2014 Kick-Off Party!

I keep simplifying the spread for our annual party on New Year's day and this year is no exception. Given that I've been sick for much of the holiday, I have been in no mood to fuss. I even decided to omit my homemade vegetarian sushi, despite the fact that it's always a hit, because...well, I just didn't feel like going to the trouble.

For beverages there is mulled pomegranate-apple cider, soda water, wine, beer and liquor (juice for the kids). For food we've got fresh fruit, veggies and spinach dip, Sha Sha spelt ginger cookies, chips, popcorn, nut clusters, whole grain crostini and sundried tomato pesto spread, and, some muffins Little A and I made. I don't think anyone will leave hungry...

I'm hoping the kids stay mostly in the basement rec room where we are playing a DVD and have a bunch of crafts for them. This will give the adults the main floor to hang out in. No matter what, I know that, as always, it will be chaos. That's why I refrained from drinking at our dinner at friends' last night so I could indulge in a couple today. I'm gonna need it!

So being January 1st, this is the first day of my Gratitude Challenge. Each day this month I am going to talk about something I am grateful for. If there is one thing I've learned in the past year from my life and my work as a counsellor, it is how blessed I am and I want to practice fully realizing and appreciating that every day.

Today, since I am waiting to welcome many, many friends old and new, I am giving thanks and gratitude for the many wonderful people in my life. And that includes all you readers who come back to read my ramblings.

Happy 2014!

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