Random 5 Friday Sunday ~ here comes 2018, time to bid adieu to 2017.
1 ) Yesterday was that day of winter vacation – the day far enough past Christmas but closer to New Year’s – the day when you can’t remember exactly what day it is or what you’re supposed to be doing … it’s a day I look forward to all year. My day of “nothing” — nothing to do and all day to do it. I slept in, drank a pot of coffee, read blogs, stayed in my fuzzy pants all day and cooked a wonderful stew in the pressure cooker. A lovely shower, a bowl of stew, new fuzzy pants and blankets found me asleep in the chair by 9:30. Today, I woke at 6:00 a.m., feeling like a million bucks. Rest, a break from stress, schedule and chaos, you can’t beat it.
2 ) Christmas with our boys and grands was just that – grand — we laughed, ate, played games, laughed some more, sang Christmas songs and told stories. Gifts were exchanged and memories were made. Love was in the air and it was the happiest of days!
3 ) Time off — I’ve not responded to most work emails, but have taken great delight in deleting any that aren’t applicable to me; doing so has culled the volume. My job is demanding with many people pulling on me on a regular basis; making this small effort now lets me ease back in without resentment. Value up!
4 ) Progress ~ in that picture on the left I was recovering from bronchitis (for the 5th time that year) and battling a lingering fever, body aches and chills throughout my Christmas holiday (ugh!) I read the 10 day Grain detox book (accompanied by a cough, highlighter pen and sticky notes) and started a grain detox Jan 4 2016 — I have not been sick once – nothing – not even a cold – since — despite copious work stress, moving, the passing of my Mom, a heavy travel schedule and more. Amazing!

*** 747 days without 1 sick day!*** I used to battle recurrent sinusitis and bronchitis, cold sores, frequent colds & the flu👍 Kick grains to the curb and feel your best within days 👍😀. Amazing health can be yours! An Emjayandthem (C) photo
5) New Year’s Eve tonight ~ Friends are stopping by for a drink/appetizers before heading to an evening party. We’re staying in where it’s cozy; roads here are awful, temps hovering in the single digits. I’m delighted to stay in, smooch my handsome hubby and ring in the New Year in the peace and comfort that is home!
We will also enjoy a peaceful evening in after an early (really early) dinner with friends. Our weather is just cold to want to go out at all.
Yep – that’s it — it’s sunny and bright here (too cold to snow!) and I’m happily tucked in inside 🙂 Happy New year! MJ
Wonderful, uplifting, happy post, MJ! You look ah-mazing!
I need to make some changes in my eating habits, but it’s so confusing: eliminate grains? Sugar? Salt? Meats? Dairy? I have several blogging friends who’ve done different things and their transformations have been off-the-charts (including yours)! Sometimes I think I should just eat lettuce and drink water!
Happy New Year!
Thank you, I feel amazing. The healthiest I’ve been in 20 years. 🙂
I eat good fats, nuts, some dairy, fatty meats/protein, and avoid all grains – of all types. I am not a sugar gal, I prefer salt, so I have to watch it or I can overdo it on salty snacks. Everyone is different but for me this way of eating has been life changing. for more visit http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/about/
And yes, lots of water. I have an occasional beer or glass of wine, and try to get lots of sleep – Cheers!
MJ
Happy New Year, sweet friend. We will go down to the neighbors for a little while before coming home. Our son asked us to be the DD for him tonight so we will have to travel to pick him up to make sure he gets home safe. Always told them that if they drink, we would pick them up. Better safe than sorry. After that we will just come home and stay warm. Not much snow on this side of the state, but still bitterly cold. Enjoy your new year!
Happy New Year, Diane! I hope you and your hubby had fun and great that you are the DD for your son, very smart! I hope all had a great time and that this is a wonderful year ~ miss seeing your smiling face and expressive hands and I look forward to seeing you again in 2018 🙂 xo MJ
What a wonderful random 5! They all sound lovely. Here’s hoping 2018 brings you more peace, happiness, progress, and time to relax. Happy New Year!
hi Susan, thank you for your kind words — Happiest of New Years to you & yours. Keep writing, I am inspired by your journey!! MJ
You are such an inspiration and beautiful soul. Here we are another year… May 2018 be your very best
Sent from my iPhone
>
Great to hear from you again Lissa and thank you for your kind words! Cheers to a wonderful bright shiny new year 🙂 MJ