Why I don't keep an "S-list"

Recently, someone asked me if they were on my "s-list."  I assured her that not only was she not on my list, but that I don't even keep such a list.

I think the concept of an "s-list" is just not in my nature.  There are many people in my life who love and support me for who I am and what I do.  There are other people who do not.  These people are not on any "s-list" because I don't spend my precious time worrying about them.   Why focus my energy on those who have wronged me and in turn be miserable?  What lesson does it teach my kids to be constantly upset and aggravated all of the time?

There is a great book that came out last year called "The Happiness Project."  It tells the true story of an author who spent a year focusing on things she can do every day to be happier in her life.  I loved this book and decided that I would much rather be a happy person too.  Here are some values in Judaism that prevent me from ever having such a list and keep me happy, such as:

• Shalom Bayit - Family Harmony
• Gemilut Khesed - Acts of Loving-Kindness
• Hakhnasat Orkhim - Acts of Hospitality

By embracing these things in my own life, I will thankfully never have a need for such a list.

Dear Weight Watchers...

Most of the time, I go with the flow.  I embrace change because I know that change is good and always constant.  While I appreciate your approach to a more healthy way of eating,  there are major changes in your program that take away what I love most about WW - convenience!

For instance, my points slider has become ineffective immediately as you are no longer counting calories in the mix when figuring out points value.  Now, you are asking me to purchase a $10 calculator to take with me to the supermarket.

My favorite Hungry Girl recipes are all labeled with the old points system. Not to mention that I already knew the points values of my favorite foods.  It is going to take a lot of time to recalculate all of that.

Hopefully, I'll get around to embracing this change in my life. It would have been nice if you waited until January to roll out the new program. Aren't we busy enough in December?

On my mind...

I've just spent the last half hour writing 3 posts - none of which I find remotely interesting enough to share at this time. 

It is hard to get one thought together when I've got too much on my mind. For instance, I'm trying to figure out how to pack for a 3 day business trip using one carry on suitcase.  Somehow, I have to get my big, bulky hair dryer in that little bag.  I hope I can do it.  The hotel hair dryer is never good enough for me.

On Monday, I'm starting my "OMG I'm turning 40 soon" diet.  My friend and I have vowed to be accountable to each other, keep a food diary, know the points value for every food we eat, try out a few new HG recipes and get to the gym a few more times a week. I gotta get to that certain number on the scale by February!

Tonight, I'm headed out to meet a bunch of old friends that I haven't seen in about 20 years. It is my SRJ BBYO (translated to be the South Jersey Region of the B'nai Brith Youth Organization) reunion.  Will they even recognize me? I suppose those who are my FB friends will.  It will either be a short visit or a long night.  Either way - I'm looking forward to it.  In my teenage years, these people changed my life in so many good ways and I'm eternally grateful for that.  I made lots of friends when I had so few in school.  I found my self confidence and learned how much I had to contribute to the world.  We share a lot of memories from the old JCC on Rt. 70 and summer camp that always bring a smile to my face. It will be great to reminisce with them about the good ole days. LOL!

I hope you enjoy what is left of your four day weekend! I know I will.

So thankful...

Every Thanksgiving, I am always thankful that I am not a turkey. Having said that, there are so many other things to be thankful for.

For my husband, - for too many reasons to count.  This year, I'm particularly thankful for his new job in Philadelphia that he enjoys and gets to trade in his 5 hour NYC commute for a 25 minute train ride. Our quaility family time is 100% better and we are all grateful for that.

For my daughter, who does well in school, has inherited my dry sense of humor and comedic timing, makes her own breakfast and loves to organize things around the house, asks me what I did at work today, takes an interest in everything and goes out of her way to be nice to people every day.

For my son, who does well in school, who cracks me up with his words and his antics (especially his impression of the Cake Boss), his boyish charm, and the fact that he gives me hugs and kisses every chance he gets.

For my parents, who raised me as a Phillies fan, a good egg, a people person and who always encourage me to follow my dreams.

For my in-laws, who help me at a drop of a hat, share their hearts, home, words of wisdom and fantastic clothes that my mother-in-law doesn't wear anymore. 

For my home, which is full of love and laughter, clutter and chaos. I wouldn't have it any other way. 

For my job, which perfectly matches my skills, personality and faith.  Every day is an opportunity to help someone form a connection whether with each other or within the community.  I'm lucky to be in a position to make that shidduch (match). I'm also thankful that I work with such wonderful people every day. 

For all of my friends, from our summertime Drinks on the Driveway parties with my neighbors to hanging out with girlfriends at a great restaurant, to "talking" on FB - I am thankful for the laughs shared, stories told and lasting memories.

Finally, I am thankful for reaching this stage of my life.  In my 20's and 30's, I spent plenty of time figuring out who I was and what I want. Now that I am on the verge of a new decade, I am happy with who I am, appreciate what I have and happy that I still have dreams to make come true.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!