It just never stops!

[Chris]

As I wrote about at the time, earlier this week we had a huge assortment of pastries in the staff room the first thing in the morning.

Yesterday, it was Hallowe'en cookies. They were store bought, mind you, but the kind from the cookie places -- and we're the size of saucers.

Today, in about ten minutes, we're celebrating all the October birthdays. I just went to the kitchen to get some water, and they were setting up. It's all kinds of cookies and petit fours, along with various kinds of ice cream and all the stuff needed so that everyone can make their own sundaes.

Did I see cheese slices? Did I see nuts? Did I see veggies and dip? Those questions were all rhetorical, 'cause you know the answers!

[jimmie 48]

Re: It just never stops!

take your own, chris! you'll probably end up converting someone to the better way to eat!

[RachelnLa]

Re: It just never stops!

When I went to work.. everyone told me get ready because I would gain 25 pounds. And they were right! All the food people bring and excuses we make to EAT!? Crazy! I really feel for those of you who work outside the home and have to face this stuff daily. I am holed up in my house and have my force field up!

After everyone complained about gaining it was finally decided to have ONE party every few months for the birthdays. Whew! We even bumped it down to cupcakes for portion control. Then we got smart and starting bring good foods.. and they were eaten just as fast

[2big4mysize]

Re: It just never stops!

use those beef jerkie stix your freind gave you. maybe it is time to talk openly about dietary restrictions some office folk have and see if they can serve alternatives too. They had sugarfree stuff for the diabetic kids in the preschool my fellows went to.

[Desertthorn]

Re: It just never stops!

Poor Chris, and you know, the closer we get to the Holidays the worse it will be. We need to unite, to rebel, to call a halt to all this sugar...... What if we all bring Atkins friendly snacks to work. Ill make a bet that the good stuff goes first.

[dreamof145]

Re: It just never stops!

Can you make a suggestion for healthier snacks or volunteer to help on the committee for celebrations? I always volunteer so I have a word about what is on the menu. That way you can either bring your own (if they veto the idea) or you can make sure they always bring something that suits your life-style.

[julirama723]

Re: It just never stops!

Yeah I know about "snacks" in the workplace. Here at my school we have something called "Birthday Club" where each person's birthday is celebrated on a workday throughout the year. The days are spaced evenly so there's one about every 10 days. I was a member last year, and of course in the beginning, I would stop in and eat the cake, ice cream, brownies, etc. to celebrate. I just got sick of it in the end. That's all I needed after a stressful day--sugar, sugar, sugar. No wonder I'd crash when I got home and didn't have energy to work out.

This year, I asked if maybe Birthday Club could be healthier--Fruit with dip, veggies, etc. There were quite a few people who were supportive of the idea (the people who were trying to make lifestyle changes/exercise commitments/healthy eating habits, etc.) and I thought it would go over well. It was proposed at a meeting that if you wanted to bring healthy things like fresh fruit and cheese platters or whatever, you could.

There was an UPROAR!!! People threatened to quit birthday club. They were horrified at the prospect of eating something healthy. One person said "Why the **** would I want to come here and eat healthy food? If I wanted to do that, I'd do it at home." And these are SCHOOLTEACHERS!

So needless to say, I am not a member of Birthday Club this year. Nor are the other people who wanted healthier choices. Instead of going to BC, I go to the fitness center and exercise. People probably think I'm anti-social, but oh well. I decided that my health is more important than their party.

[RachelnLa]

Re: It just never stops!

GOOD FOR YOU JULI!!!!!!!!

[Chris]

Re: It just never stops!

Can you make a suggestion for healthier snacks or volunteer to help on the committee for celebrations? I always volunteer so I have a word about what is on the menu. That way you can either bring your own (if they veto the idea) or you can make sure they always bring something that suits your life-style.

I'm on the big Holiday Party committe, and during our next meeting we're going to be discussing the menu (the company spends a fortune on the food). Rest assured, that although I won't try to veto any of the regular stuff, I am going to have a great deal to say about some new additions!

[rae]

Re: It just never stops!

Same for me in the workplace too. (I'm a teacher.) Strangely, there's a new rule in many public schools across New Jersey...no cookies, cakes and other sweets for the students. This has affected school birthdays, Halloween and other class parties. The children/parents are upset, but it works out great for me. It's a shame that my co-workers haven't followed this trend. As soon as there's an office party, here come the sweets.