Game Night!

My husband and I had a great time tonight at our neighbor's.  We organized an impromptu game night after our handy-dandy neighbor (who has helped us so much in the past 3 years of home ownership) helped Steve put our new bedroom furniture together.  We got to talking and decided to get together for dinner and some cards.  I was already planning to try a new chili recipe, so it worked out perfectly.  I love when plans just magically come together.  I especially love walking just a few short steps over to my house at the end of the night.

Here's the recipe that I tried...  It was delicious, super easy, and we have lots of leftovers.  Perfect recipe in my book!


Bear's White Chicken Chili 
(courtesy of The Recipe Club)

I'm back!!!

I'm returning from a hiatus for three reasons...

Reason #1 -  I finally graduated from UVA!!!  I now officially have a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus in Reading.  After 2.5 long years, my life is returning to normal!  I'm also loving my new job as a Reading Coach for my district.  It's definitely different from teaching, but so far it's been a great experience.

Reason #2 -  My leg is messed up, but I'm finally having a procedure done to fix everything.  I discovered after months of pain in my left leg, and a visit to a vascular specialist, that I have a varicose vein that is not pumping blood properly.  It's causing pain behind my knee and in my calf whenever I do strenuous exercise.  The aches have all but wiped out my running, and I've basically just been walking and doing yoga.  I'm trying to stay fit and upbeat, but it's frustrating.  I'm so glad that after the procedure, I'll be good as new within a week!  I can't wait to try out some new classes at my gym and get back to running.

Reason #3 - A friend of mine wrote a blog post recently that I commented on, and he said I should include my point of view in my blog...if I had one.  Turns out, I do!  I've just been too busy to write in it!  Don't worry, friend, I'll get around to that post...  ;)

Now that I have a bit more free time, and I'll be active again, I'm excited to return to blogging.  Since the new year is approaching, I thought I would set some goals of what I would like to write about.  So here's goes my list of "resolutions"...

1.  Blog once a month about a new workout experience.  
     - I really want to try new classes and push myself to improve in strength, endurance, and flexibility.

2.  Blog twice a month about new healthy recipes that I try.
     - I'm continuing to try new Paleo and limited-carb recipes, and I would love to pass them along!

3.  Blog once a month about new books, restaurants, experiences, etc.
     - Basically, I want to write about something fun at least once a month!