Watch the Time Go Right Out the Window

Holy cannoli.  It is the last week of 2016 already.  It seems like just yesterday it was 1997.  I have high hopes for this coming year.  Do you make New Year resolutions?  I used to but stopped a few years back.  I have aspirations to better life in general each year, but the unnecessary pressure seems to work against me.  So, now I nurture my hopes and goals in a nice, warm, cozy corner in my mind and refuse to name them or share them with the outside world.

I belong to a health and wellness group on Facebook.  The goal of the group is to have fellowship with others, encourage each other on their journey to get/stay healthy, share healthy recipes, have exercise challenges, and hold each other accountable.  We are starting a new 30-day exercise challenge on the 1st.  When the challenge has been chosen, I will share it on here.  Hopefully you will join us and make Pulled A Hammy Sammich a part of your wellness journey!

Whether your goals for the coming year concern your health, your job, your family, your spirituality, or anything else, I wish you the best in the coming year!  Blessings to all.

Song of the Day

Be Yourself by Audioslave.  This song is one of those that you can get fully into, stretching your face into a scowl that, if seen from the car next to you at the red light, will likely make the other driver think you’re in agony.  It also has guitar music that is fun to duplicate orally — berng berng berng berng berng berng berng berng….

Recipe of the Day

Bobby’s Lighter Tastes Like Lasagna Soup via http://www.thedeenbrothers.com.  This is a healthier version of Paula Deen’s soup, and it is wonderful.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 ounces broken whole-wheat lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
8 Whole-wheat breadsticks or grissini (optional)

Instructions:

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick saucepot or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is crumbled and browned, 8 – 10 minutes.

Add the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Add the noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the noodles are tender, 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in mozzarella, basil, and the Parmesan. Serve with the breadsticks, if using. (whole-wheat lasagna noodles take a little longer to cook.)

Book of the Day

Going Bovine by Libba Bray is the hilarious and heart-wrenching story of a sixteen-year-old boy’s journey through a deadly illness.  I know that sounds awful, but it really is a good read.  I promise.  4 stars.