Pain, Pain Go Away

It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us.  At least for those of us in the northeast, we have had unseasonably mild weather and for the first time this weekend, it actually felt like December. I have been in the Hamptons for the past few days and if you’ve never been here at this time of the year, it is very Norman Rockwell with the main streets of each town decorated in an elegantly old-fashioned way.

As a follow up to last weeks blog, I actually made it to the movies this week and I have forgotten that it is possible to go to the movies out here because hardly anyone eats – there was not a single cruncher or muncher anywhere near where I was sitting.  Have still not gotten to see Bella and Edward get married but did watch My Week with Marilyn – def Oscar nod for Michelle Williams; although I thought the movie was a bit uneven.

I really should watch commercials more often. Have you seen the one with Regis Philbin advertising Advil? A. Does he really need any more money? And B. What’s wrong with a little pain?  Get your mind out of the gutter – that’s not what I am referring to. It’s this belief that as soon as you feel the slightest bit of discomfort, you must run to the medicine cabinet.

These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Tylenol, Advil and the like are not innocuous drugs without their own potentially dangerous side effects. Like death and liver failure. This is an especially dangerous time of the year because many people are drinking more than usual and having hangovers and thus relying on these meds to get them through their day.

I can’t recall the last time I used a medication like this.  Not only are there natural substitutes, but pain is the body’s way of healing and stopping the inflammatory response in its tracks is not a healthy thing to do.  Just like stopping a fever.  While fevers may be uncomfortable and make you feel miserable, if the fever is not above 103.5 then let nature run its course – fevers are a protective mechanism for the body.  Stop trying to interfere with the way the body works.

It’s bad enough we have to deal with Nicole on The X Factor – the outfits she wears on results nights are scary. There is always a lot of metal and this week had metal studs everywhere.  I get you are trying to be rock and roll but honestly, what have you really accomplished in your career?  The alien mother ship awaits you.

Did I tell you I got into a complete Homeland marathon this weekend. I thought I wasn’t going to like this show but WOW – I highly recommend it.  Speaking of which, spoiler Alert – who say Jimmy’s demise on Boardwalk coming? I kinda want to throw his character into True Blood or The Vampire Diaries so he can be resurrected. And that crafty Mrs. Schroeder giving the land to the church.  Epic!

I hope that everyone is using this time before the holidays really crank into high gear to exercise regularly, and eat appropriately so that when the days arrive next week, you are prepared and haven’t already gained weight.

I always look at it this way – this food is always going to be here.  It’s not running away; it will not cease to exist; but, that extra waist line and belly fat can cease to exist and this time for good.  It takes a little more diligence and awareness this time of the year to have a good time without indulging or over indulging.  I have found that if you are cognizant of what’s going to happen and are willing to take responsibility for the role you play in sabotaging your hard work, then maybe, you’ll be able to stop the cycle.  The time is right.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year and also the scariest.

Even for me, the temptations are overwhelming and the thoughts that echo in my head – well, Christmas is less than two weeks away so why not start eating poorly now? Just taste one of those cookies. The conversation is ok to have in your head.  Just try not to act on the negative thoughts but focus on how good you are going to look. I am going South so it will be bathing suit season for me and nothing is going to get in the way of that.

Yes, we made it through a blog without one real housewives mention – I want that noted.

Oh, Remington is now tweeting and on facebook so I do hope you will be his friend on facebook – I believe you have to go through my page to get to him.  His twitter name is @sh_tmydogthinks.  I know he will have more followers than I in a few weeks but he is cuter and funnier.

Until next time…..