Only 10 days into the new year and I’m feeling like 2012 is going to be an above average year.  Nothing has happened, but I think nothing happening is a good thing.  I don’t thrive on excitement–I like a little adventure, but my idea of adventure is going on a hike and picnic with my family or testing out 5 new recipes in a week each starring a different protein.  Not exactly the mind-blowing, electrifying adventures people crave.  But that suits me just fine.

We ended 2011 with family and commenced 2012 with family as well.  A positive and heartening way for us to bid adieu to last year and welcome the new one.  To top it off, I’m continuing this feel-good month with a visit from my friend Jennifer.  Good for the soul.

We met in high school French class (Je voudrais un Orangina, un chausson aux pommes, et une croque-madame, s’il vous plait) and am I ever glad I had the bad junior manners to sit next to that sassy senior.  Years and years later, she remains a steadfast friend no matter what season of life I’m in.  Jennifer is honest and kind.  Tough and attentive.  Real and loyal.  She’s what a best friend should be.  We laugh until we’re crying, we text like it’s going out of style (is it?).  If I need to hear the truth, she provides it.  When my mind is buzzing with irrational thoughts or when I make excuses for, oh say, not going to the gym, she becomes the no-nonsense coach I want to yell, ”You can’t make me!” at and stomp out of the room.

Most importantly, Jennifer is there in the good and the bad times (even though we live miles and miles and miles apart).  The good times in my life far outweigh any bad moments, but still, you want your friends and family there for you during even the most minor icky moments.  I can rely on Jennifer.  As it says in Proverbs, “A friend loves at all times…”

Sappy, sappy.  I spy with my little eyes good times ahead for me this week and this year…and I’m oh-so-thankful.

In other unrelated news, the doorbell rang this week and I bolted to the door to find my Gooseberry Patch and coconut oil orders!  Nope, not exactly.

Laugh if you must.  But I’ve been pouncing on online toilet paper deals for about 6 months and I LOVE IT.  I appreciate the price, the convenience, and I appreciate it when the FedEx or UPS delivery man tucks the Charmin box to the side of my front porch instead of leaving it right on the welcome mat.  I also appreciate not having to run to Target for t.p. where I inevitably find $100 worth of items I suddenly need.

I did get my coconut oil and Gooseberry orders today and look forward to their help with my menu planning next week.  I still welcome any suggestions with the coconut oil.  Any baked goods suggestions? :)  My little one asked me to make gnocchi and broccoli with the coconut oil.  I’m thinking no, probably not a good idea.

Besides our regular weekly happenings, I’ve been tweaking and finishing up my goals for 2012 which cover so many aspects of my life–everything from books I plan to read, to DIY projects I hope to tackle, to daily habits I’d like to form .  I’ll be sharing them soon and I hope you’ll share some of your goals for the year with me.  I’m also working on redesigning this blog (ack!) with the help of Google and many online tutorials.  Stay tuned…or don’t–you might be waiting a long time.  I do not know what I’m doing!

Time to finish up my household organization tasks for the week(btw, how are you doing with the Organized Home Challenge?).  But maybe a cup of tea with a few biscuits first.

Wishing you success, happiness, and health in 2012!