2016: Bye Girl

This will be my last MLWOR post for the year. Everyone keeps joking about 2016. For me personally, I can't complain. I have more fluff on bones and my plight with debt seems like it's here for good but overall, I am blessed beyond measure. I don't usually use phrases that can be heard in Southern Baptist church but dangit, it's the truth. I feel lucky to have health and friends and happiness (most of the time). For the world, it's been a bit different. The path of the country is unsure, violence is ever present in many places and celebrities are dying left and right. There are also so many I know personally that are struggling. I hope with everything that 2017 is a better year for everyone but especially those having a tough time right now. I resolve to try and be a better, healthier human. I have lots of smaller goals too since that's pretty vague. They include changing the way I view success and failure, finishing two manuscripts and traveling as much as I can afford. Well, those aren't small goals really but what the heck, I'm ready for you 2017. Let's do this.

I'd like to wish my brother a happy early birthday! You are great. No pithy remarks or sarcastic jokes. Thanks for being my friend. I love you. You probably won't read this so I feel even better about being sappy. I'll return to my normal ribbing on Friday.

In terms of food and weight, I need a metaphorical life preserver thrown to me because I feel like I'm drowning. I am supposed to weigh on Saturday and I may still do that but GAWWWDDDDDDDD I don't want to. *makes gurgling vomit noise* On the one hand, things could be worse. I've been counting calories with a bit more success this week. I've eaten less than usual and when I know a big meal is coming, I tend to eat light the rest of the day, which is what inspired my super healthy salad that I had for lunch. It was simple. I took the Asian inspired sauces in my refrigerator (a serving each of peanut sauce, sesame ginger dressing, and chili garlic sauce) and mixed them together in a big bowl. I chopped some lettuce, green onions and about two tablespoons of peanuts. In the bowl I added some peeled cucumbers. I was going to use my Veggeti to get them into a noodle shape but the cucumbers were aging and not cooperating so I used the new vegetable peeler I got for Christmas and made cute lil ribbons. I added the lettuce, onions, peanuts and a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. I tossed it all together. It was yummy. Next time I'll add a protein other than the nuts so it stays with me longer but I love those flavors. Also, it was heavily dressed, which I like, but if you are less heavy handed, you may want to do half a serving of each sauce.

I didn't take many pictures during Christmas since I spent most of it either traveling or in my pajamas. Other than a flat tire and a couple blinking "Check Engine Lights," I'm thankful we were all safe and got to see family. Ian and I were so blessed with stuff for the house from many people.

I hope you all had a great holiday and of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Oh, and ROLL TIDE!