The First Noel

I almost forgot to use my Christmas title this morning -- HAPPY DECEMBER.  And then, all the ones swirling in my head are no where to be found before my coffee this morning.

The first day .... The First Noel.  Seemed fitting.

Yesterday I had a MEGA urge.  First BIG one to go in the book (#5).  It was Friday, hubby home from a trip, long week, a friend "situation" that was triggering some ugly feelings ... hello BUFFER.  I wanted it ALL (wine, sweets) and simultaneously was excited to have a big line item for the book.  I imagine this process with bigger urges, gives faster, better results.  This one really counted, right?!?!

I see a catch 22 happening.  The more I allow the urges, the less they'll happen, the slower I fill the list.  Isn't that the point?  I have to watch I don't TRY to have an urge so I can fill my list.  That would be something I would do - crap.

Today is our first holiday party.  The progressive one that's NOT at my house.  I'm providing side dishes and some wine.  Flat salad, roasted veggies and maybe garlic bread.  The food is pasta and all the things I've shying away from, but tonight I'll have easy portions (and good wine) and a good time.  No stress, no beating myself up, no pigging out and no dessert.  It's a good learning experiment AND maybe a dessert urge for the book?!?!?  Maybe not though -- if I'm full and it's chocolate.  Chocolate when I'm full holds no interest for me.  My tastes changed recently.  A vanilla cake???  That might need 2 lines in the book hahahaha!

What's a flat salad, you ask?  I was at a house for a book club years ago and the host served a salad on a platter with a rim.  The toppings get sprinkled over and it makes for a pretty presentation as well as serving ease.  The first few people don't take all the good stuff on top.  With a regular salad you need to mix it to spread out the toppings (I don't dress my salads - leave that up to each person).  Then the heavy toppings fall to the bottom, etc.  This keeps it pretty and proportional -- anytime I make a big salad, it's a flat salad.

I'm doing a green bean, cherry tomato, shallot and feta cheese roast plate.  Lemon juice and olive oil for the dressing.  It's red and green and delicious.  The lemon juice and little bit of feta get added when the veggies are finished roasting.  It's pretty when it's finished.

I wanted to start the decorations today, but I won't have time.  The day is full, so tomorrow is the big decoration.  I'm pressuring myself to have it finished tomorrow, but I can save some of it for Monday.  I usually do it over 2 days.  One day decorate the house, one day decorate and fluff the fake trees.

Hubby and I are taking a long drive to pick up a pen for Aspen.  This foster has chihuahua puppies!!  More puppy play - I can't wait!  The biggest is 2 lbs - so little.

I'm rambling on since I'm up early and family is still sleeping.  It's a rainy weekend, dark and cozy.  Still holding my intention of All is Calm and All is Bright.  The Universe is challenging teaching me on this one.  I'm trying though.  Today's meditation is a longer one because I'll need extra time to get into a CALM and BRIGHT space lol.