tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post1955044336554408992..comments2023-11-16T20:34:36.744-06:00Comments on ... MICHAEL DI GESU ... ... ... In Time ... ...: COPING WITH THE STRESS AND ANXIETY OF A NEW YEAR ... WEIGHT GAIN ... AND RESOLUTIONS ...Michael Di Gesuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-44490887018513727372014-01-16T11:19:12.551-06:002014-01-16T11:19:12.551-06:00The pictures made me hungry! I love the idea of th...The pictures made me hungry! I love the idea of the Kings Cakes! I'd inhale them too...and not likely run to the gym. But I'm going to start exercising. I need the energy and the good feeling vibes of movement. Elizabeth Seckmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00045076826326574984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-1396198557802079132014-01-15T12:32:33.078-06:002014-01-15T12:32:33.078-06:00My goal is to not make this comment as long as you...My goal is to not make this comment as long as your post. I am terrible about overly long comments. I am just going to apologize now. Sorry.<br /><br />First, I see you commenting everywhere and have for a long time. We have many mutual friends. Several times, I have thought to myself, "I need to check out that guy's blog!" But then I thought about how long my reading list is and how short my time and... well, you know the rest.<br /><br />I saw the link to your coffee hop on Mark Koopmans blog and thought... Kismet. It is finally time to see what is going on over here.<br /><br />I loved your IWSG contribution. The end of the year takes a toll on everyone. So many Truly Important things get edged out in order to just get through the holidays. There is so much eating done at the end of the year. So much buying. So much wrapping. So much decorating. And when I am in the middle of that whirlwind, I love it. But, yes, things like exercise land on the back burner. Common sense spending gets shifted just because... And all of it looks bleak come January. That is no way to ring in a new year. We do need to be more forgiving of ourselves AND we need to get back to our good habits. Thanks for the verbal kick in the behind. We all needed that one.<br /><br />Now, let's talk coffee. I actually have a coffee story. My parents were coffee addicts. For many years the coffee pot started brewing first thing in the morning and they continued to refill it and drink until bedtime. I really don't think they drank anything else!!! Then, they decided it was time to cut back and even started mixing regular and decaf to cut back on the caffeine. Plus, they stopped drinking all day long. No more after dinner. That sort of thing. <br /><br />My younger brother and I didn't like coffee. I was sure that the coffee gene simply skipped us. My father passed several years ago (a coffee drinker until he died) and my mom still drinks 4 cups every morning. She just bought a Kuerig (did I spell that right????) so that she can make a cup at a time if she wants one later.<br /><br />This Christmas she convinced me to try a cup of coffee with some mocha creamer in it. It was wonderful. Except for the eating your words, which went down rather bitterly. I had said for as long as I can remember that "I will never drink coffee." I drank two cups that day. And have been drinking coffee ever since. It is what I look forward to as soon as I open my eyes. It is how I convince myself to get out of bed. I can have my coffee if I get up. It is shameful really.<br /><br />I haven't told my brother yet. He still won't touch the stuff and I am afraid he might disown me.<br /><br />And that's my story. <br /><br />I would love to try some PURE COLOMBIAN COFFEE. So, put me down for an entry. And thank you, win or lose, for your generosity in sharing your bounty with the blogging world!!! Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14932408372240147454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-56559411810005199762014-01-14T13:47:46.225-06:002014-01-14T13:47:46.225-06:00MOVEMENT is the key. That is so true. For our heal...MOVEMENT is the key. That is so true. For our health and for our writing.<br /><br />Thanks for the inspiration.<br /><br />Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com )<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-47603389104123377632014-01-12T18:57:04.214-06:002014-01-12T18:57:04.214-06:00Had to pop in and see the additions to this post! ...Had to pop in and see the additions to this post! You're always so inspiring, Michael. And the hop will be a HUGE success--too bad I don't drink coffee!!!! (gasp---I KNOW) :) :) :) <br /><br />Love the pictures. Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15747144518868320969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-58059321581782923242014-01-12T17:21:26.528-06:002014-01-12T17:21:26.528-06:00I've never tried that kind of cake but it does...I've never tried that kind of cake but it does sound wonderful! No wonder you ate some. Thank you for the inspirational post, Michael. Great advice!Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11378428503220197256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-79109852930345318632014-01-12T15:59:41.191-06:002014-01-12T15:59:41.191-06:00Chuckled throughout this. Your cakes look LOVELY! ...Chuckled throughout this. Your cakes look LOVELY! Great job. I love filling the house with warm scents of baking in the winter, but yeah...don't want to eat it all. LOL on you eating 2 pieces and then putting the rest in the freezer and dashing off to the gym. Willpower!!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-16257484066720620352014-01-12T13:44:23.784-06:002014-01-12T13:44:23.784-06:00All right. I'm in on the coffee blog hop. Janu...All right. I'm in on the coffee blog hop. January 17? That's this week, right? <br /><br />I don't make resolutions, and the only really depressing thing this year about the end of the holidays is that my year-end pay was way less than I wanted it to be. That and I had five days off at Xmas, and then had to go back to work... but it's all made easier by the fact that (A) I love my job and (2) I rarely actually work a full five days in a row. Add to that that I get cinnamon scones at our Friday morning meetings, and I'm pretty lucky.<br /><br />I don't make resolutions. If I think of doing something, I start doing it -- not waiting until later.Brianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01616494058636881575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-56383879191525721822014-01-12T04:53:05.805-06:002014-01-12T04:53:05.805-06:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Awwwww so glad you're ok w...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! <br /><br />Awwwww so glad you're ok what with the polar bear and the vortex hanging over you - no matter how adorably cute baby polar bears are and no matter how chrissmassy snow is - you truly can have too much of a good thing or two!<br /><br />Now where was I? Oh yes - THAT CAKE!!!! I WANT! LOL! Oops where are my manners? I WANT. Please! :-) That would lift any dark clouds, put smiles on faces and make the sun shine again. Well it would for me! LOL!<br /><br />Wishing all the best with your personal resolutions. Yes, focus on one thing and be pro-active about it - keep going, keep positive and keep baking THAT cake and sending it to Old Kitty. Ahem.<br /><br />Take care<br />xOld Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13185547869183611159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-65140301722588741372014-01-11T18:25:32.771-06:002014-01-11T18:25:32.771-06:00I like coffee, I like tea
I like the java java and...I like coffee, I like tea<br />I like the java java and it likes me<br />Coffee and tea<br />The java and me<br />A cuppa cuppa cuppa cuppa coffee!<br /><br />My dad used to sing this to me all the time when I was little. Thanks for the memories! :) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-78280013863376104872014-01-11T03:33:44.489-06:002014-01-11T03:33:44.489-06:00Breathe. Got it.
Be kind to yourself. I think lot...Breathe. Got it. <br />Be kind to yourself. I think lots of people struggle with this one.<br />And yes, exercise IS the way to go. Though in these blazing temperatures we're experiencing, you'd be able to sweat all the excess pounds off your body without setting a foot in the gym.<br /><a href="http://writer-in-transit.co.za/" rel="nofollow">Writer In Transit</a>Michelle Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-74294460268704459542014-01-10T11:46:03.554-06:002014-01-10T11:46:03.554-06:00Good sir, upon reading your thoughtful posting, it...Good sir, upon reading your thoughtful posting, it's most assuredly clear that you focus, you cultivate all the positive aspects to your life. Positive distractions, healthy thinking and eating. Very well said and with that I shall bake a cake.<br /><br />A peaceful, hopeful year to you, Michael.<br /><br />Gary :)klahaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613505424843475639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-24763182625556997982014-01-10T10:51:42.775-06:002014-01-10T10:51:42.775-06:00P.S. I've got your badge up and a QUICK line a...P.S. I've got your badge up and a QUICK line at the end of my last post, but since I don't like coffee... Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-76065184555045442732014-01-10T09:23:33.270-06:002014-01-10T09:23:33.270-06:00Heard of those cakes before, very difficult to res...Heard of those cakes before, very difficult to resist. These days I don't bake much, I am the person who would eat most of them and my hips don't need them. I have diabetes too so that doesn't help. I still have some candies around but I restrict my consumption every day, have been doing that for a while now. <br /><br />I agree working on one thing at once rather than dozens of things is a good way to go. Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-35476942061297904082014-01-10T08:50:28.965-06:002014-01-10T08:50:28.965-06:00I tend to bake more in the winter. I love trying o...I tend to bake more in the winter. I love trying out new recipes. You need to send me that recipe, Michael. I love the ingredients of figs etc.<br /><br />I find it much easier to focus on a couple of things at a time. I do have a major item on my list and I'm making headway. As with most major things, it doesn't change or move quickly so results aren't quick to see. The rewards come a bit slower but I look for small things to celebrate along the way. :-)<br /><br />We have a foot of snow outside and it's now warm enough to rain. Believe it or not, we just had thunder roll and lightning flash. Very odd. lolol!<br /><br /><a href="http://siamckye.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Sia McKye Over Coffee</a> ~Sia McKye~https://www.blogger.com/profile/08470562659597351033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-16324989217072778232014-01-10T06:32:37.790-06:002014-01-10T06:32:37.790-06:00Now who isn't being kind to himself? How could...Now who isn't being kind to himself? How could you possibly resist your wonderful baking? Trudging through the snow to gym should have helped. When I get home I will have to break the croissant and baguette habit but it just suits Europe. <br /><br />Spain celebrated THREE KINGS on Monday. Lovely. Now they've finally stopped with the Christmas carols.<br /><br />I have signed up for your delicious blogfest. Not sure if it's taken on my phone. Let me know if it doesn't work.<br /><br />Here's to a happy, healthy, writerly 2014.<br /><br />Denise Denise Covey https://www.blogger.com/profile/07106490051555233439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-71701044499060789892014-01-10T01:29:16.211-06:002014-01-10T01:29:16.211-06:00Aloha!
As you know, I spent one full winter (and ...Aloha!<br /><br />As you know, I spent one full winter (and two summers) in the Windy City.<br /><br />After reading your post, I remember why I spent more summers than winters in Chicago... dang dude, that's COLD :)<br /><br />PS: Fantastic advice by the way, I was nodding at several spots, so thanks for sharing:)<br /><br />PPS. I am SO IN for the Coffee Hop that I've changed my name !! And, I will post about it this coming Monday :)<br /><br />Cheers :)Mark Koopmanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634424953074803816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-91479188304451337282014-01-09T20:45:12.078-06:002014-01-09T20:45:12.078-06:00Anyone who will go to the gym in sub zero temps ge...Anyone who will go to the gym in sub zero temps gets my applause and my muffler. I'm in awe and I'm the Coffee Hop. So there we are, my friend. Muffled and Hopped. Yay!cleemckenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15456109243453726483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-90538142812351653372014-01-09T18:05:40.774-06:002014-01-09T18:05:40.774-06:00Yeah, I've given up on 'resolutions' a...Yeah, I've given up on 'resolutions' and now simply have mini goals. No big letdowns that way. Great to meet you.Donna Shieldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04607270459657152401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-31253825968749889362014-01-09T16:33:12.541-06:002014-01-09T16:33:12.541-06:00Well, my first thing to fix in the new year was ki...Well, my first thing to fix in the new year was kind of decided for me. I need to get rid of this horrendous head cold. The up side? No appetite...even for those yummy holiday leftovers.<br /><br />I'm going to pass on your blog hop for a simple reason. I don't drink coffee. Maybe I'll have to start a hop for tea drinkers. *grin*LD Mastersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01202135756299574972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-87246939918798874632014-01-09T15:37:53.786-06:002014-01-09T15:37:53.786-06:00Happy New Year, Michael. I love baking, and connec...Happy New Year, Michael. I love baking, and connecting with other bakers. Those cakes look very tasty, and I can see why you gave into the temptation. <br /><br />I don't experience a letdown at the beginning of the year, but more of a sense of "Okay, the break's over. Now it's back to work." Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912167351889969855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-85692738196532130232014-01-09T12:16:38.779-06:002014-01-09T12:16:38.779-06:00Hi Michael .. that's another great talent - th...Hi Michael .. that's another great talent - the cakes sound delicious .. I love fruit and spicy cakes and your King Cakes sound superb.<br /><br />Thankfully I just don't bake - if I did .. I'd eat .. but I certainly need to do some running up and down stairs, walks around town and along the beach .. <br /><br />Spring is coming .. and so are my healthy ways .. thanks for the reminder .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-22975079363688055972014-01-09T11:22:35.909-06:002014-01-09T11:22:35.909-06:00That King's Cake looks yummy.
Fantastic post!...That King's Cake looks yummy.<br /><br />Fantastic post! And what a great idea to just get rid (as in throw away) all the leftover goodies. After all, they probably aren't good anymore and we don't need them.<br /><br />Happy New Year!Cherie Reichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16663147386014122939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-17223972478365539722014-01-09T10:28:16.366-06:002014-01-09T10:28:16.366-06:00*boards train to chicago*
*dons catburglar outfit*...*boards train to chicago*<br />*dons catburglar outfit*<br />*wraps self in Invisibility Cloak*<br />*follows Michael into his house*<br />*raids the freezer*<br /><br />Seriously, those cakes look amazing. I wish I was eating them, with a bit of ice cream and fruit, right now.<br /><br />And coffee! I love coffee! Looking forward to the blog hop!<br />Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-75821041194402192522014-01-09T10:23:33.884-06:002014-01-09T10:23:33.884-06:00I think I've gained 3 pounds since Thanksgivin...I think I've gained 3 pounds since Thanksgiving, which isn't AWFUL but still...back to the grind!!<br /><br />Samantha Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09370961661054617338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002113089297135210.post-42149408415967807222014-01-09T09:21:37.324-06:002014-01-09T09:21:37.324-06:00I've signed up and have the fabulous button in...I've signed up and have the fabulous button in my sidebar. :) But I don't see my link so if I did something wrong PLEASE let me know. Nicki Elsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11412032684225126973noreply@blogger.com