New Year, New Start

I’ve been rolling my eyes at mentions of New Year’s resolutions, but today I actually feel like jumping on board.  We took down our tree last night, and while it was sad, today I’m starting to feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to tackle 2011.  I still haven’t drafted out an itemized list of resolutions, but maybe I’ll ride this motivation train there in the next few days.

I was afraid to look at the scale this morning, but I can deal with 185. That’s only 5 pounds higher than the lowest I’ve been this go-round, and while I’m not happy at all that I put on 5 pounds over the holiday season, it’s not 10.  I can handle 5 and then some.

I wanted to show off my FANTASTIC blogger Secret Santa gift from Lisa of I’m an Okie…I can’t believe how much awesomeness she crammed in there!

Blogger Secret Santa

It’s not the best picture ever, but there are snacks and gadgets and even some fancy-schmancy body splash!  I can’t wait to use that Bobble water bottle – it’s got a built-in filter!  Seriously, I’m humbled by the awesomeness of my gifts.  Thanks, Lisa!!

I’ve been avoiding the real world for the past week, doing puzzles and watching movies with the cats…

Despicable Me with Murray

…finally seeing the Christmas lights at Saluda Shoals Park…

Saluda Shoals Park Lights on the River

…and making an awesome new dish, Artichoke-Stuffed Chicken

artichoke-stuffed chicken

My friend Kaycee made something like this for our ornament exchange party and I had to try to replicate it.  Chop canned artichoke hearts into smallish pieces and mix with cream cheese, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, garlic, pepper, oregano, and capers.  Cut slits in the sides of chicken breasts, stuff with the mixture, secure with toothpicks, and bake for about 45 minutes at 350°.

You should make it for dinner tonight.  I mean it.

Over New Year’s Eve and Day, I hung out with a bunch of amazing folks.  A couple of friends got married on January 1st, so we got to celebrate their wedding over the weekend in addition to ringing in the new year!  On Friday, we joined the couple on a cruise around Lake Murray for their rehearsal dinner.  We had yummy Southern food

Southern cuisine

…and tons of fun being silly.

Black Peacoat Mafia

New Year’s Eve was a blast…

champagne toast

Doc's New Year Hat

…and the wedding on Saturday was so much fun!  Does anyone read Joyful Abode?  Here’s the pretty lady (and little lady!) herself!

Joyful Abode

I caught the bouquet for the first time ever, and my friend Tommy caught the garter – ha!

Next in line?

We had waaaay too much fun with the send-off ribbon wands!

friends with ribbon wands

I’m excited to see what 2011 brings!

Thumbs up for 2011

What’s one thing you want to accomplish this year?  Feel free to list more, though!