Have you ever taken a vacation and literally shut off every responsibility you have? We were lucky enough to be able to do that this year.
I am a beach girl, and haven't been there for many years. We did spend a day at Virginia Beach a few years ago after a book signing in Norfolk. But one day is nothing like an entire week, which still isn't long enough!
We chose to go to Ocean City AFTER Labor Day, thinking the crowds would be less, and the kids would be in school and not at the beach. Too bad we didn't realize lots of things would either be closed or have very limited hours since it was now the off-season. Naive me thought, it's the beach, it's always "open".
But, we did find some restaurants open (FYI, most of them close early after Labor day, so no late night meals in OC.) And we randomly found things to do.
Not having a single care is an amazing feeling. No plans, no itinerary, no one to check with or see if everyone agrees... you wanted to do something, you just got up and went! I guess it's like when we were kids. Being carefree and just being in the moment. Sadly, I also fell asleep most nights early! Which I guess I really can't do at home, because I am busy cleaning up dinner, sometimes finishing laundry, taking care of the dog (who likes to get rowdy as soon as Mr G turns in for the night), and whatever else I do that keeps me awake, lol. And I got up early. I never do that at home, thanks to the dog keeping me up late. We actually watched the sun rise almost every day. Having a hotel right on the beach, we were able to sit on the balcony, drink our coffee, and be part of the new day.
Not to mention, I don't think I have ever seen Mr G so relaxed! It was nice.
I didn't even bring my computer! I figured if I had any ideas (which, of course I did) I could write them down on paper or log on my cell phone.
I guess that is what empty nesters feel like? We kind of did the opposite though, leaving our son at home, he was kind of the empty nester for the week, lol.
But, now we're back and trying to acclimate back to responsibilities, lol, and getting back to eating healthy. That's harder than you'd think, after a week of eating whatever you wanted (and only having restaurants to choose from - and I did not find a ton of salad choices at the beach, and never a grilled chicken option, which I went into this planning on eating most days.)
Now...if we could just hit the lottery, this could be our way of life!
Life is better at the beach...
I know I haven't been around lately. Over here at casa Gatto, I was first concentrating on my Lymphedema therapy. I wanted, well, I needed to make using my LE pump, then wrapping my legs as much part of my daily routine as having my cup of coffee. I did get there for a while.
Recently, I got serious about getting healthy. I'm turning 50 next year, (I'm totally cool with that, btw) and I want to be one of those 50 year olds who feels good and looks good.
And for me, it's about finding a healthy lifestyle, not the latest trend diet.
I've failed on every "diet" I have tried in my lifetime. So no more dieting. Just learning how to eat healthy, and still enjoy food, and the occasional treat.
Mr. G jumped on board too. We went from ordering a few times a week to once in a few months! We have NEVER done that, lol. I'm sure you're like "But you hate to cook. So what were you eating? lol" But I WAS cooking! Yay me! Easy marinated chicken grilled is my frequent go to. It is so versatile. You can put it on a sandwich, wrap, salad, or eat it on a plate with some veggies.
But I am finding that planning and prepping meals, trying to figure out how to get enough protein per day, and get in some exercise is a full time job. Prior to that, doing all that was needed for my LE was a full time job. Therefore, my LE habits fell off when I added getting healthy. I still haven't figured out how to do both, BUT I am getting back into wrapping daily and doing the pump a few times a week. It's a learning curve for sure.
Yes, we're doing higher protein, and smaller portions. It's been an eye opener. And it really feels like something sustainable for both of us. Mr. G has taken to enjoying Fairlife and Premier Protein shakes. I can't handle sucralose, so I stick to real foods. (well, I do now, after trying a bunch of packaged high protein mixes)
We did go out this weekend and enjoy an Auntie Anne's pretzel, and then pizza at Monticello's. See, we still enjoy good food once in a while. Oh, water. We've been trying to drink LOTS of water. For me it isn't as easy as it sounds, even if it is the only think I drink. But we're trying.
I have thought of ideas for Delay of Game, and have been jumping on there a bit. I feel good about it, and hope to work on it more and more.
I guess I should boast about how I'm doing, huh? Well, since October 2024 I have dropped 28lbs. But I lost 12 of that since July 2024. I am stoked at my recent loss, and I feel good about how it is going. Like I said, Mr. G is doing it as well, and that helps so much! He can tell me "not a good idea" and I can tell him "no, we really don't need that" and we work on this together!
I want to feel good. And this is what I need to do that. Keeping a journal has helped a lot too. Getting all the "mind-clutter" out of the way in the morning makes for a stress-free day.
Oh, and we've really gotten into those Hallmark Mystery movies. And Murder She Wrote, lol. First it was a nice memory because it was one of my Grandma's favorite shows. But then we really got into it, and it's often on in the background as we unwind each day!
So, I'm just over here, trying to get healthy and find a sustainable, healthy, good tasting and easy way of eating, add some exercise, drink all the water, keep house, remember to do my LE therapy, and work on story ideas while getting ready to replace our roof... and I'm not mad over any of it. Actually, I think we both are the happiest we've been.
Our son is still looking for a job in an automotive parts department. Employers don't like to call back, and that's frustrating for him. He is so eager to work, and I wish someone would give him a chance! But while he's here, he is eating the same way as us, so he is unknowingly eating healthier too, lol.
I think I've talked your ears off enough about our plan to get healthy. Just know I am still here and working hard to bring you a Renegades 13, AND I really do want to put out a new stand alone in 2025. Fingers crossed!
Have you heard of the Pittsburgh Cookie Table? It is usually at weddings, but let's get real...we do them for EVERY event! Weddings, funerals and wakes, graduation parties, showers, and parties/holidays.
If you aren't from Pittsburgh, I am sure you are asking yourself, "what IS a cookie table?"
You may find this weird, but, I have never been to a wedding that didn't have a cookie table. And until well into my adult years, I didn't know that not everyone has cookie tables at their weddings! What??? No cookies? What do you snack on at the reception? The answer was always "we only have a wedding cake." But that's not served till folks are ready to go home. Yes, I was baffled and perplexed to learn this. We look forward to the cookie table!!
For many generations, the cookie table has been a staple at weddings throughout Western Pennsylvania. To those who are not from Pittsburgh, the idea of having a cookie table at a wedding may be baffling. However, “The Cookie Table” is a time honored tradition. And we take it VERY seriously!
Rooted deep in the history of Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio lies the tradition of the wedding cookie table. To these folks, a wedding without a Cookie Table is like having a wedding without the Bride and Groom – pointless! I'm not even joking! We look forward to getting to the reception hall for the cookies!
The Wedding Cookie Table has strong ethnic and religious ties, linked mainly to European immigrants of Catholic descent – particularly present in industrial areas that housed Italians, Greeks, and other Europeans.
It is believed to have started during the Great Depression when many families could not afford a wedding cake, instead substituting homemade cookies. Traditionally the bride’s immediate family, including mother, grandmothers, aunt, cousins and closest friends spent many months before the wedding baking delicious cookies from scratch. I have yet to see a store bought cookie on a wedding cookie table. It's not that we are too snobbish for packaged cookies, it's more that cookie tables are created by folks who love to bake.
Nowadays the baking is done by both sides of the family. Every cookie made with love and with hopes that the married couple will share in as many happy years as there are dozens of cookies at the wedding. (and there are always many many dozens of cookies!)
This tradition has long been practiced by the various cultures which have migrated to Pittsburgh over the decades, including the Italian, German, Irish, Slovak, and other Eastern European cultures. At the traditional Pittsburgh Cookie Table you will see various types of cookies, but the most common ones are Pizzelle, Shortbread cookies, biscotti, Buckeyes, Lady Locks (I feel like you HAVE to have these at the wedding cookie table), and chocolate chips just to name a few.
This tradition is important and continues on because it is a labor of love for the newly married couple. I have yet to meet someone who was annoyed that they "had" to bake cookies for a wedding. Friends and relatives usually jump at the chance to bake, some without even being asked. And it always ends up being amazing.
Remember, in Pittsburgh, people don’t wonder, “How was the wedding?” They ask, “How were the cookies?”
The first three photos are from our family cookie tables (a graduation picnic, a 50th Anniversary party, and a 25th Anniversary party). The second set of three photos are from the Facebook page The Wedding Cookie Table Community (credit to them).
And there you have it. The Pittsburgh Wedding Cookie Table! I bet you want a cookie now, huh?