.2009.

It's here, and it is off to a great start. We rang in the new year with lots of far-away-friends-come-home, and lots of close ones too, with a NEWSIES themed party. Definitely the best theme-party I've ever encountered. I wish we dressed like turn of the century news boys all the time (hopefully pictures later.) And we spent the first day of this infantile year with our friends sharing meals, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee for about 4 hours, making music, watching the wonders of Planet Earth and just enjoying being together. It was good.

I also wanted to elaborate a little on a couple of our new year's resolutions. One, in the reading (and slowing down and waking up earlier) department, is that Keith and I have decided to do a daily reading plan (we're doing the ESV Study Bible plan) to read through the Bible in a year. I have never done this, and I'm really excited about it. With two day's reading under my belt, I am encouraged at how un-overwhelming it is. It takes me about 20 minutes to do (and would probably be less, except that I'm reading this Bible, and I just can't keep my little wandering eyes off the great notes. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially in 1 Chronicles.) I can also feel in my heart already how much I need this daily commitment and guidance drawing me to the word.

In the eating healthily category: On monday we embark on a little start-the-year-off-right detox. No, we will not reduce our diet to only things you can consume through a straw or drink all kinds of weird juices. It's a simple plan that focuses on eating whole, good foods and not eating junk and food-like substances. It goes a little something like this. Week one we will eat fruits, vegetables, natural yogurt, nuts, beans, whole oats, rice and other grains, fish, and soy. And we will avoid sugar (honey is okay), dairy, meat, wheat, processed foods, and caffine. After week one we will introduce a limited amount of lean meats, dairy, some whole-wheat products, and reasonable sweets such as dark chocolate. Hopefully we'll sustain this eating-style. I would love if this was our norm, and the crazy way we've been eating lately to truly be only on occasion. One benefit that I am really hoping for is to reduce the after lunch slump that almost daily leaves me fighting that awful head drooping, can't-keep-my-eyes-open battle at my desk around 2:00. I'll let you know how it goes. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share recipes and resources.

Happy New Year!!!