A Little Sweeter at Home

Today as I was driving to my father's house, the interstate was busier than usual. Usually, you just fly onto the roadway with a glance to make sure no one is coming. This day was different. This time, I had to carefully merge between a semi-truck and an SUV to get onto the interstate.  After squeezing into my spot on the road, I just drove, keeping up with the semi-truck in front of me.  I went several miles with no thoughts about anything, almost robotically. At that moment, I was very content in my lane.  When I happened to look down at my speedometer, I noticed that I was going five miles under the speed limit, which is entirely unlike me. After realizing how comfortable I was in the right lane going slower than the speed limit, it made me think about life and the decisions we make along the way. At that moment, I was content going slow and enjoying the ease of not making any moves. I thought about times in my life that I had periods just like that: comfortable and with the flo

  I did not skip the traditional Southern New Year's dinner this year; not because I'm superstitious, but because we can use all of the positive vibes we can get! Additionally, I love southern comfort food, and because 2020 has been a tough year, I needed some comfort in the form of a meal.  For those who are not familiar with the Southern New Year's traditional meal, it consists of black-eyed peas, greens, some form of pork, and cornbread. It is one of the best meals for cold winter nights, so it is a perfect way to start the new year.  Even though today's high was near 70 degrees, we still ate our traditional meal.  Additionally, I love the tradition's humbleness, and it is an inexpensive way to share the new year with others.   While the traditions may vary, here is a little background on the Southern New Year's Meal. Black-eyed peas.  It has been said that during the Civil War, the Union's troops left the black-eyed peas and salted pork because they tho