Happy New Year!

I've noticed that many of my posts begin with some sentiment related to how quickly time has flown (ie: "Can you believe it's..." or "Wow, it's already..." and "Dang! 2013?!") -- maybe I've just been relishing in the goings-on around here instead of focusing on what day/month/year it is? Nonetheless, it does amaze me how fast the time flies by when you're having fun, whether that's cliche or not. That being said...

Dang! 2013?!

Before I launch into the expectations I have for this new year, I hope you won't mind my taking a moment to reflect on the year we just left. It was one of epic proportions, I think. Some highlights include: performing a duo concert with my good friend Scott at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (including a marvelous rendition of my percussion/piano duet with awesome lighting!); getting to showcase my 4 years of education to family and friends at my senior recital; graduating from college (!!!); creating a couple new recipes (don't worry, there will be more to come); taking a mini road trip to Georgia to see my brother graduate from Army Basic Training; finding out my bestie got engaged (!!!); becoming a barista; seeing my hubby graduate from WLC (and finding out he's getting promoted!); fighting for a good cause; believing in health; loving.

And just because we all love visual aids, here are 12 pictures from 2012:

What a year it has been! And now it's officially 2013, wherein we can hope and dream and wish for things to happen, or we can take action and make them happen! In place of a traditional New Years' Resolution, I've decided to make a list of things I want to will do by the end of the year -- sort of like a 2013 Bucket List, if you will. I hope to add more items as I think of them, and to cross off the ones I've done as soon as I do them. Here we go!

In no particular order:

1. Learn a new instrument.

2. Write a book.

3. Build an igloo.

4. Feed the homeless.

5. Climb a mountain.

6. Run 13.1 miles (a half-marathon).

7. Read a book in a foreign language.

8. Knit something useful.

9. Visit a different country.

10. Take [at least] one photo every day.

11. Enter a contest.

12. Write a brand new piece.

13. Play my drumset in front of an audience.

14. Learn French.

15. Eat something I've grown.

16. Make someone's life easier.

Here's to 2013!

What are you resolving to do this year?

Day 1 of 365 Photos:

New jeans for a new year!

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Oatmeal

The past few days have been insane, full of family, emotions and good times. My little all-grown-up brother is a full-fledged soldier of the U.S. Army, and I got to see him graduate on Friday! I am such a proud sister, it's not even funny. The hubby and I drove down to Ft. Benning on Thursday and spent a couple of hours with him (he had to be back at the barracks by 6:30) and our parents, who drove all the way down from Kansas. Friday morning, I took about 300 photos during the graduation ceremony, and then we got to hang out the rest of the morning and all afternoon, since he needed a ride up to the Atlanta airport and hey, we were headed that way anyhow!

He's on leave in Kansas for the next two weeks, and then he'll be in Germany for 3 years. I'm bummed we only got to spend less than 2 days together, but at least I got to see him at all. We're planning a Christmas extravaganza, though, in which we will both (hopefully) be visiting home at the same time!

It's been such a weird process, seeing my brother go off to Basic, writing letters back and forth for 14 weeks, and watching him graduate; especially because I've done it all before. It's been 5 years since my husband graduated, and I still remember experiencing it all for the first time. I hadn't realized how much I've learned about the military, and specifically Army, life since then -- it's quite a lot! In fact, hearing all the stories my brother told, in letters and in person, has made me start thinking about joining the military myself, but I don't know if I'll actually end up doing it. Sometimes it's okay just to be on the sidelines.

On a not-so-completely unrelated note, I have a recipe I'd like to share with you this morning. Thinking about the military and wanting to push myself even further to really get my body into peak condition, I've been on the search for filling, fueling breakfast options to start my day off right. Sugary cereals, toast, and Pop Tarts are not healthy choices (in case you were unsure), but this oatmeal is! It literally takes about 5 minutes to make, and it will fill you up until lunch time rolls around. It's also one of those tricky dishes that tastes like dessert, but isn't! So sneaky.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Oatmeal
{vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free}
makes 2 servings

• 1/2 C GF old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 C water
• 1 Tbs natural peanut butter
• 1 small or medium banana
• 1/4 C vegan chocolate or carob chips (optional)

1. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, and water. Mix carefully, so the cocoa doesn't fly out all over the place.

2. Dice the banana into small pieces, or if you don't mind getting a little messy, use your hands to tear off small chunks and toss them into the bowl. Add the peanut butter and chocolate chips, if using them, and stir to combine.

3. Microwave the oatmeal for 2 minutes, or until the water is gone and everything is warm and cooked. Separate into two bowls, or eat it all yourself! Just be careful not to burn your mouth.

Note: If it's not sweet enough for you, you can add a spoonful of agave nectar or maple syrup before sticking it in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 195 calories; 7.1g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 3mg sodium; 32g carbs; 7.4g dietary fiber; 7g sugar; 8g protein; 2mg vitamin A; 4mg vitamin C; 21mg calcium; 2.7mg iron