The other day it was so nice out. We hadn’t seen the sun in days, and it was over 45 degrees. I decided to go for a nice long walk out here on these back roads with my 108 lb. black lab, Bear. Boy, was he excited! Jumped up and down like a little kangaroo when I got his leash out. He loves his walks so much. As we were about two miles into our walk, I was thinking, “Boy, I didn’t even get any after Christmas blues!” I had a lot to look forward to this new year so that helped for sure. I made new year’s resolutions, but I believe it shouldn’t just be for the new year.

I devoted to keep going with the lifestyle change that I started well over a year and a half ago. Not to start and stop back up. That’s why it’s not a diet. It’s my lifestyle change, and someday soon I will tell you about this experience.

The next thing I told myself was to learn to hold my tongue better. Rude people these days, I just don’t have the patience man. I’m telling you!

As I’m walking with Bear, some turd drives by me doing 65 MPH on a 35 MPH road. What is this!? Highway 65!? OK, OK. So, I may not do exactly 35 MPH on this road either in my little zoom-zoom import car, but when someone is walking, I slow down, and move over into the other lane if I am able to give the walker some room. Part of me wanted to yell at this turd muffin while throwing my hands in the air, but then I remembered to breathe and smile. He wasn’t gonna ruin my walk with my boy.

My third, and last but not least resolution may make a few of you laugh. I told myself I would TRY, and folks, this is a big try. I would try to stop at the stop signs at the top and bottom of Edler Road, and not treat them babies as yield signs. EVEN THOUGH they should for real be yield signs if you are turning right, but who am I to say!? I know a lot of you are giggling right now who know this road. I know you feel me! Still walking, and now walking by Edler Road at this point, I smiled knowing I have done pretty good with this too. I may not completely stop-stop. But I do much better than I used too. It was just a beautiful day for a walk and to really think about all these things.

So, the next day I wake up and it’s beautiful out, again! I grabbed my sunglasses and off to work I went. By noon it was so nice that I decided to stop and wash my “zoom-zoom” at the car wash. I mean, other than the chill in the air, it looked like spring out. Made me wish I was on my motorcycle instead. However, everyone had the same idea. I was all proud she was nice and shiny, and I knew it would make my hubby happy. We love a sharp black clean car! Who doesn’t!? I went to my second house for the day, and when I left it was snowing. Are you kidding me right now!? I just spent seven bucks to wash our darn car and it lasted a whopping four hours, tops! Ughhh!

But then I thought, how perfect this weather is for our dinner menu tonight! Homemade Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice soup! I paired it with a fresh salad, my homemade cheesy bread, and mandarin oranges.

So much for a clean car, but hello to that perfect comfort winter dinner. Hot soup on a cozy winter night? Yes please!

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• 3 cups of cooked, seasoned chicken breast (well-seasoned)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 stalks of chopped celery
• 1 medium carrot, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 2 tsp garlic
• 32oz chicken broth
• 3/4 cup wild rice
• 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk

In a large saucepan, sauté the onion, carrot and celery in butter until tender. Then add the garlic, let simmer 2-3 minutes. Gradually add broth. Stir in the rice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat; covered, cook and stir for 15 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken. Stir in milk and heavy cream; cook and simmer 20 minutes to let all the flavors get through the soup. Trust me, it was even better after the simmer time. Enjoy!