Siete

Seven days.

Just seven days to get through before Winter Break. Seven business days, to be precise. You can't imagine how happy I am to get that lovely streak of free time off.

This shall include the Christmas trip to Vegas to visit at least some of the family. Apparently, some of them want to do their own thing, which irked me at first, but then, after I thought about it, may make for a pleasant change. A smaller group of them to deal with will ensure things are a little quieter, and perhaps allow extra time with Petula. I mean, how many Christmases with her do we have left?

Speaking of major life changes, my dear co-worker Bertha announced she will be retiring in February. Sad to see her go, of course, but just another shift in the every-changing family.

I had gotten sick of all of my casual clothes, so did up Nordstrom's the Monday after Thanksgiving. Just need some new shoes, and will feel like a whole new me. I have steadfastly avoided the skinny jeans thing, but the tide is against me. And I feel like I look like a clown in tennis shoes, but I've lost that battle, too. So an updated look is in order. Then we need to move on to work clothes, but one step at a time.

One thing that will assist in these couture shifts is the new credit card I got--one I did not apply for, but that was converted from an account for medical procedures into a Mastercard with several thousand dollars on it. Being in my current situation, I certainly know better than to go buck wild, but it helps to know I have a back up source of credit in case the poo hits the fan.

Over ever-growing concern about my girth, I went back to avoiding foods packed with refined sugar. And lo, I started to feel much calmer and even-keeled--something that helps in my new leadership position--and have even started to see my waistline shrink every so slightly.

Yeah, it really does help after all, and once you get accustomed to it, it's not so bad.