Alright! This wasn’t exactly the traditional Christmas my family is used to having. I’m thinking it was about 5 years ago (about the time I went to college) that my family began to have something other than ham as the main course for Christmas dinner. I think the Food Network transformed the way we do things for the holidays. Well, that and the daughters going vegetarian, vegan, and quasi-vegetarian. So, to say the least we have seen quite a few different recipes make an appearance at the table.

Well, I can’t exactly say that our dinner was a disaster. I can, however, say that no one planned for sides, we didn’t have an apple pie (my favorite), and the rolls weren’t rising- not once or twice, but 3 times! Luckily, we managed to throw some things together and it all worked out, the rolls were good but slightly different from the normal, fluffy ones, and I chose chocolate. Oh yes, I reached for the chocolate. I don’t know what came over me, was it the Wilbur buds or the homemade fudge (courtesy of my cousin Tina…woot-woot!) that threw me through a loop? I’m not sure, all I know is that I ate more chocolate tonight than I do in an entire year. That’s the truth! I’m more of a sweet, candy type person. Gimme a bag o’ jelly beans and I’m a happy gal, but I threw tradition out the window and reached for a much more palatable treat! So, thank you Wilbur Bud Chocolate Co and thank you Tina!

It began to snow tonight, it’s beautiful! I’ve been waiting for the snow to reach the sticking point, being from NWI I am able to identify sticking snow and non-sticking snow. I’m sure anyone who comes from the Midwest can tell the difference, I like to think that those of us near lakefronts REALLY experience winter effects. Jeesh…we often wonder if winter ever ends…I like to think that I can handle any weather condition. I honestly think I can experience warm, cold, rain, shine, sleet, and a blizzard in a 24 hour period. Kinda crazy…that’s how I know I’m close to home! It’s funny, people from the Midwest are obsessed with the weather. People (often strangers) start a conversation asking about the weather, or commenting about how the weather has been…boring, right? It’s the Midwestern way, we never know what to expect. It’s almost like the lottery…only not nearly as exciting as winning free money. But…we can still wake up and say SURPRISE!

I’m planning a long run tomorrow…actually, I’m planning on running a mini! I’m in the process of convincing the mancandy (yep, my boy) to run a race. Which race you ask? The Indy mini-marathon! We will actually be in the same country at the same time! It’s great, actually, for those of you who don’t know. There are certain races that coordinate with a liaison (that’s what I’m going to call them, but they’re really a coordinator) at Army posts, so they can participate while abroad. I think it’s such a great opportunity for those who are deployed to stay motivated, fit, and to feel connected to family and friends at home. My sister, Jennifer, and I don’t live in the same town. Luckily we live in the same state, but we’ve always lived a distance away. Well, Jennifer is my running partner. She’s been my training buddy ever since I began running races. We went through the tough runs together, the de-motivating runs, the fun runs, long bike rides, and I can’t forget our rewarding treat nights! Ice cream…nom nom nom! Let me tell you, a support system is the greatest thing you can have….wherever you get it! Support, support, support! Well, this time I might have to work a little harder to make sure he follows through with runnin’! I, really, just want him to appreciate the fact that he can do it! That’s the best part…well, that and knowing that I can have an amazing dessert afterwards!

So, that’s my newest motivation…thing to look forward to…and thing to work for. I would definitely like to train for a triathalon in the future. If you must know, I think a half-Ironman would be really stellar! It’s a mind over matter mission, though. I’ll stick with the half for now!

Well, I must know. What was your Christmas like? Did you have any new memories? Dishes you definitely have to have again? Things you wish didn’t find themselves on the table?

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas! Oooo, Oooo, Oooo….I forgot to mention I got a really neat LED headlight! Haha, YEP! It’s a headband with a light so I can run in the dark, be hands free and work out in the dark, or be my cool self and rock the light! It’s great! I’ll have to let you know how it works out!

Merry Christmas!