Sunday 7 December 2014

Pausing For Advent (2)

If only. I am still struggling to pause. I am up to my eyes in various bits and pieces and life etc. Nothing to bother too much about. I am reading all the other blogs and it seems that, for lots of reasons, other people are the same. I will not go gently into that Bah Humbug though. I LOVE Christmas and I will not sink under all the detritus so I don't enjoy it anymore. I am well aware that this one is up to me. We had a guest speaker at church today and he told us that the secret to contentment is a decent dialogue with God - which makes a lot of sense to me. I have to find the time to do it - especially at this time of year. It is up to me to cut back on things where I can. So, here are my Christmas Resolutions. Unconventional I know but that's the way I roll.

1. If I see you every day. Sort of "Hello - nice weekend?" as we sit down at desks opposite each other. Or, if I usually send you a card after you have posted one through my door saying "To all at 22 from all at number 48." because neither of us know each other from Adam - then don't hold your breath for a card from me. Cards this year will be to people who live a long way away, people I need to re-connect with and to my Mother, who takes the size of the card we send her as an indication of the amount of affection she is held in. (Can be tricky when the lady who does her hair once a week has sent a bigger one than me because I went for quality rather then size)

2. I will be making several meals for visitors and on Christmas Day and all that. This is fine. I am looking forward to it. However, know now that the mash will be Marks and Spencer. The pudding will be ready made and Mice Pies will be Mr Kipling. Come to terms with it. I have. It is happening and it is happening in this house.I will probably make my own roast potatoes because I like them best but, have to be honest, there will be a bag of frozen ones in the freezer in case of emergencies.

3. My house will not be a picture of domestic perfection. It has just been through a traumatic time with the windows being replaced and half the front rendering being ripped off. We don't have the new blinds in place yet so getting dressed in the morning is like permanently dressing under a beach towel. If you are coming here to see a beautifully tidy and serene home you are a) barking up the wrong tree completely and don't know me at all and b) Seriously? Why would you do that?

4. I will not be losing that last half stone before Christmas. All my clothes are fitting (more or less) and I reserve the right to seek solace in an emergency bag of cheese and onion crisps if the need arises. 

Good Grief - that feels better.

On a more positive note - everyone else went out this afternoon and I took the opportunity to put some Christmas music and give Hark The Herald Angels some welly in the privacy of my own kitchen. Wow I love that carol. Top Notch.

Linking Up at A Pause in Advent

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7 comments

  1. I agree with your pastor and I need to do that too! I'm wondering if the word of knowledge was that in church today.
    Loving your resolution ideas! HA, I am so embarassed when anyone comes to our house- it is a tip! My landlord came round earlier to try and fix our front door and I frantically went round with the hoover before he came!
    x

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  2. At the moment, we are tidying on an "is someone due to visit?" basis

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  3. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of your cards being judged by your mum on the basis of size - although I'm sure you don't find it funny. Oh, and mice pies? Don't think I've come across those?

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    1. Oh yes. Hah! Three proof readers in this house (well two - suppose I shouldn't include the dog) and no one spots it. You can't get the staff :-)

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  4. Sounds to me as if you have life, let alone Christmas, all sewn up! I aspire to youness!

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    1. That's very good and encouraging of you to say so.

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  5. I remember the great sense of relief I felt when the blessed St Delia Smith said she bought puff pastry as it was easier than making it. If you CAN buy the pies [Mr Kipling makes MICE pies??] then DO. Much less angst. My house is an unbelievable tip. My excuse is the imminent removal to Dorset. Not sure what excuse I shall have after February!

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