2022 was here and gone before I knew it. It was a year that has gone faster than any other year. It’s honestly unbelievable. I was never as far behind on Christmas as I was this year. Each year I tell myself to get with it earlier, and then BAM, it’s November, and I have bought hardly anything. You all are going to hold me accountable for 2023, OK? I’ll have to check in on occasion and let you know how the early Christmas shopping and prep are going. I made notes on my phone to prepare lots of odds and ends for Christmas next year and plan to stick to it. I hate this feeling of being behind as I sit here writing this on December 22nd. I’m hoping next year will slow down just a wee darn bit.
I’m also hoping to read my Pioneer Woman autographed book I got back in 2020 that I couldn’t wait to read. I hate reading unless it’s something I am super interested in. One, I don’t have time to read, and two, I get sidetracked easily. I read Ree’s first book about how she met Marlboro Man and fell in love. I loved it, but it took me, what, six months to read? Yup. That’s about right. By the time I found the book, bought it, and read it, she had volume two of that baby when I got done. (So, she can write a book faster than I can read one!? Good grief, Andrea!)
Another thing is sticking to my morning devotions. I can say I did really well with it this year! I am a few days behind right now because my mornings have consisted of getting up at 5:45 a.m., like every weekday morning, and trying to get things done for Christmas, laundry, and other odds and ends before I leave for work. But, the book will be complete on December 31. I’m proud of myself for sticking to it and having a few minutes with the Lord each morning. It’s really nice. But there were some mornings where I was like, “Lord, I’m sorry I got so busy that I didn’t have time to sit and do my devotions today.” I always make up for it the next day, but I tell myself it’s awful that it’s literally only a teeny percentage of the time in my day. I just have to get it done.
That brings me to exercise. Thirty minutes of exercise is only five percent of our day, which isn’t much at all. So, with devotions and exercise, you are talking six percent. I’ve slacked on my exercise since my kids have gone back to school. I was so dedicated. I won’t get into how busy I’ve been and time, but trust me, I haven’t had much of it. I’ve done well with maintaining (up and down about six pounds) through the fall and holidays with very little exercise, but I feel so much better when I work out more! I’m anxious to get back to a good schedule, feel good and strong, and get my body to continue to transform through weightlifting!
I’m ready to spend more time with my family, enjoy my new job, make more meals for people who need them, send a card to someone “just because,” have a few more date nights with my husband, and enjoy more moments like snuggles and quality time with my kids.
If this year taught me anything, it is that time goes fast, and we need to enjoy every moment. Don’t waste your time worrying about small things or trying to impress people. Be who you are. Parent how you want to parent. Love how you want to love. Too many people out there try too hard. This year just be YOU. Don’t sweat the small things. I know sometimes it’s hard to bite that tongue, but this year I’ve done it a lot. (Now, this is huge for me! I’m going to give myself a quick pat on the ole back!) I’ve just learned that with some people, it’s just not worth it.
This year has really taught me how many wonderful friends I have and a family who always has my back. After going through two surgeries, it was a real eye-opener and showed how well I was taken care of by so many. Then, you have those few who you don’t hear from unless they need something or it’s been six months, and they better check-in. Ya know, the older I get, the more I can’t tolerate this crap. I personally don’t have many of them, but the very few I do, I feel this year is going to change. I’m the type of person if I’m your friend; I’m checking in on you even when my own life is busy. I have two kids and a husband, but I always find time to spend with my girls because they are important in my life. I make the time to say, “Hey, how is life going? Let’s do dinner and catch up.” Even if it takes us a few months to do it, we always make it work. That’s what friendship is about — catching up and wanting to get together even though life is crazy.
My point is, if you have that one friend who brings you down or you struggle with, is their friendship worth it? Do you have a co-worker who you dread being around? Someone who just makes you feel down or questions yourself? You don’t need this negativity in your life. As you go into the new year, make changes for yourself! Only YOU can make yourself happy — no one else. Don’t let anyone bring you down. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. I want you to go into 2023 with a positive attitude, head held high, and ready to take on the new year. Spend time with the ones you love, go out with that friend you haven’t seen in months, snuggle with your kids, tell your family you love them, and by George, do some devotions every day. I’m telling ya, there’s nothing a little Jesus can’t handle. Go into 2023 with him, and he will guide you not only the whole year through, but the rest of your life. Happy New Year, everyone!
Crockpot Cheesy Corn Dip
Ingredients:
• 3 cans (15 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup monterey jack, shredded
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 red pepper, sliced and diced
Directions:
Spray a 6 qt slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add corn, mayo, pepper jack, shredded cheeses, red pepper, salt and pepper to slow cooker and stir to combine.
Top with cubed cream cheese, cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours.
Stir well and serve with crackers or nachos!
