Black Eyed Peas & Playing with Fire

Although the New Year began yesterday, who resolves to eat well, exercise, yada yada on a holiday that’s celebrated with food, drinks, and sleeping in? Not these guys. We’re looking forward to being better, awesomer versions of ourselves in 2015, BUT it can wait until Monday. Monday’s are good days for a fresh start. Maybe we should change the calendar so that New Year’s Day always lands on a Monday. Not sure how to go about changing the calendar, so if you, reader, could please do that- we’d greatly appreciate it.

Cultures across the world celebrate day one of the year with traditions to bring luck and wellness to themselves throughout the year. New Year’s dinner for Kesha’s family always includes one important staple: Black Eyed Peas. Not the band. Sorry. I’m talking about legumes! They don’t sing. They don’t dance. They just sit in the pot and look like small, squishy eye balls.

It’s a tradition in The South to eat black eyed peas for luck and greens for money. I’m not particularly superstitious, but I will say that I’ve eaten at least a spoonful of black eyed peas each New Year’s day for as long as I can remember and I don’t recall ever having a bad year.



Black Eyed Peas (bean)

 
 
 


Black Eyed Peas (Pop Group)

Side note: Greens were absent from the meal this year, but I might have to make some collards in 2016. Just $ayin’.

Our family keeps it safe and draws luck through the kitchen, but Jaclyn’s roots are little more a d v e n t u r o u s ...

 

For years I had a big NYE celebration with my family- and I must say my favorite part was when the clock struck midnight and we would gather outside to throw plates over our shoulders. I loved smashing the plate- which for us symbolized the loss of the previous year and a celebration of something new. As an adult, living on my own and celebrating with friends, I realized I don't have an extensive supply of plates to smash (and wondered how/where my parents stockpiled so many) Fortunately, I was recently introduced to the Persian tradition of jumping over fire. I make a small fire* to leap over to ensure a year of luck. Although I am not Persian, I can relate to the symbolism. Plus this is MUCH more cost effective.

 

*Small fire= a lit match or lighter when in a pinch. I’m resourceful.

We need all the luck we can get this year to achieve the goals we’ve set out to accomplish- together and as individuals

Unplug and experience more of what Kansas City has to offer- we’ll be sure to fill you in on what we find)

Read 10 books- we love reality tv, but are fully aware that are brains are turning to mush

Run 2 5Ks and a 10K- Our successful Plaza 10k in 2014 sparked a goal of running more

Travel - We love you, KC, but we are aware that there are a few [very few =) ] things we can’t get in the Midwest like the beach thanks to geography

Volunteer- Gotta give back

Finish decorating our house (K) - #marriedpeopleproblems

Save $$$- this will be a struggle due to the previously mentioned goals

Blog blog blog more- obviously

We hope you had fun partaking in whatever New Year’s tradition you love and encourage you to strive to be a better you and seek out adventures over the next 364 days! In case you need a reminder during your daily morning coffee, you can snag one of these mugs from shop.theeverygirl.com

Good luck to you in 2015,

K & J