I realize it’s  almost December 10, (I should be ordering our Christmas cards) and we still have Christmas to survive but I’m trying to do better with writing my thoughts as they occur to me and I happened to wander into the territory of looking back over the year at all the incredible -ness that has happened in 2016.   Some of my deepest thoughts come to me while doing HIIT on the stationary  bike at Club 24 Flowood watching Connor McGregor fight highlights and interviews.

Speaking of UFC,  I’m at a place in life where Im feeling like the thicker version of Ronda Rousey.  You know the one- when she’s training but the next fight is months away so she hasn’t leaned out yet to make weigh-in.  We still love her, because she’s Ronda.  But there’s work to do before getting to that sexy pre-fight state of physical nirvana.  We all know it’s gonna happen and we love it when it does, but in the mean time, we must be patient with the process.  (Obviously, I’ve spent a lot of time in this place.  In case that wasnt enough Ronda for you and you want to know the latest, here ya go!)   2016 was full of greatness but I’m definitely looking forward to all of the new and exciting adventures that await me in 2017!

Here are 10 highlights from my year 2016:

1. MIDDLE SCHOOL-  Gia moved from a small elementary school to a large middle school, where she cheers on the Northwest Rankin Middle School squad as well as continuing to competition cheer for Dynamite.  I’m basically a groupie/chauffeur/investor for this child.  She gives me her schedule, packs her own lunch, snacks, practice clothes, reminds me of games and events, arranges for fill-ins, if needed.  I think she could run a Fortune 500 company and she’s only 12.  And boys?  She’s not interested. Not even in the one who asks her to go out EVERY WEEK.  Bless that Will Holbrooks’ persistent little heart.

2. 5TH GRADE-  Fifth grade hit us hard. Like, Katrina- on- a- wrecking -ball hard.  I’m not sure what happened to Jack during the months of June, July, and August, but I’ve never in my life had to correspond so much with teachers about a child’s assignments.  It’s as if he doesn’t have a clue about what he does at school (because he doesnt, when asked). On October 11, I found papers in his book bag from early September that he claims he didn’t know existed.  He would rather take an incomplete in homework than bother with remembering to do it.  I was forced to adopt an entirely different approach to parenting than I’d previously used.  If you enjoy debating the correct pronunciation of the word ‘elementary’ and trying to explain why alligators are classified as reptiles, not amphibians to a 10-year-old who, clearly, is well-versed in the characteristics of both categories, I highly recommend having children.

3.   The Netflix app ON MY PHONE!!  I’m one of those people who would like to say I watch the latest Netflix sensations but I never seem to make the time.  Now, I can and have watched Black Mirrors, Mako Mermaids, and other stuff I wouldnt have previously while food prepping or putting on my make up.  Its like Jetsons around here and its fabulous!

4. BLACK BELT WORKOUTS – After over 4 years of training, this year, I finally earned my black belt in taekwondo!  Official.  Name on belt and errrythang!  But the fun had only just begun.  I now have the opportunity to train 1-2 times/week with Mr. Griffin, my instructor’s instructor and other higher-ranked black belts in incredibly tortuous, cardio-arrest inducing, grueling workouts.  I’ve cried, pondered death, prayed to the Lord and nearly vomited at least once during the past 10 months while attending these but the benefits far exceed those risks.  I always leave the mat with motivation and excitement at learning how to be a more skilled martial artist, how to grow in MY potential.  I look forward to the times I get to spend training.  Each instructor/teammate brings something unique, challenging, and valuable to training .  I learn from every session and later, once feeling returns to my legs, the results are amazing!   I can’t say enough good things about the entire experience!   Even as an adult, training in taekwondo has pushed me to improve in other areas of life, off the mat.  My instructors are my people.  This is my happy place.

5. WALMART GROCERY PICKUP– I really don’t think I need to elaborate on this one. (Get $10 off your first order by clicking here)

6. MILLENNIALS- According to Wikipedia, I missed being a millennial by a few years.   I may be a Gen-X -er, but V says I think more like a millennial.  Maybe I’m divergent.  Either way, millennials have gotten a bad rep lately – especially after throwing those tantrums (peaceful riots) after the presidential election. (Btw, I felt the same way earlier this year when I learned that I am, in fact , 4’10 and a half, not 4’11.5″ like I’ve been led to believe most of my adult life.  I’m still offended.)

Recently, at a staff meeting, an administrator mentioned attending a seminar about them… us(?)  Really? A seminar.  About Millennials.  And how to “deal” with them.  Seriously.  A full color printed flyer and everything!  What’s next?  National Geographic documentary?   Apparently, a Millennial trait is no job loyalty.  They change jobs frequently for more pay and better hours.   So what?  Can you blame them?  Companies don’t promote loyalty in their employees any more.  There is no recognition of tenure.  When I see nurses with 10, 20, 30 years experience, some retired and return- not given preference on things like scheduling and parking?  What does that company expect?  I’m not naming any hospitals here, but when you’re the largest facility in the Jackson area and going for Employer of Choice, this is how NOT to do it.  And stop picking on Millennials.  I’m praying 2017 brings positive changes for everyone!

7. Coconut Rice– I discovered this Heaven on Earth on a recent girls’ trip.  In the spirit of love and in this season of giving, I now share this gift with the world here.  The best-tasting version of this recipe can be found at Shaggy’s near Ocean Springs and should be enjoyed while visiting with friends during a 5 -hour dinner without the interruption of kids and husbands, but if that’s too extreme, go with adding it as a side for dinner one night.   Pineapple for desert. You’re welcome.

8. ALL THINGS HEALTH-  The ususal,  I’ve attempted to coerce my family into a healthier way of life.  This year, V started joining me on my 4:30 AM forays into the gym 2-3 days a week.  This is progress!   One of the ways I stay motivated and accountable to my fitness is via my 2nd IG acct.  Its and easy and free way to keep track of progress, much like a photo journal.   None of my pics are photo shopped, so haters don’t even start! Ha ha!  I found out that I have a genetic variant (along with 40% of the population) that predisposes me to cardiovascular disorders because of the inefficient way my body processses folate.  I’m so #unbothered.

Also….hip thrust: 190#.  My current weight is 105.  Even though I didn’t hit my goal to thrust 200 by the end of 2016, I still feel really proud and a little bit like Ant Man, to be honest.   That’s almost twice my body weight.  200 pounds will be a goal for 2017!

9. MINI MARSHMALLOWS IN COFFEE- Total coffee game-changer.  Life is too short not to experience this.  And this is exactly why having Amazon Prime and inviting your best friend over for coffee and conversation are good for the soul.  I love you, Amazon.

10. THE 2016 HATER’S GUIDE TO THE WILLIAMS-SONOMA CATALOG   Hilarious!

Well, there it is!  A random, tip-of-the-iceberg list of stuff that touched our little corner of the world over here at 250 Franklin Drive.  Best wishes to all and may our 2017 days be merry and bright!