Goodbye GNI

Last night was an adventure.

I went early to help my friend who was hosting.  She fell and probably will need surgery on her knee (what a bummer).  She made SO MUCH FOOD -- delicious and thoughtful (accommodated everyone's preferences).

I didn't have time to make the coffee cake, so I picked up two boxes of mini-donuts from a gourmet donut shop that's her favorite -- 32 donuts with tasty toppings.  They were never served.  She had dishes of candy and specialty popcorn and that took care of dessert.  A regular complaint about GNI is that so much food and effort goes to waste.  Her household is mostly gluten free so they won't be eaten (bet she throws them away today so she doesn't eat them  -- $32 down the drain).  I don't mind the effort or the money, but I mind the complete waste of both.  (They don't freeze well BTW.)  What's wrong with NOT bringing something?

The tarot card reader was almost an hour late, but she was sweet.  Pulled tons of cards and, basically told me my life was good for 2020.  She said it feels like a generic reading, but everything looks fine. Other people had more specific readings.  Here's mine in a nutshell:

🔆  Hubby will be settled into a new job by September (that would be nice).
        (This was a direct question -- "my husband is looking for a job ... ")
🔆  I'm not working this year, but will start to mentor in the future (that fits my future plans).
🔆  My mom will decline in health and I'll spend 6 weeks caring for her (nope on the 6 weeks).
🔆  Our investments will have an unexpected big pay off (also would be awesome).
🔆  We are doing a remodel project (finishing the office over the garage and decorating).

A few ladies didn't want to do the reading -- spooked out by it.  That surprised me a lot.  Others were nervous going in -- also surprised me.  It was all in fun.  The night went until after 10 o'clock and I was tired.  Bed by 11 and up at 5:30.  I'll need a longer sleep tonight for my delicate nature LOL.

GNI ended on a good note.  Caught up with everyone -- said my "goodbyes" and I feel good about the decision.  What made the night good was the fun activity and the outstanding food.  Neither happens often.  The readings made the conversation fun.  Up until that point, it was all the generic conversation -- weather, kids, "crazy busy" -- then it got interesting.

I stuck to the eating plan yesterday, although I ate more food during the day.  Going out to lunch and dinner with a cocktail hour was a lot.  Since I was eating more than I expected, I stayed away from sweets -- that was hard.

Lunch was a good catch up and fun cafe.  They have zoodle dishes on the daily menu and that was a pleasant switch from a salad.  I shopped the antique and craft vender store before I met the ladies and found a couple of goodies.

Valentine's day dish towel.
Set of 2 -- giving one to my DIL,

White washed wooden bowl.
Love it.  Rocks are from a beach in Canada.
Vase is from our first trip to Italy.
Happy to use my things.

Switching gears to get ready for the luncheon tomorrow.  Nothing fancy, but takes work.   Grocery shopping and prepping food -- hard-boiled eggs and grilled chicken.  Debating on making dessert today or having it warm tomorrow (it smells so good in the oven).  I worry about flopping the cake if I make it last minute.  I'll see how today goes.

My leg is feeling better with rest, but I'm stuck on options for working out until it's totally better.  I'll wing something this morning.  It's frustrating.

Have a great day.  Later gators.