You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t been participating in the Food & Fitness linkup the last couple of weeks. That’s because we haven’t been home!

Well, actually, we are at home.

We aren’t on vacation, but it feels like we are on vacation. {Well, except for going to work 7:30am – 4pm weekdays.}

People, we have been out every night for the last week and a half. But I’m not complaining! I was looking back this weekend, wondering how I could get a hold of this runaway season and realized that this feels sort of like vacation. We are going out to dinner, meeting friends {old and new} and discovering new parts of our cities.

Instead of being stressed about when I’ll get those holiday cards out {sometime this week} and when I’ll finish Christmas shopping {almost done}, I’ve decided to embrace and relish in every moment I have with all of these friends we’ve made time to see. That’s the reason we planned it, isn’t it?! ‘Tis the season to be grateful for all of those important people in our lives.

In the past week, I have:

• Painted some owls at Cheers Pablo.
• Tried the local Surly Smoke Baltic Porter on tap at The Tap.
• Watched The Pack beat the Cowboys when it seemed almost impossible.
• Got my oil changed and windshield wipers replaced.
• Dropped off Sophie for a much needed grooming.
• Tried out Pizzeria Lola with the girls (and Rob). {Restaurant Impression to come.}
• Watched some belly dancing and tried to win at poker (I didn’t).
• Played some bingo (and didn’t win) and discovered a new band.
• Dined at one of our favorite restaurants.
• Tried the limited local beer Summit Rebellion Stout at Burger Jones.
• And that’s not the half of it!

And it isn’t ending. My husband and I have something planned every night up until we leave for Green Bay for Christmas. And then I have planned to meet up with long {but not lost!} friends and family while we are there.

And I’m very happy about it!

Unfortunately, I haven’t been getting any fitness into my routine. Surely, there is no excuse. But I’m grateful that it’s making me realize that I need to make it a priority once “vacation” is over.

Because I won’t be home even one night this week, I made lunches on Sunday and plans for potential breakfasts throughout the week:

• Breakfasts: PB Toast OR granola with milk OR protein bar OR scrambled eggs with spinach
• Lunch: Every lunch this week will consist of: cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, two halos, applesauce and a piece of dark chocolate
• Dinner: This means that at dinner, my plan is to get in as many veggies as possible.

What do you slow down to embrace and enjoy the holiday season?

Cheers~
Carrie