New Years Recap + 27 Things

Happy New Year, everyone! We have come to the beginning of a whole new year, 2016. I love the beginning of a new month, just because it provides a fresh start to change things up, make new goals, and get rid of things we don't need. If I love the beginning of a new month, I really love the beginning of a new year! A complete and fresh start, not just thirty something new days, but 365 (or 366 this year. Yay, leap year!). The New Year comes after the whirlwind that is the holidays and, for me, another birthday. This is my "golden year" where I turned 27 on the 27th of December. I have a fresh new set of goals from silly things to serious, which I share with you at the bottom of this post. My desire and hunger for God's Word continues to be strong and I'm looking forward to reading through the Bible this year, hopefully the whole Bible! In 2015, I got some answers regarding some internal questions on singleness. And yet, I enter 2016 with new questions, but also with anticipation of the Lord's answers, because I know He will answer. In 2016, I chose to seek His answers and His will more than my own. The past couple of years I've chosen "one word" to focus on throughout the year and I'm fairly certain I know what my one word for 2016 is. Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks to see what it is. But, for now, let's recap the fun that was New Years! 

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I'm sure they are going to LOVE these pictures being on the blog, but it's too late now, friends. ha! My roommate and I had a friend come down to celebrate the holiday with us. We were so excited that she came to town! Roomie and I do a lot together, and though we love each other, it was fun to have someone to come along and celebrate with us. We love you, Jordi! Roommate and I started the night by driving all over town to find something to wear! Nothing like last minute, eh? Lastly, we ended up at (another) Target, where we found options. Note to self, just go to the Super Target first. It will save time. After grabbing some Chick-fil-a, we heading back to the house to get ready! And then took selfies, of course. 

Our first stop was at one of our favorite places downtown, OK Bicycle Shop. We always mean to try new places, but we keep coming back here. It's funky and fun with bicycles hanging all over the place. They have great drinks and different menus. One menu gets you sushi, another Mexican. What more could you ask for? We always split the Duck Nachos. It's a huge plate filled with yummy goodness. You can't go wrong. And if you are with me, don't doubt that they won't get finished. Because they will. Also, they had the game on and I got to finish watching Bama roll over the Spartans! Roll Tide! 

My roommate literally googled things to do in Mobile on New Years and up popped our answer. A local band that we have heard a lot of, but have never seen in person, was playing at a music hall and bar downtown. Tickets were on sale throughout the day, but they were updating when those sold out and when no more were available at the door. Music was set to start at 11, we got to the door at like 10:56. And the girl working the door told us that we were the last three being let in! I wanted to high five her. And we ended up seeing a great band, The Underhill Family Orchestra, at a great venue, The Merry Widow. And got free champagne at midnight. A successful way to end 2015 and bring in 2016. 

After leaving the show, we walked around downtown for a bit and ran into some more friends. Then, we heading back home. We didn't stay out super late and I was totally okay with that, because my bed was definitely calling my name. The next day I somehow got the energy to try my hand at making a traditional New Years Day feast. I headed to the grocery store (also the only time I got out of sweatpants) and picked up some collards and black eyed peas. I knew that this would probably be an all day thing, but I wasn't as prepared as I should have been. But, it was totally worth it! I also made cornbread and we had tea and it was one of the best meals we've had in awhile. And one that provided a lot of leftovers. So, we are still enjoying it. 

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About a month before my birthday, I created a list of 27 things to do in year 27. I do love the new year as a time to create new goals, think of things that I need to get rid of, or things I need to start. I don't know if I would really call these resolutions, although some definitely can be. There are already a couple of these that I'm working on now, so I'm excited to see how many are accomplished before my next birthday or the next new year. 

27 Things For The Golden Year

1. Get my passport
2. Read the whole Bible
3. Buy my blog's domain
4. Visit somewhere new
5. Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans AND Mobile
6. Visit all the museums in Mobile
7. Declare residency in Mobile County
8. Go kayaking
9. Write a letter to someone each month
10. Read at least 12 books
11. Go on a trip with my Mom
12. Volunteer somewhere
13. Get rid of 100 things
14. Buy dining table chairs
15. Take the Share Your Faith and Evangelism Explosion workshops
16. Spend a whole weekend at the beach
17. Bake a cheesecake
18. Start eating breakfast
19. Start waking up an hour earlier than I need to
20. Start running again
21. Buy new and good tennis shoes
22. Get a magazine subscription
23. Create a wreath or door hanger for every season
24. Buy a Kitchen Aid Mixer
25. Write to my Compassion child each month
26. Learn a new language or refresh an old one
27. Tithe faithfully and sacrifically

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Happy New Year, friends! What goals or resolutions have you set for yourself this year?
What is one thing you are hoping to learn in 2016? 

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