Hello, 2023

Happy New Year!

I don't have any of the recap lists finished yet and still figuring out what fun I'm doing for 2023 goals.  But I have been thinking a lot and I like where it's headed.

This week will be looking back, looking forward posts.  Who doesn't love a good retrospective and some predictions (goals) for the year!!

In the meantime ... here are a few bits of what's happening.

I listened to Gretchen Rubin yesterday.  She's the queen of practical, books, quotes, inspiration -- if you're planning out a year of goals, she's your go-to gal.  I mentioned she LOVES children's novels and I took 2 of her recommendations.  I ordered a vintage copy of Heidi from Etsy and ordered a used copy of The Second Mrs. Gigconda (never heard of this one).  P.S. I finished The NeverEnding Story and I liked it a lot.  

In the name of FS stuff, I forced myself to run a gift to my neighbor.  I had it all of December and never made the effort (she was away for a lot of the month too).  I almost bagged it with the thought, "doesn't matter because I ended up not needing the favor which was the reason for the gift."  I did it though (it wasn't a big thing) and had a nice conversation with her.  Later in the day, a warm loaf of banana bread showed up at the door.  Connection.  Taking time.  Doing what I said I was going to do.  That's how I want to show up.

I ended up going immediately to Whole Foods after I finished the post.  Got a big list of stuff (at an empty store) for soup recipes.  I made roasted tomato yesterday.  

4 new VEGAN soups to try.  I might not have time or energy to make the Sweet Potato soup (it was an afterthought because I happen to have all the ingredients).  Stocking up the freezer again.

    Leek Potato

    Moroccan Chickpea

    Sweet Potato

    Buffalo Cauliflower Chowder

Decorations are put away in record time.  Simple might be my new normal for a few years -- a break is nice.

I watched the Netflix docu-series on Pepsi and the jet.  I don't remember the story, but those years were some of the busiest in my life and I watched almost no TV and definitely no news.  Guess I missed it.  It was interesting and well done.  Worth the watch.

My girlfriend's Christmas gifts arrived.  Some fun stuff.

Smells so good.
A littler nervous about the wooden box and fire.

Rainbow glass.

Bread warmer

Books and a necklace
made from a 1970 penny
(the penny is on the back)

Foot massager

Today is SOUP all day and podcasts.  Maybe a short Peloton ride (but my back isn't happy so I'm not sure).  I'll do a new book pick too.  

I get to start over on the one sentence journal.  NOW it gets really interesting.  What did I write last year?  What was I doing?  What was I thinking?  I'm glad I stuck with it.  5 years on one page.  Year 2 starts today.

Happy 2023.  May this year be just what we need.  Later gators.

This is a quote I took from Gretchen Rubin and wrote in the back of the One Sentence Journal.

"The secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life." -- William Morris.