Our official family shot for the holidays. Normally I use Red Stamp to make a card out of it but that simply isn’t feasible this year. As with most of my stylish attire, the vest, leggings, and boots come from Aunt Sarah. 
Santa gifted Adam with an Xbox One. That stunned expression says it all. We haven’t seen much of him since. 
Tatum squealed with delight upon receiving her ‘Just Like Me’ doll from American Girl. The doll, whom quickly named Sophie, shares her dirty blonde hair [complete with bangs!], light blue eyes, and fair skin. Needless to say they’re attached at the hip.
Happy 2018! I rang it in with style with a kiss from this handsome fella. Harley and I made it official two days prior. Going into the new year with a boyfriend who restored my faith in a wide variety of areas feels like a positive omen. I could wax poetic on him all night but let’s just say he has a good head on his shoulders, treats me with the utmost respect, and constantly reminds me what I deserve. 
Don’t bind yourself to a specific resolution for the new year and beat yourself up when it fails. If delineating a rigid list speaks to you, by all means, be my guest. But it’s not for me. Instead I chose to set intentions. Call it what you will but I think this mantra for 2018 sums it up quite nicely– and lays the foundation for the rest of my personal growth for the next 12 months. 
It’s freezing outside. Quite literally. I write this from Memphis so I can only imagine the mountains of snow and subzero temperatures affecting some of my northern neighbors. Chances are if you’re reading this you’re safely sheltered from the elements in you’re residence. You can crank up the heat, take a warm bath, snuggle up underneath your blankets, eat a hot meal…and you’re damn lucky. Think of the people on the streets forced to brave the elements in these frigid temperatures. People are dying because of this weather. Several years ago my friend, L.A., actually froze to death while sleeping outdoors [*R.i.P.*] near a fire. Nobody should ever be forced to sleep outside at a time like this. Karen Fratti wrote an informative article about how you can help the homeless. Those in the Memphis area should familiarize yourself with Room In The Inn, an organization providing emergency shelter and meals during the coldest months of the year. Knowing that my spiritual home, Neshoba, participates in this lifesaving event fills my heart with joy. 
One day at a time. A phrase frequently used in the recovery community to emphasize the importance of only focusing on the 24 hours in a day. Yet for me it sometimes feels like one hour at a time. Like everyone else in the early stages of recovery I have peaks and valleys, conflicting attitudes, uncertain beliefs, and emotions that range the gamut. Of course I’m choosing a clean and sober lifestyle for me. I want it for myself. I also want to share this gift with the people who love me. I want them to be proud of me. I want to be a success story. And, um, in the spirit of full disclosure [since honesty comprises a crucial part of this process]…I want to prove people wrong. What I really need to do know is buckle down and work my program. 
Dad and I love to cook together and thoroughly enjoy trying new recipes. The concept of meal delivery kits intrigued us from the moment we first learned of their existence. Luckily they all offer a discount for your first box– each box contains three meals– so we will certainly be taking advantage of that. We hope to bring you pictures of the entire process and reviews: cost, options for dietary restrictions [remember I am a vegetarian], quality of ingredients, time spent, difficulty level, taste, etc. A few weeks ago we did try Hello Fresh but we didn’t have our ducks in a row at that time so we’ll be trying it again. Being the bottomless pit that I am I very much look forward to this endeavor! 
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
homeless, harley, christmas, nye
