Wrapping up 2015

Happy New Year! It’s gonna be a quiet evening here while I get over the great plague of 2015 and hope the remnants do not creep into 2016! The worst fever part of it is over, but some sinus and achy symptoms are still hanging around and I just want to get to the gym and not have a headache! Sigh, soon. Until then, sorry if this post is a little incoherent, I’ve been a stuffy-headed zombie the last few days.

2015 went by fast and it was a loaded year with a lot of enlightening events such as being inspired by Dr. Pam Popper.

Visiting Austin for the first time for the final Vida Vegan Con Blogging Festival – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and The Clay Pit.

I also heard the amazing Dr. Neal Barnard.

I experienced Amy’s Drive Thru.

And roughing it camping as a vegan.

Then there was the Vegan Vacation at Sea 2015 Alaskan Cruise Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Which was such an amazing vacation seeing Seattle, Alaska, Glaciers, whales, amazing scenery, and eating fabulous, decadent vegan food with other passionate vegans and vegan celebrities. What a treat! And they’re doing it again next year for a Mexican Riviera Cruise over Halloween!

2015 got off to a weak start in running for me since it started out with mild hip pain and me on a frustrated journey to find new shoes. It picked up in the summer as I increased my miles and trained up to run the Urban Cow Half Marathon for the 6th year in a row.

Then we ran the Beat the Blerch 10k.

And I ran a rainy and windy leg of the California International Marathon.

2015 brought some great recipes too such as these Raw Hemp Nog Energy Balls.

And this Nut Free Chocolate Cake.

Oh, and this Cheesy Avocado Sauce.

How about a Super Cheesy Hemp Sauce?

But I’m always a fan of Simple Creamy Dill Dressings.

Mmmm, and Curry Banana Ginger Soup.

My goals for 2016 include:

• Running more! So far I’m registered for one half marathon in March and if things go well, I’ll do at least one more before running the entire California International Marathon in December! It will be my first full marathon and training should be an interesting adventure that I will be writing a lot about. Whew!
• Getting more creative with recipes. There will still be a lot of raw vegan dressings and simple recipes, but also plant based whole food cooked recipes.
• Be open to more adventures and get involved with local vegan meetup groups more. I’m already helping out with SacTown VegFest coming up in January and joined a new vegan meetup group and planning on going to their potluck also.

Have a happy and safe New Year!