It's inevitable~ Every winter the letdown after the holidays & my birthday in January is the pits! We usually make sure we are in a warm place (like my parents home in naples, Fl) for a week or two to avoid the crash! This year we needed to stick around in January because of some commitments at home, so it's hitting me now. Last year we took a cruise & then went off to Florida for a bit. This year Florida will come in march instead. For birthday 52, I had the agonizing decision to either go with a new camera(which I desperately need) or personal training with my favorite trainer at the gym. Since knee surgery, I have gained 12 lbs!!!!!!!!YIKES!!!! Can you guess which decision I went with? LOL! This will hopefully jump start me to an everydaycardio session & 3 day split with weights. I used to be able to lift weights with the guys, now not so sure! LOL!
My little brother & I last year, same time of year....different place! Oh that cruise was a blast! Tan & skinny!
Stopping THIS and getting back to THIS....
All the while dreaming of warmer days & this....
and this....
And getting thru the tough winter months with lots of laughs such as this....
Tell me how you all are getting thru the cold, dreary weather~I'm dreaming of the summer months~I think I could live in Florida easy! :) xo
Hi Chris,
Happy Belated Birthday!!
I know what you mean. It's no fun this time of year. After all of the fun of the holidays etc.
We are having warm dry windy weather here, which I hate this time of year. Bad for the sinus's. Anyway, good luck with the training, sounds like a good plan.
Thanks for the nice comments on my blog too.
By the way, we are the same age.
Chat again soon,
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | January 12, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Oh, Sweetie, I know how you feel !!!! when I won your generous package last year, I was recuperating from a slipped disc and I gained 15 lbs. Bloat-a-rama.
With a bad back there was absolutely no way I could go to the gym so I joined Weight Watchers..which I always thought was for obese people or wimps or just not for me. well, I lost the weight..well almost all of it now except for two pounds, which I am still working on..didn't gain an ounce during the holidays and even lost a pound over Thanksgiving ! My exercise was mostly just walking as that pesky disc kept me slow and steady. I just made it back to the gym a few weeks ago.
You may want to consider WW. I am now highly reccomending it. My husband was very impressed with the results..enough to pay for new jeans from Chicos for the holidays. what I really liked was that you can eat your favorite foods ! Every Wednesday I meet with friends for coffee and treat myself to a lovely coconut-almond cookie dipped in chocolate. It's a once a week treat that makes everything else easy. I know I sound like a commercial, but it may put some sunshine in your day to do something where you can be nice to yourself and your poor knee and be Florida ready in the near future.
Good luck !!!!
Posted by: Paintdiva | January 12, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Hi Chris!
We have been contemplating a trip to Naples too....As for living in Naples...did that for many, many years. Funny thing is I missed the seasons! So moved half way back to NC where the winters are much milder!
I have started power walks again. It's funny how easy it is to gain weight when sitting breaking china!
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts Of Home | January 12, 2009 at 10:04 AM
You are a lady after my own heart! I love the sunny days and the beach also and this time of year in TN is tough. I am a BIG Lucy fan and just seeing Lucy from the Bill Holden episode made me spit my coffee all over the laptop! Thanks for making me laugh and smile - :))))
ps - love your blog and shop - also my kind of style. BH
Posted by: Becky H | January 13, 2009 at 04:55 AM
I hear you load and clear. I also have a January birthday and hate this time of year. I wish I could either hibernate til the end of March or spend Dec, Jan & Feb. somewhere warm. I've also gained weight this year too.
Oh the joys of middle age.
Good Luck,
Tracy M.
Posted by: Tracy M. | January 13, 2009 at 08:42 AM
We live in NE PA. I am in the Winter, After the Holidays Pits too!! I know about weight gain. Last August I broke my foot & was relagated to being on my butt for 6 weeks. I put on 15 lbs. so fast. I have started to get it off. Wish it was as much fun taking it off as it was putting it on!!
Good Luck!!
Love, Marilyn
p.s. I LOVED LUCY TOO!!
Posted by: Marilyn | January 13, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Oh my dear Chris... I know exactly!! where you are coming from on this one... a 20lb weight gain since my foot surgery in October... had an MRI done recently and I have two or three dics out in the back... find out more once I get in to see the Dr...
I am not a happy camper.... slowly trying the stationary bike but it hurts.... doing my best to keep my chin up and eat healthier .... doesnt help when you are a carb addict to boot...
I wish you luck on this... I know you can do it.....
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
Posted by: JO | January 13, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Awwww Chris! You are beautiful just the way you are!!! Watch I LOVE LUCY tapes or re-runs...plan your new plants & flowers in your garden...with a nice cuppa..with some of your gorgeous cups & saucers...Be good to yourself hon:) It will be spring before ya know it g/f!
Happy belated birthday sweets!
Hugs..
Deb:)
Posted by: DEBBIE GARRETT | January 13, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Oh Chris, I feel the same way!! I am so over winter right now, lol! I cannot wait for green glass and flowers and sitting out side! You are so beautiful Chris!! 12 pounds wouldnt even be noticable on you, you are so thin!! Happy Birthday! My birthday is Monday :)
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Amy of Bunny Rose Cottage | January 13, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Sounds like we are all in the same boat. The boat is not sailing in balmy waters! Love the beach too. Someday. . .
Posted by: Ahrisha | January 13, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Happy birthday.
I'm a huge "I Love Lucy" fan so of course I enjoyed your photos too.
Good luck on all your goals for the new year.
Posted by: Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY | January 14, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Hey Chris ~ I hear you on the winter blahs, but this year I am hitting the gym EXTRA hard especially during January and February. I double my cardio and do more weights, plus the new gym I'm going to has a fab running track around the upper level with three lanes. It takes more time for a workout like that, but it's worth it. That's what keeps me going until spring! Glad to hear that's what you're doing too! ~Stacy~ (*_*)
Posted by: Stacy | January 14, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Hi Tutts! First...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (singing here!) and you look GREAT you little doll baby. Should I feel guilty that I live in Miami? It's sooooo beautiful here right now, and I think it's the only place in the country that is balmy. Just think of us though during MOST of the year when you could literally fry an egg on the sidewalk! Have fun working out. I need to ramp it up myself, so maybe you will inspire me......xoxo, Janet
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | January 14, 2009 at 04:13 PM
Chris ~ whoops, just thought I'd add another post as I read through them all again and saw the one by "paintdiva" about Weight Watchers. I've been a lifetime member of WW since 2000 and as she says it's not just for "obese" people. It's for anyone who wants to learn about nutrition, an active lifestyle and dealing with food issues. It's helped me so much with my "adult weight issues" and I still attend every week. I highly recommend it to anyone! ~Stacy~
Posted by: Stacy | January 14, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Oh Happy Birthday. I know what you mean about teh crash. I'm about there and ready for some sun myself! I think I better pop in those Lucy DVD's and start watching. :)
Very cute picture of you and your brother!
Posted by: Michelle | January 14, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I am a huge Lucy fan and that one, the Bill Holden one, was one of my all time favorites! I cannot stop laughing every time I see it. I was watching with my l8 year old daughter and she was cracking up, too. She said Wow, this is really funny. You think? Great humor is ageless. Thanks for reminding me. Mona
Posted by: Mona | January 15, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Hi Chris,
Everytime I see a picture of Lucy I am struck by how stunning a beauty she was.
Yup the winter blaz got me a little down too. Why not stop by and check out the Bloggers Soup Swap I am hosting. Just the thing to get our minds on instead of the winter cold.
Posted by: Ahrisha | January 16, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Hi Chris. I certainly hope that your power is on and that you are staying warm!
Don't sweat turning 52! That's so young!
Have fun staying warm and have a Happy Birthday!
Warm blessings,
Brook
Posted by: Brook | January 16, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Isn't sad how fast the weight can come on? I had a corneal ulcer and couldn't see or stand sunlight for three weeks....I gained 10lbs. What was I eating..sticks of butter? Good luck with the trainer.
Posted by: Jeanne | January 16, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Just wanted to stop by and say hello and tell you I think your blog is adorable! Hope you have a great weekend.
Posted by: Olive Rue | January 16, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Chris ~
You are cracking me up !!
We just got back from a cruise a few days ago and yes that 90 degree weather and me agreed just fine ~
I am sooo not a cold weather person and it is even cold in Texas !
We dropped our daughter off in Florida for an internship at Disney and it was even cold there ! what the heck !!
oooohhhhh dreaming of warm weather and flowers right now ~
xoxo,
Lori
Posted by: Lori | January 17, 2009 at 05:47 PM
You are way too funny Chris!
By the way, the pillow is super easy to make. I made placemats that I love! (blog)
I can't even believe you gained that much. No way! Hang tough Girlfriend. You'll be back in no time.
xo
Posted by: Roberta | January 22, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Just daydreaming about Rhode Island and thinking about how much I miss all the wonderful people I met out there - especially you! I really enjoy your website. Thank you for putting so much time into creating such beauty. Hope to catch up one day! Thinking of you...
Felicia
Posted by: Felicia Zavarella Stadelman | March 05, 2009 at 04:44 PM