holiday headaches.

 Tis the season to be.... frustrated.

Hubs and I determined that it'd be best if we started discussing the holidays with our families early in an attempt to avoid some issues we knew would arise, and set plans in advance so that last minute decisions wouldn't have to be made.

This plan has apparently backfired.

Instead of asking if we could figure out plans for holidays we should have just stated what our plans were. Last year we spent Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with his family, so, to keep it fair, this year we'd rotate and spend Thanksgiving with hubs family and Christmas with my family. Well apparently hubs sister had different plans in mind which involved us spending Christmas again with their family (because it worked with her schedule and her boyfriends schedule). She told us that this would work best for her (because it's always about her) and then proceeded to tell hubs mother who obviously is thrilled.

Last night we received a somewhat nasty email (after we stated that to be fair we'd do the opposite of what we did last year) saying that she doesn't understand why it would be a big deal to do the same thing as last year and that it would be great for them all to be together for Christmas. (well, duh! what mother wouldn't want that?!)

Quick side notes: Both of our fathers have passed away, my mother re-married, hubs mother has not, and lives alone. She is very jealous and acts like a martyr when she spends weekends alone or when she cooks a meal for us. She had Christmas dinner for us last year and even after I offered to bring something or help her with the cooking, she complained that no one cut her any slack or helped her and that she works hard during the week and then had to make Christmas dinner. Sigh.... now maybe you see what I'm working with here...

Hubs and I are trying to stick to our guns and do the opposite of what we did last year, because honestly, it's only fair! It's my family's turn to spend Christmas with us. That's just the way it has to be! Right?

Does anyone have any experience with these issues? I used to love the holidays but now I'm not so sure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We thought we were being fair but now we're being criticized for not compromising!

If you've read past posts of mine you'd know a little more about my SIL. She was able to get her way during my wedding, mostly because I didn't want to create (even though she was the one creating) any drama. ie. I wanted tea length dresses and because she didn't like her calves (ugh) she convinced me to choose longer bridesmaids dresses.

Please help! How do you divvy up the holidays?

shred update.

Ok, so, I'm feeling a little indifferent about 30 Day Shred at the moment...

The Positives:
1. Great work out for it being only 25 minutes (Jillians lies about it being 20, the dvd player tells me differently).
2. You can make the workout as easy or difficult as you want - varying weights/sinking deeper into moves, etc.
3. You don't have to go to the gym to get a workout in; you can work out in the comfort of your own home.
4. Going for runs has gotten a lot easier, I'm not getting winded as quickly and my legs feel a lot stronger.

The Not So Positives:
1. It's only 25 minutes... I know Jillian says it's all you need as long as you don't "phone it in" but in the end, like I said, it's only 25 minutes.
2. Hubs and I have been shredding fairly religiously (there were a few days that were skipped so it'll be more like 40 Day Shred - we've been jogging though, if we don't Shred) but recently I've noticed that the number on the scale keeps rising little by little each week and that I've developed what can only be described as a tummy pooch. Like I've said before - I've never been stick skinny but I've never been overweight and my stomach has always been somewhat flat (though not toned). The ab exercises have caused me to gain muscle under the fat on my stomach, causing me to have some strange bulges and pooches here and there... definitely not a fan.

Conclusion: Shredding = not enough cardio = muscle gain but no weight loss = higher number on the scale = tears.

So, I'm indifferent. I'm more than upset that my weight is climbing and I'm not noticing a huge difference in how my clothes fit, and I'm not pleased about the muscle bugles, but running has gotten a lot easier and I can feel my muscles getting toner.

I'm at a loss. I tried Jillians Metabolism Booster (50 minute workout) in addition to the 25 minute workout (boy does that kick your ass) and this morning I lost one whole pound! (note the sarcasm) I guess I'll continue with the workouts, especially as it gets colder and especially because I don't plan on shoveling out money to join a gym.

It was worth a shot... I think I'd still recommend it, but only as a supplemental workout to a higher intensity cardio workout. You do feel pretty good after the workout, and at least it's something for those who don't have a lot of time after/before work for an hour or two hour workout.

I think I'll keep you around a bit longer Jillian. Let's just lose the stomach pooches, please.