new year weekend.

I know New Year's is a holiday on the calendar and everything . . . and it's a pretty big deal in China, buuuttttt it's not that big of a deal for a mellow (well, usually) twentysomething whose fiance is overseas. I actually had made plans twice, but after it all fell through I succombed to chilling out at home and starting to get the house ready for mi amor to get home in . . . wait for it . . . ONE . . . WEEK.

So last night I rung in 2012 third-wheeling it with my two good friends. It was a mildly somber evening because their puppy was really sick and was literally given about a 1% chance of survival. I took it upon myself to comfort the little guy during his last moments, which made me think: Could this be a new career idea? Animal whispering/nannying/hospice? I could be the next Cesarrrr. Just a thought. All things said, it made me feel very grateful to have my two healthy babes waiting at home for me this morning.

Today I worked from 6:30 until about right now on house-y things, with of course a few necessary breaks in between to watch Jersey Shore and The Twilight Zone, skype'd-a-lot and hit the gym. Other parts of my day included the following:

I took a deep breath and went to Walmart (woof) to stock up on good foods. The holidays got me a wee bit off track but starting today it was ON with good stuff again. When I got home I put everything away and even cleaned out the refrigerator. Ohhhhhhhhh I love me a clean fridge. Isn't it pretty?

OK I know this picture isn't that impressive, but oh my stars this was delicious [and yeah, that's a lot of meat (TWSS) so I saved some for breakfast tomorrow]. I looove Brussels sprouts so I threw them in a pan to saute for a little while then tossed in some steak and peppers. Seriously, this was so good.

After a bunch of organizing (I mean a BUNCH), I settled in to make some banana bread for my friends who lost their puppy. George and Stella decided it would be a good idea to hop up on the island and help me. I wasn't amazingly excited about their tushies on my counter but they're good company so I let it slide this time. And THAT'S how you ring in the year right! Tomorrow I'm planning on doing just about the same thing. Yeeeesssssss.