Resolutions

It is that time of year when everyone makes resolutions. My sister has a great list here. My blog-friend Amanda has a fabulous one here. We have a new year and a fresh start, so it only makes sense to resolve to do things differently. I've never made resolutions. I've never said, "I'm going to...every day. "

I'd like to exercise every day, I'd like to be a fantastic wife and mother every day. But, I know for me that "every day" is unrealistic. It seems to me that when we put terms on like "every day" we are setting ourselves up for failure. I am in no way knocking those of you who have made daily goals, nor am I saying they aren't achievable. I'm actually rooting for you, I want you to be successful with your goals. I'm saying that for me, if I put the words "every day" in, that when I miss a day or two, I'll use that as the excuse to drop the whole goal. So, I'm making my resolutions in broad terms. In 2009, I'd like to:

• Be a better person.
• Be more positive towards myself and others.
• Exercise more.
• Laugh more, worry less.
• Have fun with my kids and husband.
• Make a difference to one person.
• Read a few "books of substance."
• Spend less, save more.

Those shouldn't be too hard, should they?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Here is our recipe for black-eyed pea dip. We serve it warm with Fritos.
2 c. Ranch -style black-eyed peas, drained (no snaps)
3 jalapeno peppers (adjust according to your taste)
1/4 medium onion
1 can chopped green chilies
1 garlic clove
1/4 lb. Old English Cheese (This comes in a little jar--I found it in the grocery store next to the jars of pimento cheese)
1/4 lb. butter

Mix first 5 ingredients in food processor. On medium heat in saucepan, melt butter and cheese. Mix processed ingredients into sauce pan. Heat through.

I use one can of black-eyed peas and one can of black-eyed peas with jalapenos and omit the 3 jalapeno peppers. (I know that is more than 2 cups--but it turns out okay.)

We'll be eating it today to celebrate the new year and Bonza Bottler Day!