A Proper Start to the New Year

After a wonderful New Year’s Eve visiting with my favorite person in the world, my daughter, I had a rejuvenating New Year’s day in communion with myself and with nature. This included getting re-acquainted with exercise, exploring the parks and walking paths of my new town, and making some good food to start the year off right.

After a leisurely morning sleeping in until 8:30, I dawdled a bit and had my coffee, and then I was ready for exercise. No, I am not a person who can roll out of bed and go straight into a workout. I need some waking time first, so if I am to do anything active in the morning, I will always plan to get up at least an hour early for my “waking time.” After I was well awake, I did a 40 minute yoga session, where I moved my body in ways it hadn’t moved in years. While I’ll admit it was difficult, it also felt great after I was finished, like I had done a long, satisfying 40 minute cat stretch.

After this, I explored that local parks around Bartlesville in search of some good walking paths, and found some interesting landmarks and beauty along the way. Sooner Park has a nice path and this cool spiraling climbing tower for kids.

While searching for another park, I stumbled across a small amusement park for young children, complete with a charming carousel. Finally, I found a serene duck and goose pond with a nice walking path. I liked this park the best.

After my day outside, I went in search of something healthy and refreshing to eat, so I made a stop at a nearby Homeland grocery store. Before I moved here, I hadn’t seen a Homeland in a long time, and was happy to have one nearby. They’re not too crowded, provide sufficient aisle space to feel comfortable, and have fresh offerings, not bad.

I wanted to make a drink with some of my favorite ingredients, so I picked up some watermelon, mint, and coconut milk, which turned out to be a delicious blend of flavors, and not too sweet like a lot of fruit drinks you might buy, which I love. (Blender drinks: I may have just discovered a new thing for me.) I also used some of the coconut milk that I bought in a vegan potato curry I made and had a delightful coconut milk-themed New Year’s meal.

Happy New Year!