It's Vegetober!

Today I am encouraged. Today, I am sure that I have options and chances. Stones are rising up out of the water. I can remain dry-footed and move forward. Finally! Finally I see it.

It's one of those days that is good from deep inside of it. Last night, Meg took me out for my birthday. We had massages and a hot tub soak at Inman Oasis, then some much needed friend time at City Girl with pizza and wine. We came home to pumpkin ice cream, sticky buns from Flour, and one and a half episodes of Modern Family (we both fell asleep). I keep saying this, but this has been the best birthday yet. I've felt so loved by so many people, and I still look forward to seeing my family at the end of this month. My sister and I are going to celebrate our birthdays together (albeit late) for the first time in years. And my mom will be there. This year has definitely been bursting with more love than I ever could have hoped for.

In other news, I've mentioned this several times already, my made-up name for the month of October: Vegetober. Pretty much, Mike and I decided to try going vegetarian for a month, to see how our bodies respond and how we like it. So far so good, though I feel like I need to make some adjustments and eat fewer carbs and more fresh veggies. With some planning, I think it'll be a good decision in the long run, even if it just ends up with us eating much less meat and being more creative when we cook.

Today I made a quick Veggie Shepherd's Pie. I cheated and used instant mashed red potatoes (delicious!) and some quick steam veggies (lima beans, green beans, corn, carrots). Mixed them together with some cheese and it has all my favorite parts of Shepherd's Pie. Next time I might try whipping up some gravy with veggie stock, milk, and flour to have all of the components of the pie.

I'm drinking coffee flavored with Trader Joe's pumpkin ice cream. Do not judge; it is one of my best creations, especially considering it combines two of my favorite things. Mike comes tonight, and we celebrate another close friend's birthday with cupcakes and champagne. These days, I am so so full of joy.