between tuber rose and jasmine, lime and coconut, vanilla or salted caramel reeds . . . which mood am I matching/satisfying???) Lawnmowing man is due in next 2-3 days once things have had a chance to dry out after the rain . . . and joy oh joy ! Its like everything is smiling at its transformation!!! (Leaving in a week+ for maybe 2-3 weeks away) – coming home to the new life both in body and abode with an all clear start to the New Year IS SO EXCITING and will be SO DAMN GOOD!!!!! Beginning to rediscover much pleasure in the little things in life – again! Like the butterfly feeding from one of the few remaining lavender stems outside my window 🙂 Happy days friends 🙂 Thank you to so many . . . . . who have believed with me.

WoodDuckie – just wanted to say what a lovely joyous post !

Thanks Wendleg! With posters like you urging us on with congratulations together we will reach goals! Maybe not the ones we set ourselves – (I had NONE!!! quite simply because I didnt need to be disappointed or stressed if I set unachievable goals in virgin ground!!! i.e., too high or low . . . just whatever came along Id be grateful for!!!) – Now I havent been disappointed . . . Im elated at GREAT, surprising and interesting CHANGES!!!! Discovering “sweetnesses” of a different kind 🙂 Once they were bitter and shudderingly avoided. Now they are surprisingly enjoyable! Merry Christmas 🙂

Just a heartwarming and beautiful post, WoodDuckie! You are a joy…Attitudes make all the difference,
and I like to travel in the “gratitude lane” as well. We aren’t “Spring chickens” any longer, but isn’ it a
pleasure to feel that way??? What a difference a year can make! I feel your delight in life, so thanks so
much for sharing it 🙂 🙂 🙂

I have had the book a few weeks and i have just signed up on this site this morning, so that is my 1st happy thought of today.
yesterday:-
bought a mince pie with my cup of tea when meeting my friend last night but it is still in my bag!!! (Or the dog…..joking)
ran up the stairs at work and was impressed that I didn’t pass out!!
Avoided the biscuit tin at work again.

I want some of what WoddDuckie is having !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a fabulously uplifting post !! Absolutely love the positivity and you know what, amongst those simple pleasures , food was not the main focus !!
We have so much to be grateful for and to keep us positive and smiling . I think I am going to rename WoodDuckie the BSD cheerleader !!
What an inspiration you are WoodDuckie !

I always come to this thread when I’m having a bit of a ‘wobble’ in search of some cheer but WoodDuckie you have excelled yourself in the cheering up stakes. Wonderful post!

Welcome, Welcome, Mandy! This is a marvelous thread, and it’s wonderful that you will be joining us..
Are you adopting this lifestyle for weight loss or to manage T2D? There are friends here that are at
all stages of the journey from new members to very experienced BSDers, and I’m looking forward to
getting to know you! Just shout out if you have any questions or concerns, and one of us will be along
to answer them or offer support. Very best wishes 🙂

Allie

Thank you Jennie! I have just re-read it and yes . . . I m still bubbling. HAVE regained so much of me . . . and achieved a great deal since June 24th – my first day of my new way of life. Today I actually sat and wrote a thank you note I had planned to send to one of the specialists – a Professor of Immunology – whom I was privileged and directed to see. On reflection, when recalling my journey since the dark days of last March and the horrific HbA1c . . . this appointment 5 – months later – was the turning point for me. It changed my direction and those I was to be subsequently put in contact with who were “on the team” so to speak. His receptionist remembered when I had made my 12 week wait appointment, I had asked if someone cancelled could I be considered for an earlier appointment please. When someone wasnt able to attend their timeslot, I received the call for the next day free space. Information, encouragement, reassurances, confirmation and support gained at that meeting, led me to change to a different endocrinologist – and here I am with my support team. I have been guided to this space and place . . . quite why Im yet to discover. 6 years ago this year – this month – I was released from hospital after an 8 week stint – 43 days of that time in ICU – mostly in a coma. I wondered why I had been spared then . . . and maybe it was for this. But it seems all my cogs are now aligned and it is all systems go for a new beginning at 70+! Who’d of thought it!!. As for being the cheerleader . . . what a compliment! Thank you! AND well what a coincidence! My eldest grand-daughter age 10 – attended and has just come home from the Queensland Gold Coast where she competed in the Australasian Cheerleading Teams Championships. Stunt gymnastics and intricate tumbling routines . . not pom pom shaking cheer leading. She proudly wore two gold medals when we welcomed her home last week 🙂 What a thrill!

Thank you Verona . . . When one is this elated it is almost a necessity to share it before we burst! I do hope I have made a few smile today 🙂 Again thank you 🙂

Thank you Wendleg! As I just commented when we are so elated its almost like we will burst f we dont share it! Im happy to be the cheerleader when able! What a compliment! tytyty 🙂 I just posted to Jennie my 10 yo grand-daughter just achieved two gold medals in her team events at Australasian Championships. The stunt gymnastics/tumbling standing on one leg with foot above her head some 8-10 feet off the ground then dropping into her team-mates arms type of cheerleading! I WONT be doing that anytime soon but give me some pompoms today and Ill march to a different beat if thats what it takes to bring happiness!!!

Welcome Mandy! Fun, helpful, supportive BSDers abound here and we all wish you well in your endeavours. We all seem to go through stages . . . but the experiences seem repetitive so please dont feel alone if something is curious . . , SOMEONE here will have been there and done that so you wont be rowing or paddling with one oar! Someone will help keep the canoe straight! Just mind out for and dont run over WoodDuckie who may be swimming by – 🙂 All the very best to you 🙂

WoodDuckie I want to come and live with you 😁

Hi Mandy, you’ve found a good place here. I’m still quite new and have found that everyone is lovely and helpful and kind. Good luck on your BSD journey 😊

Well that was a busy week, now I have the weekend off, whoop whoop! I shall be doing lots of nice things and having a rest. So looking forward to a lie in tomorrow. Weather has been dark and rainy this week so I’m feeling in full on hibernation mode. Apart from when I have to walk the dog and tend the allotment which needs digging over for winter. Must go and do that….

Going to meet with friends tomorrow for a dog walk and cup of tea (no cake), hopefully go and find a nice, fat, beautiful Christmas tree. The one we had last year was so gorgeous I nearly cried when we took it out of it’s net!

Am feeling very proud of my daughter this week. She is 16 and has had a Saturday job at a racehorse stud farm for two years and this week they asked her to go with them to one of the big horse sales at Tattersalls. She went, had an amazing time, worked really hard and even though she was really nervous, just got on with it. She’s lucky enough to be starting a full time apprenticeship with them in the new year. She’s my lovely girl 😊

Feeling good and happy with my lot. Life feels good.

Good morning to everyone on my favourite thread!
Reading this thread first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day with a smile. I love all the positivity…..
1. Have now managed four days if keeping the ‘crunchies’ under control which is making me feel positive.
2. Had a lovely meal out last night. Asparagus hummus was a new one to me but it was delicious. Followed by salmon with a dill sauce and green vegetables. It’s so easy to say “no potatoes thank you” after all this time. I’m not sure I would even enjoy one now.
3. Have finally finished my present shopping except for one. So pleased about that.
Have a lovely weekend.

Welcome Mandy ! Keep reading the threads and posting.You will learn so much from the wonderful people here.

Verano you are in a good place ! Lots of positives there ! You got the roof leaks sorted too !

Nelliecat : sounds like you have earned your weekend rest . I am so looking forward to the Spring. Dark winter days sap the spirit a bit but there is always a lot to be grateful for. You should be proud of your daughter .She did so well and to show such commitment and maturity at just 16 is no mean feat . My boys are very far away and I miss them terribly but they are happy so …

I am a bit more than a kilo down this Week which is my positive.My weight loss seems to be slower but it is steady and that is fine for me.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and coping with any stresses xx

Keeping positive despite the time of year. Fortunately I’m doing all our seasonal entertaining so can make sure there is plenty BSD friendly food. I will have a very small portion of Christmas pudding because I adore it but I am wondering if it might just be too sweet for me now! I had thought that I wouldn’t serve potatoes at all but might relent for one meal. I have four meals to arrange from next Thursday, although my birthday meal is being catered . I think I’m in control have lots and lots of lists…….
1. Today has been calm and relaxing just writing lists and catching up on washing.
2. All shoppIng apart from food is done. All lists written. I love crossing things of lists!
3. Roasting sprouts and cauliflower for tonight and hoping it might be a good solution over the festivities. Watched Yotam Ottolenghi on Saturday Morning Kitchen yesterday when he added a paste of black garlic and herbs to his roasted sprouts and fried them in burnt butter with the paste. . Not sure I fancy burnt butter but will try the black garlic.
Hope everyone us well.

This is my favorite thread too, V., for the very same reason 🙂 This time of year can get hectic, though,
and I’m clearly behind with my posts..

Those of you who know that the college my husband was teaching at closed its doors in September,
without any advance warning. It was very shabbily managed, and quite a shock to the entire faculty.
However, we have some good news this week. He’s been hired at 2 different Universities to teach 3
courses commencing in Jan., so I’m feeling much relieved by that. He is, too!
#2 Yesterday was my first 3 way Skype with other BSDers, and we gawked and laughed our way
through several hours. It was great fun!
#3 All my holiday shopping has been completed, except for one gift. Because it’s perishable, I need
to time it closer to the big event. Items are already in the shopping cart, so I can now relax and
enjoy the days ahead. The wreath is up on the door, so I’m feeling very smug to have been so organized
this year.

I hope everyone here is feeling in control, too! Only a BSD friendly Christmas Eve and the 25th to make
decisions about!

Allie that really is good news …. now your husband will be kept occupied again and as a result you will regain a little more me-time. Sounds like a win win situation!

Great news Allie!!! I retired from Bi ghamton University in Binghamton, New York. I was an accountant for the state and assistant dean in the graduate school for several years.

Well done Verano ! I love hearing you are organised and in control !! I like lists too but I don’ t have festive meals to prepare this year so no pressure. 2019 will be your year too !

Fantastic news about OH’s jobs Allie !! That is wonderful to be facing 2019 without any worries . You too are sounding very organized !

It’s quite easy for me as I don’ t have any big celebratory meals to cater for so well done all the lovely members who are busy juggling so many things at this demanding time of year !

Positives for me ? I have spent a lovely weekend ….talking to wonderful people , looking after a dear 8 year old who insisted we learned how to make ‘slime’ …a gooey preparation a bit like play do !!! Oh and a few trinkets ( earrings !!) at a little Christmas market at a village close by !

I didn’t make progress on school work and in particular my important report meeting on Thursday but to be honest ….genuine human relations which radiate warmth and humour are my priorities.

I will get the work done .There is time !

Have a great day/evening/week everyone and come and tell us your positives !

I’m so pleased for you and your OH Allie – wonderful to have that problem sorted and know that there is a positive new start waiting in the New Year. How great to know now too, so that you can relax over Christmas and enjoy it, without wondering about what will happen about his employment in 2019. I’d still love to skype with you, but with the run-up to Christmas things have become a bit hectic, but hopefully we can sort it out in the new year?

V, you did so much better than I did in the face of your social engagements. My discipline inconveniently to a leave of absence, abandoning me to the carbs. Saturday we were visiting an old friend and all that was on offer was carb heavy and to say a complete ‘no thank you’ would have offended – and I was getting hungry too. Dreading the scales tomorrow. The asparagus hummus sounds interesting.

Wendleg, sometimes you just need to take some time out for yourself and giving priority to spending some positive time with special people is a great use of your time.

My w/e positives are ….
1) Visiting with eldest daughter and her partner. Don’t often get to see him as he works away alot, so good to spend time with them together.
2) Bought a new red dress to wear Christmas day. Love a red dress for Christmas!
3) Caught up with an old friend, who we haven’t seen for at least three years. Had a lovely chatty visit, originally planned to be for a couple of hours and ended up being seven.
4) Just one two more gifts left to buy and I’m done.

Have a positive week everyone and please keep posting all those lovely positives to give us all a boost.

Wendy I’m not a ‘control freak’ but do like to be organised and at the moment I am, but who knows when panic will set it!!!
SunnyB I think you are being really hard on yourself. You listed what you ate on another thread and to be honest you only had a ‘taste’ of some seasonal fare you didn’t throw in the towel and eat all the carbs in sight with gay abandon, completely forgetting BSD. I will sometimes have a small piece of sourdough or even a few spoons of chocolate mousse but I do it mindfully and I think that’s just what you’ve done. Just enjoy the flavours, or not as the case may be, and move on. Don’t castigate yourself for being ‘human’!!
Asparagus hummus ….. I have no idea except that it was pale green and had an asparagus tip on the top! It was lovely though.
Will be back later with my positives.

Oh Allie That is such good news! Congratulations on those who saw your OH’s abilities were needed and appreciated! The New Year has a certain glow about it that wasnt there not so long ago!!!

Good morning to all. Sounds like everyone is doing great with temptation all around this time of year. For me ensuring I have some low carb / sugar free treats available keeps me satisfied and not feeling deprived when everyone else is over indulging.

Allie, great news about your husband’s new teaching positions. That must have been traumatic for him with the sudden closure in Sept. This may give him a chance to slow down a bit and still keep his hand in academia. Hoping this ends up being the best of both worlds. My ex is still teaching full time and contemplating retirement. His college is phasing out part time as a path to retirement, so it may need to be cold turkey for him when he is ready. At 68 he thinks he has a few good years in him yet. For me, I am so thoroughly enjoying my freedom…..tai chi classes and lunch with friends keeping me busy and very very satisfied.

Things going well BSD wise for me….seem to have settled in well to renewed committment to 800 cal a day. Will see how things progress by Xmas Eve. Can happily do BSD for Xmas dinner with a roast and cauli mash….must have a bit of sparkling wine with eggs benedict on Xmas morn though. I do love Xmas….everything about it. The lights, the music, and the food. It takes a bit more effort to do low carb treats but maybe the fact that they take extra work means we don’t have so many. Glass half full, etc….. Going to do some sugar free / almond flour cookies this week, new recipes. Will let you know how they go and post them on Good Eats if anyone intested. Also found a recipe for cauliflower hummus. Sounds like the asparagus hummus but CHEAPER. Asparagus is pricy in US this time of year…imported from Chile, but it did sound intriguing.

Many thanks to everyone who has come by to share my positive news! I really appreciate it 🙂 I’m looking
forward to some time to myself, too. It’s been a long six months, and the bearded one definitely has a
new spring in his step! Better compensation too, so that’s a pleasant prospect.

Sunny, there you go with another red outfit! I’m sure its stunning. Definitely, let’s get set for skype after
the new year. I’ll be looking forward to it, and I really do want to witness your mane of long, red hair! 🙂

Yayayay Allie!! Such great news about the new classes for your OH — I can truly relate to how hard that transition is when they are not quite ready to retire. I am sure your OH is feeling much happier, it will make for a festive Christmas and a bright outlook for the new year!
And you will also have a bit more free time — retired husbands need a lot of wifely attention!

Hey Allie – best refresh the hair colour before we skype then! Yes, red just seems tome to be the right colour for Christmas wear. Very pleased with the dress and looking forward to wearing it.

Some positives from me today ….
1) Back on track today. Back on low carb proper and feeling focused again.
2) Youngest daughter and friend came to lunch today, along with friend’s three month old – he is just so gorgeous! Had lots of scrummy baby cuddles.
3) Found out today, youngest daughter, partner and son will be coming to dinner on Christmas Day. Very pleased about that.

Hope everyone else is having a positive time too.

Lots of good things to celebrate there SunnyB ! I wasn’t at all worried about you going off track. I knew you would be back as you know exactly how to do this and your advice has always been invaluable.

I love red too ! I am not buying anything new for Christmas though so I will either dig something out of the wardrobe that I have been hoping for years I could fit into …………or be the festive baggy lady 😉

I have a festive dress in a Burgundy type red with lots of Christmas hares leaping across it I Don’t know what it will look like this year. The Matching earrings are cute though 😉

OOH i love cuddling babies and in fact I will cuddle anyone within cuddling distance. !!! Just think by the time my grandchildren appear I will have a new lease of life and there will be no stopping me !!

Now there’s a positive thought !! I want 2019 to be the year that happens !

Nothing quite like cuddling a baby and so much more special if it’s a grandchild too. Our grandchildren are an absolute joy to us and I know yours will be to you too Wendleg and how lovely that you will be fitter and healthier and so much more able to enjoy them.

Lots of joy and laughter here today! Julia, I’m sure you read my post with a very “knowing” Mona Lisa
smile on your face, because we’ve both had some adjustments to make this year. All good things wished
for you in the coming year. And hopefully no more surprises 🙂

Sunny, knowing you will have your daughter and her family with you on Christmas Day must have you
walking on sunshine. So happy for you xxx Like Wendy, I never worry about your ability to pull yourself
back on track, if some momentary insanity has crept in. If we get a bit heavy handed with ourselves
with self criticism, we know that V. will point it out, and we will soon recognize the wisdom of her
words, and put it in the past as soon as possible.

Keep on with holiday planning, all. The big day is only 2 weeks away! I hope we shall all spend it
with peace and gratitude in our hearts, and in the company of those that mean the most to us 🙂

Oh dear am I really the school ma’am with big stick!
Lovely posts from everyone. Good to see you Julia!
Ahh cuddling babies … don’t get me started … I don’t think there is a greater joy in life especially when they are grandchildren. We are blessed.
Red ….. I love red maybe just a splash …. red shoes with black outfit, or a red wrap …. I love a ‘splash ‘ of red.
Well to today ……
1. Ironed … lots and lots of ironing. I love to see freshly ironed bed linen etc such a sense of satisfaction. Sorry I know that’ a big sad.
2. Looking forward to a new week tomorrow, another Tuesday, another challenge and another goal.
3. My lists are getting smaller by the minute!

WoodDuckie – oops, I missed your response to me on here a few days ago. I’ve just seen it, sorry. So my positives:
1) It’s lovely to hear you’re regaining yourself. I know exactly what you mean.
2) It’s smashing to hear about the level of support you finally found in your specialist and wider ‘support team’.
3) It was lovely to read about your eldest granddaughter’s cheerleading triumphs.

Another lovely, interesting post. xx

Evening everyone, lots of lovely things going on… Allie, that’s brilliant news about your husband, you must have been so worried…
Red dresses and red hair – beautiful! And babies to cuddle, there’s nothing lovelier than a family baby coming to visit, especially now mine are grown up.
And freshly ironed linen – I love seeing linen on the washing line, roll on spring when I can get mine out again.

My day started fairly well with decorating the tree. It’s a sort of ‘throw every colour at it sort of affair. It looks cosy and warm I hope.
Vacuumed and mopped the floors downstairs, tidied after the weekend and did some washing so feel quite accomplished.
Tried to do some of my bookkeeping homework (I’m doing an evening course at college) but am struggling a bit. Actually struggling a lot. Spoke to my Dad who is an accountant and got a bit upset but he reassured me. I get in a bit of a flap when I don’t understand something, I start in on the negative self talk and make myself believe I’m stupid… Going to give it another go tomorrow though. Maybe I’m just overtired.
Got to end on a positive! I tried making some chocolate muffins that just contain eggs, vanilla extract, salt and 70% chocolate and they turned out well. Experimenting for Christmas you see. I am going to try and make a cheesecake of some sort next. Let’s hope that goes well and I can restrain myself from munching through the whole thing myself 😶

Come on now, V.! We don’t think of you as the school ma’am…Just the voice of kindness and reason
when one of us takes a trip to “crazy town” and loses our perspective for a moment. I not only appreciate
that both you and Sunny recognize my perfectionist tendencies, but I now very much count on you both
to point them out so I can make a course correction 🙂

Thank you Nellie! You sound so vibrant and bursting with energy. Do you feel as well as you sound?
It’s great to hear, little “Cat”!

Some fantastic positives!
1 – no Xmas meals or lunches this week to negotiate!
2 – Bought some new boots yesterday in the sale – Reiker – wool lining and good grip for when it gets frosty. 🙂
3 – Bath sheet towel not only meets now, but there’s about 8″ of overlap! Yey!
Onwards and downwards!
Kazzeexx

Kazz I love the bath sheet positive!
Allie I always was the ‘sensible’ one!!

Bit early today but am off to college this evening for my course.
Positives today so far….
1. Experimental almond shortbread cookies in the oven. They look good. If they work I was thinking they could be the base of a cheesecake for Christmas day. Luckily my husband and sister in law are doing the BSD so they’ll appreciate it.
2. Feel a bit better about my homework for my accountancy course today. After getting in a flap yesterday and sprouting a few years!
3. Got some Christmas music on and I love singing so have been getting in the mood today.
4. Did a bit of pruning in the garden.

Kazz, I love that your bathsheet overlaps, good for you! Well done x

Good evening!
Ok, so out to eat this evening but not really a problem, although I think the menu may be a bit ‘arty farty’!
Anyway after a mad day, losing the information for a flight I have booked and general panic, I do have some positives……
1. Friend came around this afternoon forcing me to be calm and chat.
2. Still managing really well on two meals a day … lunch and dinner… although lunch is sometimes breakfast …. yogurt, nuts and berries.
3. Still writing lists but they are getting shorter and shorter and shorter ….. am I panicked ….. no ….. just 30 people for lunch this Sunday …. but I’m not cookIng …. so all is well!!!
Hope everyone is keeping positive.

Nice read Nelliecat! Sounds like it’s full steam ahead at your place 🙂 and every support message and encouragement coming your way for the course!!
Kazz . . . What can I say but YEAH!!! with passing the bath sheet wrap exam! Says more than scales!!! Woohoo!!!
For mine . . . .? Well Ive been riding the crest of a wave – (or several!) – for a few weeks now and one knows there is a trough on the other side. Well for two days that has arrived!!! LONG sleepins . . . disinterest in anything including food, and lack of energy has been recognised as just a passing phase of disappointment for something that didnt come to pass as I EXPECTED!!!! and Im doing my best not to wallow in self pity 🙂 The time was not right for it to happen! SO . . . extended by fast with some computer games and challenges, emails and letterwriting . . . while roasting a piece of pork for a hot meal, and cold cuts for the rest of the week before I leave here for around 10 days. Also made a batch of large mini quiches – in a muffin tin!) – . . . seasoned ground beef/minced steak casing, with chopped mushrooms, bacon and asparagus,sliced leek, then drizzle filled with whipped egg, topped with grated cheese and ground garlic/chilli. Timer bell just rang so I guess they are ready!!! . . . . . and the general concensus of opinion . . .(MINE!) – is they look and smell just YUMMMMM!!! 16 hour FAST OVER Coffee and brunch/early afternoon tea combo!!! Hagd all 🙂

WoodDuckie you may have fallen into a trough but it sounds like you have climbed back out again. You’ll soon be riding that crest of a wave again.
Wow! Your quiches sound glorious maybe one for us all to try!

Hey Nelli, sorry to hear you are struggling with your classes. I am a retired accountant and happy to send positive vibes your way!

Thank you Verano 🙂 I had a phone call today which has lifted my mood quite a lot! I am one step closer to answering a decades long burning question . . . so this is an emotional roller coaster ride right now. BUT with some intestinal fortitude which this year has given me in spades . . . . . . the road ahead could well be very different in the New Year and now the time has come . . . the issue has surfaced for addressing . . . and needs to be faced head on – time will tell but it isnt time to be a wilting lily 🙂

Ooh WoodDuckie, troughs after waves are hard… You sound like you know what you need though. Sometimes a bit of wallowing doesn’t hurt, sometimes keeping busy is good. I am still learning what is best for me. Sounds like positive things for the new year after your phone call? I hope so…X
Verano, 30 people for lunch!? Wowsers, that is a LOT of washing up! Have fun with them all.
Aw thanks Violinist, I need the positive vibes right now. Our teacher is not very good to put it mildly… Even the people who already work in finance who are on the course say he’s really muddling things. My poor little head is finding it very difficult. Having said that I got a distinction after getting 93% in my last exam, but that took a lot of hard work on my part. I will keep plugging away and hope it all slots into place.
Have a good day all. See you later x

Lots of great reads here as always.
Kazz – love that you are measuring with a bath sheet!
Nellie – how did the almond shortbread turn out? If it’s good I’m sure some of us would like the recipe please. And it sounds like despite some unhelpful tutoring, you are managing to make good progress on your course.
WD – we’re in it for the long haul and there will be highs and the inevitable lows, but hang in there, it will come right. Those quiches do sound good!
My positives for today ….
1) Another productive admin session this morning, getting some loss ends tied up on the voluntary Hall admin work I do.
2) About half way through the gift wrapping I need to get done by end of Friday, ready to deliver to various people on Saturday.
3) Nice long telephone chat with Mum this afternoon.
4) Still managing to keep the usual festive-season stress at bay – just!

Keep posting those positives everyone – they are helping a lot of us!

SunnyB, shortbread turned out great! Was very pleased with it 😁 as for giving a recipe….. Ummmm, I’m one of those people who chuck things together willy nilly without measuring.
All I did was rub together a wodge of butter with some ground almonds (must get almond flour…) Til they looked breadcrumby, then added sweetener til it tasted good 😁 then sort of rolled the mixture into balls and baked til golden. Then immediately tasted and nearly took the lining off my mouth. Once cooled, there were a few left, I tested with a bit of chocolatey cream cheese mixture and it was fab! Definitely a Chrismas day pudding. Lots of calories but ‘good’ ones for a one off treat.

Good morning!
I have a busy day today so thought I would post yesterday’s positives…..
1. Had friends here for dinner and made BSD friendly meal without potatoes or pasta etc. Treated them to cauliflower mash and plenty of vegetables. ….. no complaints from anyone😀
2. Lists are getting shorter by the day.
3. Off to the hairdressers this morning. Always lifts my spriits.
Have a good day everyone.

Good morning all! Mixed bag from Duckie today 🙂 In my life, positives still abound, and the most recurring simplistic language changes need to be shared – in what could possibly be my last post before my trip away for a couple of weeks as my comp will be left idle at home this time around.
1. A long-time friend came for an unexpected visit and – (though rain curtailed activities) – pressure spray cleaned my courtyard for a new revitalised look! What with the new gazebo canopy, courtyard vege garden thriving, alongside the petunias, orchids and sweet peas . . . its almost prophetic in its representation . . . I am filled with great joy . . . and the prospect of a clean slate to begin and continue during 2019.
2. Re terminology: For some time now since my WOE changed, friends and acquaintances have used the phrase . . .”oh you cant eat that can you?” Well I began CHANGING the terminology to a polite, gentle explanation of . .”well I can, but I choose not to!” It sounds less accusatory and certainly less denying of the “treat” and somehow puts ME in charge of that decision. And when Christmas fare is presented in the coming weeks, Ill imagine I have $1 in my pocket . . . and what I can buy for that $1 will be what I indulge in. Like when as children, we had a few cents and chose which loose sweets we could buy! Same as mentioned earlier in the week . . . I dont lose weight . . . I am discarding it. “Lose” you might want to – re- “find”, discard . . .? different meaning altogether. I have shared I was EXPECTING something to occur last week which didnt turn out quite according to – (my) timing nor plan. Well, SO disappointed, I was reminded, with expectations as often as I used to have them, is tough road to hoe and it is usually littered with disappointment! When the expected occasion did come to pass, just a few days later, the timing was perfect!! So that was my reminder that everything comes at its own time and pace when we are better/best equipped to – and/or more able – to deal with it. If you EXPECT (and I believe that includes setting goals – after all, we do that because we “expect to achieve or reach them” . . . and if we dont get there . . . then there is an open gate for disappointment. Like final exams. How devastating/disappointing to EXPECT an A and get a C. WAY better to KNOW you did your best for your best result. Inner interpretation of the words can have astounding effects. I sure know it works for me. In fact many years ago I wrote a book on the subject . . . could never afford to have it published but learned so much from the compilation 🙂 Maybe try listening to what is said and see if it is positive or negative . . . and can perhaps have a better energy on it and therefore feel better fitted if reworded? It is a subtle endorsement and self-esteem builder 🙂
3. Another batch of the large mini quiches left my oven today . . equally as scrumptious as the last early this week. Thats an excellent result for ME because I dont use recipes! so to duplicate the success is astounding!
Im blessed and privileged to have joined such a large family of unidentifiable, anonymous and beautiful people walking this new road I found when 6 short months ago, I was barely crawling through life . . . and came to a t’intersection 🙂 xxxxxooooo
Merry Christmas everyone!! Stay safe and most importantly, forgiving of yourselves . . . we are all doing the best we can with the information we have at a particular moment in time. Always remember if we could do better we would. We just need to find out how 🙂 Cheerleader Duckie will check back in when I return from my much anticipated trip . . .
PS: This morning, my “Elf on the Shelf” was found sitting in my mums crystal cherry stemmed serving dish, dangling his legs over the side, a tiny miniature crystal liqueur glass firmly in his clutches, and maybe a dozen miniature liqueur and spirit bottles scattered all over the dining room table. My grand-daughters thought the pic was hilarious! Oh its so good to be laughing and mischievous again!

Cheerleader Duckie : what a wonderful and once more uplifting post you have given us ! I totally agree . Language choices make such a difference. I endorse the idea of ‘discarding’ weight. I don’ t intend to lose and find mine again ! The same is true for saying we have been ‘bad’ for eating certain foods. Doesn’t one slimming organisation talk about sins ?? We are not bad people or sinners !! Verano talks about making mindful choices.That gives us infinitely more control.
I will definitely be choosing my festive fare , not feeling deprived in the least .

I am glad the event you mentioned brought you a happy outcome . We so often set ourselves up for disappointment don’t we ?
Yes we need to be more forgiving of ourselves indeed.

You can now go away for your break with your house and courtyard spick and span thanks to your joyful efforts ! Have a wonderful time WoodDuckie and we are Indeed privileged to have you among us.

Have a very Happy Chrismas with your friend. Looking forward to seeing you back in 2019 !