The next time you read one of my blog posts I will be one year older. Yep, my “day of me” is 4/18 and I will be thirty eight years young. Hard to believe, honestly. As of now, numbers don’t bother me so much. As long as I’m alive and kicking I’ll take it. I’m trying to think back to this time last year and to tell you the truth, I can’t really remember much up until I started the blog. Not sure what that says about my 37th year from April – August but oh well. Now from August to current, that I remember. I was gifted two huge surprises during my 37th year – my blog and my family. Let’s start with the blog. I can not put into words, although I will certainly try, how exhilarating, terrifying, frustrating, time-consuming, rewarding and powerful Dinner with the Duffys has been for me. I never in a million years would have imagined I would have the courage to put my thoughts on paper for all of you to read. A gift I hadn’t realized I so badly needed. Something just for me. Something that was only mine. And not a new dress or a piece of jewelry, no. Something to help me grow from the inside out. Blogging has been such an adventure and it will most definitely go down as my number two all time from my 37th year. On to number one – family. My family grew quite a bit during my 37th year. As most of you know, I located and connected with my biological family a few months back. Hands down the best thing that happened to me this year. I started my 37th as an only child, not knowing a thing about myself, biologically, but will close with three half siblings, more familial knowledge than I could have dreamed of and a family that has welcomed me with open arms. What a gift. Love. I was gifted additional love this year, y’all. For those dying to know, I have made a real connection with my maternal fam and we are all meeting up this summer. Wild, right? You just never know. #1 thing I learned in my 37th year – you have to learn to leap if you really want to live. I’m so damn glad I leaped.
365 days y’all. Each year we are gifted 365 days of wonder. How spectacular. What will you do with yours? I plan to challenge myself a bit in my 38th year. I want to be bolder, stronger, less concerned with what people think – hell, not concerned at ALL about what people think. I want to take more risks. Live in the moment. Dance in the rain…all of that stuff. My birthday wishes for myself. Let’s just hope I can blow out all of the candles!
MEAL PLAN FOR THE WEEK OF 4/14
Sunday, April 14th – Mediterranean Tuna Salad – My mom broker her back last week – she’s OK now, thank God, but I need to make her something that will travel well and please a crowd. Enter this recipe! I have been waiting for a good reason to make this – awesome twist on your typical tuna noodle cass.
Monday, April 15th – Pepper Steak Stir-Fry – Perfect Monday meal. Crazy easy to throw together and NO marinating necessary. My favorite kind of meat dish. Serve with brown rice!
Tuesday, April 16th – Mediterranean Grilled Chicken + Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce – I love dill. Weird because I don’t love pickles. Go figure. This recipe does require you to marinate – sorry. Try to do it the night before and make the sauce too. I’ll serve ours over lettuce!
Wednesday, April 17th – Skinnytaste Turkey Meatloaf – Skinnytaste does everything delicious. Honestly. Gina Homolka is a genius. Great family friendly option here. Serve with a veg and call it a day.
Thursday, APRIL 18TH – (AKA -BEST DAY OF THE YEAR) – Cajun Asparagus and Sausage Skillet – No, I’m not cooking tonight. My friends are taking me out for a night on the town. P will be home cooking and enjoying this healthy and hearty dish!
Friday, April 19th – Chopped Turkey Burger with Thousand Island Dressing – I can’t get that light Caesar, from last week, off of the brain, y’all. It was bananas good. I’m giving this burger salad a try – will sub greek yogurt for mayo.
Happy, Healthy Eating Friends. Cheers to you!
XO ~ Kelly D.
Kathy Bendt says
Kelly, I enjoy every time you post and share something new on your blog! You are such a smart , creative lady. Don’t give up, continue to explore. You won’t regret it! Kathy Bendt