Sorry Pacific Northwest, I know it's raining and all...

While friends and family in Oregon and Washington are in the midst of flooding... I feel a lil guilty enjoying my tan from the past couple days of 80+ degree weather.  My husband and I went camping and it was SO beautiful!  Had the chance to go on lots of long walks, chat with friendly peeps at the campsite, and spend time with the husband.  All together lovely.

One of my fave things about camping is the food planning.  It takes a lot of prep, but is sooo tasty.  A quick peek at the meal list:
Fish tacos
Beer/brown sugar chicken bake
Salsa/chips/guacamole
Scrambled eggs/veggies/hash browns
Taco salad
Cucumber/tomato salad with balsamic vinegar dressing
Smoking Loon pinot noir

I don't know about you, but a couple good hours of walking + sun + good food = a very happy camper indeed.

I hope you find a way to connect with the ones you love, do what energizes you, and feel motivated to accomplish great things in 2011.

XOXO
Andrea

I can't keep a New Year's Resolution!

New Year's Resolutions = Epic Fail
With the New Year, people reflect back on the year, evaluate progress and setbacks, and make plans or goals for the next 12 months.  I'm not a big fan of the New Year Resolution because I'm not awesome at keeping my goals :) But I do believe in taking time to reflect and regroup.

This year I have much to reflect upon... First, I'm thankful for a new position teaching high school English, as well as being given the opportunity to coach basketball again.  It has brought a new meaning to my career, and for that I'm very grateful.

This year has been filled with other challenges as the family business has been stretched and challenged by the unpredictable economy.  In the end, nothing has been as scary as my own imagination.  I have an amazing husband with a versatile skill set.  A real Renaissance man ;) 

My health has been a huge challenge, culminating in a diagnosis of Meniere's disease, a complete lifestyle change, and more uncertainty for the future.  Each year I learn just how much I can take and still bounce back.  I wish I didn't have to learn this lesson, but it is what it is.  I can't change it, only learn to find joy in my life and be thankful for everything I have. 

This year my husband and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary.  It's been an adventure and I'm so happy to have him in my life every day. 

This year:
Not only on January 1st, but every day, I will try to be thankful and reflect back on all my blessings.  My husband calls me pessimistic ;), I like to call it "realistic", but either way, I have been forced to deal with my health issues by focusing on what I have, what I can do, rather than wallowing. 

This year I promise myself to take time to sleep, listen to my body, love my husband and family, and be the best person I know how to be.  I will strive to be excellent where I know how, and pursue excellence in areas I am weak.  I promise to be an encouragement to my husband and show grace to both myself and those around me.  These are not easy tasks, but I am up to the challenge!

Last year when I turned 30, I thought about my life, and I felt proud.  Proud of my accomplishments, education, relationships, and what I have overcome to be the person I am today.  I strive to continue making positive choices I can be proud of. 

As I always say... Hard work + positive choices = a Good Self Esteem!  You can't be proud of it unless you work for it.  I can think of several things I'd like to be proud of, but I have some work to do :)  What do you want to be proud of?

Happy New Year to you and yours,

XOXO
much love
Andrea