I’m not really a fan of the “New Year” philosophy.  It’s, quite possibly, merely another attempt by the media to turn “nothing” into “SOMETHING”. Enter all the hype and hoopla that is generated just for the simple concept of one day turning into the next.  We get lured into making plans, buying fancy cloths, obtaining tickets to big parties, and (worse) making “New Year resolutions” that most likely are impossible to follow through on.

Right about now you are probably hearing “blah, blah, blah — tell me something I don’t know”. I’m sorry to say that I can’t — I haven’t figured it out yet either.  But I can tell you what I have decided–  I’m taking stock.  2013, for me, was a year of mixed reviews.  I have much to be grateful for — a husband that loves me (quirks and all); four children that are turning into wonderful, loving, productive adults; a big family always ready to come to the rescue; and friends that I consider family ready to talk with me about nothing just because.  On the other hand — I lost both my Nana and my Dad, I gained too much weight, MENOPAUSE, and somehow along the way I lost my “mojo”.

I recently found an anonymous quote in a “Where Women Cook” magazine. It went like this: “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground in the morning, the devil says, -Oh crap, she’s up!-” I used to feel like that woman — I want to feel like her again! And so, I have decreed 2014 the year of me.  That’s right, like I said I’m taking stock.  I want to feel powerful again — And so I’ve committed to the following:  a colonoscopy, a cardiac workup, a dermatological full body scan and the following five “resolutions” (I use this term lightly:  1. Drinking lots of water every day (I’m guzzling water and trying to locate public bathrooms on Google Earth by satellite as I write); 2. Walking somewhere (any distance) every day; 3. Wearing gloves in the cold weather whenever I go outside; 4. Finish a knitting project (there are many — any project will do); 5. Eat healthier.

Sounds easy? — We’ll see.  364 days to go.  I leave you with this healthy, really easy recipe that I tried and had my family taste test yesterday.  — Mighty Minestrone taken from Mother Earth Living magazine:

6 baby red potatoes, scrubbed, unpeeled and diced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 ribs celery, sliced; 1 zucchini, coarsely chopped; 1/2 sweet onion, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/4 cup red wine; 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, oregano, undrained; 1 tsp. dried basil; 1 bay leaf; 3/4 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 ground pepper; 1 package baby spinach; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Place fresh vegetables, beans, broth, red wine, tomatoes, basil, bay leaf, oregano, salt and pepper in the slow cooker, stir gently to mix, cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Remove bay leaf.  2. Stir in spinach and cook for 30 minutes.  3. Add vinegar and stir to incorporate, then garnish with Parmesan.

Enjoy!  Happy New Year!– Or should I say Happy New Day!