Poof…and then it was gone

All that build-up, all that hype, all that stress and then poof!…it is all over in the blink of an eye.  Christmas is gone.  The presents have been opened, the treats have been sampled and the turkey has been carved.  It is all over for another year.  This year more than ever it just seemed to sneak up on me and then it was gone before I could even start to enjoy it.  Don’t get me wrong – I had a great Christmas – I just wish it could have lasted longer.

I hope everyone had a great holiday and I wish everyone all the happiness they desire in the year to come.  Be kind to yourself, be kind to your loved ones and be kind to the people around you.  I know it isn’t always easy and I for one find it hard to practice, but we should all try to be just a little more tolerant and a little more forgiving towards ourselves and towards the people around us.

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh! That feels goooooooood!

Instead of buying each other presents, Linda and I decided to buy ourselves a day at the spa together.  What a brilliant idea (if I do say so myself)!  Yesterday afternoon we met at the Pantages Spa at Victoria and Dundas and enjoyed a hot stone massage (fantastic!), a facial (fantastic!) a pedicure (fantastic!) and a manicure (not fantastic but after the rest of it I was in no shape to be complaining). 

From 2 until 6 we were pampered and I left there feeling so utterly relaxed.  The last few weeks have been mega stressful for me and so this was the best present ever!!!!

For some reason, Linda has been saying that I am very tied to my traditions and rituals (not sure why – that’s not me at all – hmm now where did I put that eggnog – I can’t bake without it).  Well I think I may have just created a new Christmas ritual.  A little pampering for myself certainly makes me feel more festive.

Where are you Christmas?

Where are you Christmas? 
Why can’t I find you?
Why have you gone away?
Where is the laughter
you used to bring me?
Why can’t I hear music play?

“Where are you Christmas” Faith Hill 

It is already December 14 and I can’t seem to find any of my usual Christmas spirit.  I have tried drinking eggnog – and nothing.  I have tried listening to Christmas music – and nothing.  It just doesn’t feel like Christmas.  Perhaps it is because I’m stressed out at work.  Perhaps it is because it is +10 degrees and I am wearing a T-Shirt.  Perhaps it is just because I am tired. 

I haven’t even been able to find enough energy to do any baking yet.  Perhaps that is what’s missing.  Maybe I’ll try to find some time to whip up a few baked goods on the weekend and hopefully find some holiday cheer in the process.

Back but oh so busy

I just wanted to post a short note to say that I am back from my trip but I am too busy to write.  My trip to Mexico was great but way too short.  I will try to get some pictures up sometime in the near future to show you a little of what it looked like. 

Since I have been back it has been non-stop for me.  My sister Linda is visiting from London, England (yeeeeeehaw!!!!) and we have been trying to fit in some visiting around our work schedules so our evenings have been pretty busy.  It is awesome to have her here though and I will gladly give up some sleep to spend time with her.

I will try to get back to posting next week and give you all an update on what is going on in the wacky world of Gwen these days.

Don’t desert me just yet – I promise entertaining tales and interesting topics will be seen here once again in the near future.