I gotta be honest, I'm a little nervous about the fact that I already published one blog this week, and it happened to be an "ode" to my friend, for her birthday, AND it also happens to be my husband's birthday, tomorrow. I will not be writing an ode to my husband. There are a couple of reasons for this, but the first thing that comes to mind is, that generally speaking, most normal-minded people want to vomit at the first sight of PDA over social media. Now, I'm not sure if this is a jealousy thing (it could be), or an overall feeling of being uncomfortable with all that emoting (possibly), or that's it usually a total crock of shit (ding-ding-ding-winner-winner-chicken-and-champagne-for-dinner). I am not trying to knock anyone, at all, but if I were to write a long blog about how Tommy and I are soulmates, I would be blowing absolute smoke up all your asses. I'm pretty sure, those who know us, are WELL aware of that. I think Tommy and I are like most couples in our life stage, sometimes things are great. Other times, we want to fucking kill each other not so much. Also, I know that Tommy does not want me gushing over him (gag) on social media. So, I'm being a good wife by NOT writing a blog piece for his birthday, and instead, saving a different kind of piece for him, for when he gets home. I could be talking about cake, you animals. But I'm not. 2017 is going to be spicy. Bring it. 

What's to drink....

I figured with the new year, I would start being more mindful about the money that I spend. I am doing a little experiment this month, to see if paying for things with cold hard cash, instead of a credit card, makes me stop, and really THINK about whether or not I really need said item. I set an allowance for myself for every week. This does not fit in the allowance. This pinot noir is around $60 a bottle, so it's one to be saved for a special occasion (like a 40th birthday). It's really delicious, super smooth, and full of berries. When I read about it, I found out this bottle is good to drink until 2022. This wine wouldn't make it a week in my house. No bottle does, really. Find a special occasion (or make one up) and give it a shot. Cheers!

 Martinelli "Moonshine Ranch" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

What's to eat....

This is one of them that photographs more like dog food, and less like edible for human consumption, but I needed something for this blog, I made it, and it's actually really good. I opted to only use spices and skip out on the barbecue sauce, because we could all stand to do without the sugar after gorging ourselves all last month. But, by far the most exciting thing about this dish, besides it being easy and delicious, was that I got to use the most romantic Christmas present my husband has ever gotten me, my new set of meat claws. Behold, these babies. 

Part kitchen tool, part wolverine, part weapon, all romance. 

Crock Pot Pulled Pork (that looks like shit but tastes really good)

(5-8 lb) Pork Shoulder

Season liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and throw in a crock pot with a few tablespoons of liquid smoke.

Cook 6 hours on high

Shred the hell out of it with your sexy meat claws

Working on my 2017....

We have made it. I don't think I am alone in saying we suffered some bumps and bruises along the way. The last few months of 2016 were especially challenging for me. I found myself in uncharted territory, and had to find a way to cope with a lot of discomfort. I have used an array of coping mechanisms, as any human will do, that included, but are not limited to crying, wine, food, therapy, exercise, xanax, self-help books, more wine, and so on. It's not all pretty, and it's not all ideal, but it's survival. So, now we come to 2017, not with a clean slate, but with more experience, and more knowledge to deal with what lies ahead. And while there is no way to control everything that is going to happen, we can surely set some intentions and goals to balance out what WE are DOING, and what is HAPPENING around us. For me, I would like to write more. I would like to find an outlet to help people (not just help them get drunk and fed). Writing makes me feel good. Helping people gives me purpose. I think that's a good start. I am willing to say that I have no fucking clue what 2017 holds in store for us, but I'm ready for it. I think. I hope. I'm going to definitely still be using some of those coping mechanisms mentioned above.

Wishing you ALL of the Good Stuff. 

XO
Tara

P.S. Happy birthday, Tommy. I hope that 42 brings you happiness, health, and a Notre Dame winning season. I love the meat claws, and I love you. (Now everyone is gagging).