Merry Winter: Taking Stock

Have you missed me?

I have missed writing, that's for certain. At the end of each year, I like to take stock of what has happened over the past 12 months and prepare for a new year. This year has held a lot of changes and challenges, as most do. In 2013, I started out as a nanny, switched to working at a residential mental health facility, and then got hired as a substitute teacher. Currently, due to other circumstances, I am searching for a new job. Other circumstances include an end to my relationship and engagement, as well as needing to find a new place to live. This meant that I had to leave the substitute position. However, as of Saturday, I will be relocated and continuing my search for the perfect job.

Looking for jobs always makes me wonder: do most people love their jobs? I want to LOVE my job ... I don't want to live for work, I want to work so that I can enjoy life. However, I want my job to be something that corresponds with who I am and does some good in the world. Is that too much to ask? I think not and hopefully soon I will get positive news on the job front.

Okay, what else am I taking stock of this year? I have been able to stay active this past year, with running and joining a gym -- although with my second job, I did not consistently work out. I was able to run in the Warrior Dash, which was amazingly fun and I actually signed up for another one in June 2014. I also half jogged/half walked the Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon -- it was fun because of the people who ran with me, but I was surprised that there was not more music in this so-called "Rock and Roll" 13.1 miles... The trip to Vegas was a ton of fun, which makes me think of traveling. I have been able to visit my family, which is always fun and also, I was able to travel internationally to France! I have been so blessed with my ability to travel both nationally and internationally - thank God!

What else, you ask? Well, I have been a lot better about making time to try out new recipes. Some weren't my favorite, but out of all the recipes I tried, I have expanded my collection of possible meals, which is DELICIOUS! Also, at the beginning of the year, I challenged myself to read 35 books within 2013. I am currently at 32 books read. Currently, I am in the middle of reading one and I have one that I set aside a while ago that I will try to finish. I am still hoping that I get the chance to read all 35 - I still have time before New Year's Day!

Would you like to know what I've learned or taken away from the reflection of 2013?

• To trust my instincts
• To stay optimistic - I have faith that amazing things are in store for my future
• To take time to be grateful of all the blessings in my life: family, friends, my cats, the opportunities I have experienced, love, support, good health, loyalty, etc...
• That only I can make time for what is important to me - I know that it is easy for me to get caught up with work or stress, but I am the only one who can change my thoughts and actions - to take time to enjoy the world around me.

For instance, today I saw the most beautiful sunset. The sun was so large and seemed to fill the most of the horizon. The sunset included so many variations of deep oranges, yellows and even some red tones -- absolutely beautiful. Instead of getting frustrated about being slowed up in traffic, I took a breath and thanked God for the beauty of that sunset.

Well, what have you taken away from 2013? It's almost time for New Year's Resolutions! : )
Seeing as how the year is not over yet, two of my goals for the remainder include finishing my current book, the other book I put aside and one final book to give me 35 books read this year and also, to continue cooking new meals. In fact, here's a meal that I cooked about a month ago, that I thought was delicious!

Harvest Soup with Apple bits and Bacon!

This "Harvest Soup" was really good; however, I made some alterations that I believed changed the consistency of the soup. When I think of a hearty, harvest soup, I imagine a condense soup, but this was definitely a thin soup. I included the butternut squash, turnip (I would add more because I LOVE turnips), apples, sweet potatoes, but I did not include the celery root. I did not include celery root because, honestly, I couldn't find it and did not know what to look for - I definitely advocate for researching unknown items before heading to the store, but I did not on that particular day. Even though I did not add all of the ingredients listed, I did include all of the liquid that the recipe called for; next time, I would like to cut back slightly on the amount of liquid and add more vegetables, like more turnips!

Well, I am sorry it took so long for me to catch up, but I'm glad I was able to write this post. Have a happy holiday season and happy New Year!