I'm wondering whether I should taste this whine in the privacy of my neglected journal, or to share it with my friends here on Sparks. I haven't pressed the post blog entry yet, so we'll see.
I've frittered away two lovely days off, reading an OK book and feeling grumpy and disgruntled. In this hap-happiest season of all, I often feel like the grinch. I don't like myself when I can't find my gratitude for the great blessings in my life. But I find this season of relentless visiting and entertaining to be way too much of a good thing. I have cut back, cancelling the big feast I've hosted every year. Between work and trying to get all of the shopping done, I knew I couldn't handle it. But we still celebrated with friends, and I did eat more calories than I needed. Since I'm not always doing the cooking, the extras sneek in...walnuts & avocados in the salad, soups I don't know the recipes for. Made with good ingredients, but adding up to too much. Desserts, a taste here and there...and working everyday to tally it up, get my exercise in, and finding out that I've gained 2 pounds.

I am grateful for my friends and family, but the hustle and bustle of trying to see everyone in the worst weather of the year really does seem crazy to me. And it's only half over. I have 3 more holiday parties to host and attend before the New Year starts. That's why I want to escape! Into a book, to Tahiti...I don't care. I feel like Greta Garbo, "I vant to be Alone!!!" Anyway, please Spark Friends, send some patience and good energy in my direction. Thanks for listening to the grump in me.