2012! This is going to be an exciting year I can feel it already.
Last year was pretty huge and not always in a good way – Mark was really sick again mid-year.If he had not gotten sick and we had not decided to research healing through nutrition this journey would not have started for me. (Not much consolation for him I am sure.) I have been amazed and so proud at the way he has recovered, and always remained calm, strong and positive – what an inspiration for our kids.
On the upside we both got new jobs we enjoy, hung out with great friends and family, and loved watching the kids growing up. A big big big highlight for me was starting this blog, and along the way discovering a love for holistic nutrition, and cementing my change in diet and lifestyle. As always my wonderful husband has supported me in this.
I have not posted for 2 weeks as I have been away on holiday in the Sunny Hawkes Bay, where we celebrated christmas with family, and hung out with friends at the beach on the way home.
Christmas was gorgeous, 6 little girls and a baby boy all loving every minute of it. As posted earlier food was going to be interesting with allergies and food preferences in all directions, but it ended up delicious.
Then to top it off we had a wonderful 24 hour hours with friends and spent the whole time eating, drinking and laughing - heaven.
Here are a few snaps from the holidays – food related of course!!
Reindeer food (oats and glitter)given to all the children on Christmas eve
Christmas eve dinner. Stuffed eggpant – seriously delicious. I can’t post a picture of my Christmas dinner as I ate it too quickly!
Nothing better than a super full fridge to suit multiple dietary requirements
Indian spiced tofu with almond slivers.
My resolution for the new year was to commit more fully to my vegan diet. I still say this is something that is a journey for me, and not something that is happening overnight, but I am getting there. I guess there will be a few slip ups along the way, but the intention is there.
This year for me I am looking forward to:
Starting nutrition school. Um – big big big life change.I love working in Public Health, but I am so excited by this new direction. I have been contemplating starting at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition for ages, and finally today after speaking to Amie at The Healthy Apple (I rang her in New York from New Zealand how cool is that! What a lovely lovely woman) I decided to go for it. Working full time, studying and bringing up kids will be busy, but I can’t wait.
Updating my website. It’s my baby and I want it to be great! Keep an eye out for the new look coming soon. Suggestions and advice always welcome.
Learning and cooking more gluten free vegan recipes to suit my family, and then sharing them with you.
Getting a grip on photography for the blog – it ain’t that flash at the moment!
Finding a new way of exercising. Walking, running, and gym work over the years have been my preference, and as the body gets older, I am not finding they do much any more. I keep starting yoga, and love it but find it hard to get to classes when my husband works late, and I am trying to write blog posts. I still think though that finding time to practice yoga daily might be the way to go.
And finally
Turning 40 in May ! Good grief! I really thought by now I would know what life was all about, and feel like a grown up. Turns out it doesn’t work like that. I am pretty excited about turning 40 though for some reason. Maybe it is because right now I am finally at least starting to find passion and direction in my life. I have so many working years ahead of me still to go- how cool to make it in an area I am passionate about.
So the big questions for today
What was the highlight of last year for you, and what are you looking forward to this year?
Cheers
Ali
