Our department is pretty small -- only 8 of us. Tradition is that on our anniversary date we bring in a treat. It doesn't matter what I bring -- if it's something I don't eat, no one really cares because I brought it and no one's feelings are hurt.
For birthdays, however, someone brings in a treat for the birthday person -- we take turns. Again, if I bring in a cake (I used to do cake decorating, so I usually decorate a cake to bring when it's my turn), it does not matter if I don't eat it. But at times like today, my boss was really trying to bring something I could eat, she just does not understand what low carb is all about, and this was my first birthday that I was doing low carb. She knew that I would not eat the shortcake, but really believed that I could eat the strawberries, and she brought Cool Whip and ice cream, not understanding that I would not eat any of it. After she tried so hard to come up with what she thought was a good compromise because she thought that I could eat the strawberries and ice cream and everyone else would just add the shortcake, it was not the right time to tell her that I would not eat it. I just took a small scoop of the strawberries, using a fork to avoid the sugar laden juice.
A co-worker commented when I said that I couldn't eat the ice cream because of the sugar "Oh, it's your birthday! Can't you have it just once?" I told her, which is the truth, that the ice cream does not really appeal to me -- I have never been an ice cream fan. I am perfectly content with just the strawberries -- they are what I liked best anyway.
They all feel so sorry for me if they are eating something I don't. I keep trying to get them to understand that it does not bother me in the least if everyone else is scarfing down donuts, cakes, etc. Most of it really does not appeal to me. I've even made comments such as 'It's only food'. And I've said things like "When people say things like 'you can eat this when you're off your diet', they don't get it -- there is no such thing as 'you're off your diet' - this is a way of life, not a diet." But I guess none of it really sinks in.
The roll-ups were very good! I'll have to keep them in mind for parties, etc. She took deli slice corned beef, spread it with softened cream cheese, topped it with a small spear of dill pickle, and rolled it up. She arranged them on a tray with cubes of cheese and black olives. It way excellent!
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