The Season is definitely upon us...a little bit of snow, cooler temperatures and everyone running around to find that last minute, *Something special* item.

I am the list maker, yet I found myself this year, shopping via *on-line* - less crowds, and because I had *less time*, it made for *less stress*.  Other than the last few minute stocking stuffers, I think I can declare that I am finished my shopping.  Now to get my turkey!!

I did however find that this past week was a little stressful in other ways.  I am not someone that likes their routine compromised or switched up without warning.  My partner in crime, whom we are *dieting* and *work* together, left for Brasil on Wednesday.. This I knew she was doing, months ago - I was alright with this.  My husband so graciously said that he would cover her shifts, but would NOT be able to cover me when I need to go do my cardio.  He doesn't feel comfortable being left in the store by himself in case it gets super busy.  For the record - as the economy unfortunately has brought sales and business down to a slower level it has not been busy enough not to be manageable by one person.

Because of my husbands criteria, I found myself having to get up at 4:45am to go and do my cardio in a cold garage.  For some reason having this ruin the pattern of my routine - has thrown me off.  My body is used to running at a certain time - funny how that is.  I don't know if it is just because I have it planned how *I* like to do things, or it is my husband *telling* me what I can do to accommodate him.  I am usually a person that has the ability to see both sides, but for some reason - I am only seeing *my side* with this predicament and I am not enjoying it!

My trainer was kind enough to lend me his stairmaster; which again was going to have to go in the *mancave - garage*, until Ron figured he could take it apart and get it downstairs.  I think Ron's idea behind this is that I wouldn't have to go to my friends and use her treadmill.....I will still need to do that too.

I have to make a point, it was nice on Sunday morning to get up and go downstairs and do my hour of cardio - in a fairly warm basement.  Now the challenge will be - to be disciplined enough to go and do the cardio when needed and not get distracted by housework, or other chores that need to be done or if I have to get up early - actually get out of bed at that God forsaken hour.

I had a *small* challenge over this weekend - it is the holiday time where everyone is having drinks, eating goodies they don't normally eat.  We were out for dinner with friends on Friday - well everyone had sauces or items that just were not applicable to me - I found it easy to order and be satisfied with my eating criteria however.  One small exception, I did have a glass of wine.  I figured I could enjoy it this evening as I have had no alcohol since September.  This weekend I also hosted our staff party at our house.  With exception of eating two fattening chicken wings (protein) I had made a point of eating before everyone started arriving - I was able to refrain from any goodies that may not have been good for me.  I will point out the veggies and hummus were satisfying for me.  I did look forward to my yogurt and berries when everyone left.  :)

This next week will be the last of my training until my forced 9 day break....since September.  I will be counting down the days until I am able to train the beginning of January.  I am sure that I will have lots to write about in between....